1. PM Modi Launches ₹9,600 Crore Cleanliness Projects on Gandhi Jayanti
Tags: Government Schemes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024 programme, celebrating the 155th Gandhi Jayanti.
An Overview of the News
The event takes place in New Delhi and marks 10 years since the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission, a major initiative for cleanliness.
Key Projects Launched
The Prime Minister will launch and lay the foundation for various sanitation and cleanliness projects valued at ₹9,600 crore.
Projects include:
Urban Water and Sewage Systems: Over ₹6,800 crore allocated under AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0.
Water Quality and Waste Management: Ten projects worth over ₹1,550 crore focused on the Ganga basin under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
Compressed Biogas Plants: 15 projects under the GOBARdhan Scheme valued at over ₹1,332 crore.
Significance of the Mission
This initiative emphasizes the continued commitment to sanitation and cleanliness as vital components of national development.
It aims to enhance water quality, waste management, and overall urban infrastructure in India.
2. India Launches BharatGen: First Government-Supported Multimodal AI Initiative
Tags: Government Schemes National News
A government-supported multimodal large language model initiative aimed at advancing generative AI for public service delivery and citizen engagement.
An Overview of the News
It launched in the virtual presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, in New Delhi.
India's Leadership in Generative AI:
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted BharatGen as a milestone in India's technological leadership, comparing it to the success of UPI and other national innovations.
Focus on Indian Languages:
BharatGen is the world's first government-funded multimodal large language model project centered on Indian languages, addressing India's socio-cultural and linguistic diversity.
Key Institutions and Partners:
Spearheaded by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS), Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Partners include academic institutes like IIT Bombay, IIIT Hyderabad, IIT Mandi, IIT Kanpur, IIT Hyderabad, IIM Indore, and IIT Madras.
The objective of BharatGen:
To develop generative AI systems capable of producing high-quality text and multimodal content in multiple Indian languages.
Focus on social equity, cultural preservation, and linguistic diversity to ensure inclusive AI for all.
Key Features of BharatGen:
Multilingual and multimodal foundation models.
Building and training models on Indian datasets.
Open-source platform for AI development.
Ecosystem development for generative AI research in India.
Project Timeline:
Completion expected by July 2026.
Key milestones include AI model development, experimentation, and the establishment of benchmarks tailored to India’s needs.
Plans for scaling AI adoption across industries and public initiatives.
3. Cabinet Approves ₹5 Lakh Health Insurance for Senior Citizens Aged 70
Tags: Government Schemes
The Cabinet has approved a new health insurance scheme for senior citizens aged 70 years and above under the Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).
An Overview of the News
The scheme provides free treatment coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year
The scheme will benefit approximately 4.5 crore families and 6 crore senior citizens across the country.
Senior citizens already covered under AB PM-JAY will receive an additional top-up cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year.
Those not covered by AB PM-JAY will receive a cover of up to ₹5 lakh per year on a family basis.
Options for Existing Insured Individuals
Senior citizens who are beneficiaries of other public health insurance schemes (e.g., Central Government Health Scheme, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) can choose to either continue with their existing scheme or switch to AB PM-JAY.
Senior citizens with private health insurance or Employees’ State Insurance can also avail benefits under AB PM-JAY.
4. NMCG Approves ₹265 Crore for Ganga’s Pollution Control
Tags: Economy/Finance Government Schemes
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved nine projects totaling ₹265 crore in its 56th Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Director General Rajeev Kumar Mital.
An Overview of the News
NMCG Approves Nine Projects: Faecal Sludge Treatment, Sewerage Works, Arth Ganga Centre, Stream Restoration, Canal Penstock Gates, Udhwa Lake Management, Crematorium Renovations, Munger Sewerage Network, Smart Laboratory for Rivers
Key Project Approvals
Faecal Sludge Management Project
Location: Dalmau Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh
Objective: Reduce pollution in River Ganga
Components: 8 KLD Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, 15 KW Solar Power Plant, Solar Inverter
Cost: Rs. 4.40 crores (includes 5 years of O&M)
Sewerage Project in Gulaothi Town
Location: Bulandshahr district, Uttar Pradesh
Objective: Prevent pollution in East Kali River
Components: I&D of drains, 10 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant
Cost: Rs. 50.98 crores (includes 15 years of O&M)
Arth Ganga Centre and Branding Project
Location: Prayagraj
Objective: Create awareness and employment opportunities during Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Cost: Rs. 1.80 crores
Restoration of Streams and Tributaries
Location: Upper Gomti River Basin
Objective: Rejuvenate lower-order streams through nature-based solutions
Cost: Rs. 81.09 lakh
Penstock Gates Installation and Renovation
Location: Beliaghata Circular Canal, Kolkata, West Bengal
Objective: Improve canal management
Cost: Rs. 7.11 crores (O&M by Kolkata Municipal Corporation)
Integrated Management Plan for Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary
Location: Sahibganj, Jharkhand
Objective: Conservation and sustainable management
Cost: Rs. 25.89 crores (includes 5 years of management)
Renovation of Electric Crematoriums
Locations: Santipur, Garulia, Chakdha municipalities, West Bengal
Objective: Modernize crematorium facilities
Cost: Rs. 2.89 crores (includes 5 years of O&M)
Munger Sewerage Network and STP Project
Location: Munger
Objective: Develop 30 MLD STP and 175 km sewerage network
Cost: Rs. 522.85 crores (O&M to state government after 15 years)
Establishment of Secretariat for Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers
Location: Varanasi
Executing Agency: IIT (BHU)
Objective: Deploy global expertise to rejuvenate small rivers across the country
Focus: Balance between environment, economy, and society
5. LIC HFL Launches 'Griha Rakshak' Home Loan Scheme
Tags: Government Schemes Economics/Business
LIC Housing Finance Limited (LIC HFL) has introduced the 'Griha Rakshak' home loan scheme for Indian armed forces personnel.
An Overview of the News
The scheme provides discounted interest rates and special benefits for both serving and retired members.
Scheme Details
Eligibility: Applicants must have a Credit Information Bureau India Limited (CIBIL) score of 750 or above.
Loan Amount & Interest Rate: Offers loans up to ₹2 crore at an annual interest rate of 8.4%.
Processing Fees: Processing fees are waived under a limited period offer.
Offer Validity: Available until September 30, 2024.
Target Group: Open to all active and retired personnel from the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, and paramilitary forces.
About LIC HFL
Established: 1989
Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO): T. Adhikari
6. Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi Launches Two New Schemes on World MSME Day in New Delhi
Tags: Government Schemes
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Jitan Ram Manjhi, launched two new schemes on World MSME Day in New Delhi on June 27.
An Overview of the News
Majhi launched two new schemes MSME Team and Yashaswini Abhiyan.
MSME Team:
Launched MSME Team initiative to facilitate inclusion of micro and small enterprises on Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), with focus on women-owned enterprises.
It aims to help five lakh micro and small enterprises join the Open Network for Digital Commerce.
Yashaswini Abhiyan:
Launched Yashaswini Abhiyan to formalise and empower women-owned micro enterprises through training, guidance and awareness campaigns.
Focuses on raising mass awareness to formalise informal micro enterprises owned by women and provide necessary support.
During the Udyami Bharat event, Mr. Manjhi emphasized the importance of MSMEs adopting digital and technological solutions in a rapidly changing industrial landscape.
International MSME Day
International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day or World MSME Day is observed across the world on 27 June every year.
This year, the theme for MSME Day 2024 is “Leveraging Power and Resilience of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) to Accelerate Sustainable Development and Eradicate Poverty in Times of Multiple Crises.”
The United Nations (UN) designated June 27 as Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Day and this was done through a resolution passed in the United Nations General Assembly in April 2017.
7. Uttar Pradesh government to organize three-day 'Shri Anna Mahotsav'
Tags: Government Schemes
The Uttar Pradesh government is organizing a three-day event called Shri Anna Mahotsav in Lucknow from October 27 to 29, which aims to promote the use of millets.
An Overview of the News
It will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
Farmers from different divisions will participate each day to create awareness about millet cultivation and consumption.
The event will have around 40 stalls showcasing millet-based food products.
About Shree Anna:
Origin: 'Shri Anna' is a word that combines 'Shri', meaning divine grace, and 'Anna', meaning food grains. It represents a grain associated with divine grace.
Nutritional Value: Millets are small-grain cereal crops known for their adaptability and rich nutrients. India plays a leading role in promoting millets globally.
Varieties: Large and small millets provide essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
Benefits: Millet fights malnutrition and provides economic benefits to farmers.
Shree Anna Yojana:
Introduction: Launched in Budget 2023-24 to encourage millet cultivation and increase farmers' income.
Target: The scheme promotes millet cultivation, economic well-being and food security while eliminating malnutrition.
Importance of Millet:
Nutritional Features: Millets are known for their exceptional nutrition, which includes complex carbs, dietary fiber and medicinal compounds.
Key Nutrients: They are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B and other essential minerals.
Adaptability: Millet thrives in a variety of conditions, requiring minimal fertilizers and pesticides.
Global Leadership: India is a leader in promoting millets recognized for its nutritional and economic benefits.
8. Sagar Parikrama, Phase-9 launched in Tamil Nadu
Tags: Government Schemes
Sagar Parikrama, Phase-9 started on October 7, 2023 at Tiruvandanai, Tamil Nadu.
An Overview of the News
Sagar Parikrama, Phase-9 program was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala in the presence of Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and other dignitaries.
Inauguration of Fish Farmer Producer Cooperative Society:
Union Minister Parshottam Rupala also inaugurated the Fish Farmers Producers Cooperative Society Limited at Manamelkudi in Pudukkottai district.
Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan:
Government of India launched "Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyaan" along with Sagar Parikrama, Phase-9.
This strategic initiative aims to increase awareness among fishermen and stakeholders across the country.
About Sagar Parikrama
Sagar Parikrama is a navigational voyage organized in all the coastal states/union territories.
Its objectives include demonstrating solidarity with fishermen, disseminating information on fisheries-related schemes, promoting best practices and encouraging responsible fisheries.
Sagar Parikrama focuses on connecting with fishermen at the grassroots level, understanding their challenges, promoting sustainable fishing practices and ensuring government subsidies and initiatives reach the targeted beneficiaries.
Eight phases of Sagar Parikrama have been completed in the coastal states/UTs.
Major stages of Sagar Parikrama:
Phase 1: Started from Mandvi, Gujarat on March 5, 2022 with the theme 'Revolution to Peace'.
Phase 2: Covering seven locations in Gujarat and Diu and Daman from September 23 to 25, 2022.
Phase 3: Started from Surat-Hazira port, Gujarat on February 19, 2023 and covers five locations in North Maharashtra.
Status of Fisheries in India:
India is the second largest aquaculture fish producer globally.
India ranks fourth in global fish exports, contributing about 7.7% of global fish production.
India leads the world in inland fish production and ranks third in overall fish production.
The fishing sector provides livelihood to more than 2.8 crore people in the country.
9. PM Modi unveils development projects in Chhattisgarh
Tags: Government Schemes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a series of development projects in Jagdalpur, the administrative center of the tribal Bastar division of Chhattisgarh.
An Overview of the News
These projects with a total estimated cost of more than Rs 26 thousand crore include:
Inauguration of NMDC's Greenfield Steel Plant built at a cost of approximately Rs 24 thousand crore in Nagarnar, Bastar. This integrated steel plant is expected to produce high-quality steel, create employment opportunities for thousands of people and increase the prominence of the region in the global steel industry.
Laying of foundation stone for the upgrade work of Jagdalpur Railway Station.
Inauguration of the new rail line between Antagarh and Taroki, as well as the inauguration of the double rail line project between Jagdalpur and Dantewada.
Flagged off-train service between Taroki and Raipur, which aims to improve rail connectivity and boost economic development in the tribal region.
Inauguration of the new road constructed between Kunkuri and Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border on National Highway-45.
These initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, stimulate economic growth and provide significant opportunities for the local population in the Bastar region.
About Bastar:
Bastar is a district of Chhattisgarh, known for its lush green forests and rich tribal culture.
The region has a predominantly tribal population, including groups such as Gond, Maria, Muria, Bhatra, Halba and Dhruva.
The Indravati river flowing through this region holds cultural importance.
Jagdalpur serves as a cultural and handicrafts center, with notable attractions such as the Anthropology Museum and the Dancing Cactus Art Centre.
Bastar is a popular tourist destination with historical sites like Bastar Palace, and Bastar Dussehra, waterfalls like Chitrakote and Tirathgarh, and Danteshwari Temple.
Greenfield Project:
A greenfield project is a venture that lacks any restrictions imposed by previous work.
This can be compared to constructing a building on a piece of land that has not had prior development, where there is no need to demolish or renovate existing structures.
Greenfield investing involves investing in a physical company-related structure, such as an office or manufacturing facility, in an area where no previous facilities exist. The term is derived from the concept of building a facility on a piece of untouched land such as a forest or farmland.
Greenfield projects involve the construction of entirely new power plants, airports and factories that are built from the ground up on undeveloped land.
In contrast, projects that involve upgrading or modifying existing facilities are called brownfield projects. This difference arises from the fact that already existing sites or facilities may be contaminated or polluted.
10. Winter action plan unveiled by Delhi Chief Minister
Tags: Government Schemes
On 29 September 2023, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal introduced a 15-point 'Winter Action Plan' to tackle air pollution in the upcoming winter season.
An Overview of the News
The 15-point 'Winter Action Plan' includes measures to tackle pollution and improve air quality in Delhi.
Steps have been taken in Punjab to diversify crops, promote short-duration paddy varieties and encourage the conversion of stubble into energy or fertilizer.
Factors contributing to air pollution:
The article highlights the factors that contribute to air pollution in NCR during winter, including low wind speeds, cold temperatures, stubble burning, vehicle emissions and industrial pollutants.
Analysis last winter showed that Delhi had the highest levels of PM2.5 among 27 NCR towns and cities.
Pollution control measures and expert opinion:
Pollution control measures in Delhi include enforcing dust pollution norms at construction sites, anti-smog guns, mechanized cleaning, PUC certificate checking and monitoring air pollution hotspots.
Experts stress the need for long-term emission reduction efforts, not just temporary measures, to effectively deal with air pollution.
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has permitted the use of diesel generator (DG) sets for emergency services in NCR even during the GRAP restrictions till December 31 this year.
