1. Prime Minister to inaugurate 511 Pramod Mahajan Rural Skill Development Centers in Maharashtra
Tags: State News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch 511 Pramod Mahajan Rural Skill Development Centers in Maharashtra.
An Overview of the News
These centers will be established in 34 rural districts of the state.
The main objective of these centers is to provide skill development training programmes.
The objective of these programs is to create employment opportunities for rural youth.
Each center will be capable of training approximately 100 youth.
Participants in these programs must undergo training in at least two vocational courses.
The training is imparted by industry partners and agencies approved by the National Skill Development Council.
The establishment of these centers is expected to enhance the workforce of the region by developing more skilled and competent individuals.
2. Rajasthan Chief Minister announced the formation of three new districts Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman City
Tags: State News
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the formation of three new districts Malpura, Sujangarh and Kuchaman City in Rajasthan.
An Overview of the News
This announcement was made during the Gau Seva Sammelan in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
The decision to establish these new districts was based on both public demand and recommendations provided by a high-level committee.
The objective of creating New Districts:
The primary objective of creating these new districts is to increase administrative efficiency and strengthen law and order in the area.
The move aims to bring government services closer to the people of these areas, which will result in a positive impact on the lives of local citizens.
Details of three New Districts:
Kuchaman City, which was earlier part of Nagaur district, has been designated as a separate district. It was initially included in the 19 districts declared under the name Didwana-Kuchaman in March 2023.
Sujangarh, which is currently under Churu district, and Malpura, which is under Tonk district, will also become new districts.
Installation Process:
The demarcation and establishment of these new districts will be a collaborative effort between the Ramlubhaya Committee, which recommended their formation, and the Revenue Department.
Ramlubhaya Committee was constituted on 21 March 2022 to study the feasibility of creating new districts.
About Rajasthan
It is a state in northern India and is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest state by population.
It is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the northeast; Madhya Pradesh in the southeast; and Gujarat in the southwest.
Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.
Formation - 30 March 1949
Capital- Jaipur
Districts - 33 (7 divisions)
Governor - Kalraj Mishra
Chief Minister - Ashok Gehlot (INC)
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 25 seats
Airports - Jodhpur Airport and Jaisalmer Airport
3. Uttar Pradesh declares Gangetic dolphin as a state aquatic animal
Tags: State News
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially named the Ganges River dolphin (Platanista gangetica) as the state aquatic animal.
An Overview of the News
This decision underlines the importance of the species in the state context.
Gangetic dolphins mainly inhabit the rivers of Uttar Pradesh, including the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti and Gerua.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, Gangetic dolphins are classified as Endangered, highlighting the urgency of their conservation.
Role of Gangetic dolphin in the health of the ecosystem:
Gangetic dolphins serve as sensitive indicators of the overall health of the Ganga ecosystem and the well-being of other species living in the river.
Their sensitivity to changes in water quality and flow underlines the ecological importance of preserving their habitat.
Meri Ganga Meri Dolphin 2023 Campaign:
The “Meri Ganga Meri Dolphin 2023” campaign involves conducting a comprehensive dolphin census using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology.
This census is spread along the banks of river Ganga, extending from Muzaffarpur Barrage to Narora Barrage.
The campaign was launched through a collaboration between the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-India in 2012, marking the third anniversary of the state's decision.
4. After Bihar, Rajasthan announced caste-based census
Tags: State News
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced to conduct the state caste-based census.
An Overview of the News
Census activities come under the Union List as per the 7th Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
Reasons for caste-based census in Rajasthan:
Social Security: The Census is considered essential to identify weaker sections within different castes, with the aim of ensuring social security for them.
Schemes: This can help target government schemes better, ensuring that benefits reach those who need it most.
Preventing duplication: The census can also help identify specific sections within castes that require government support in areas such as economics, social welfare and education, thereby reducing duplication of beneficiaries receiving multiple benefits. Could.
Caste-based Census of Bihar:
Caste based census was conducted by the Bihar government in 2023.
According to the census, more than 63% of the population of Bihar consists of Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Extremely Backward Classes (EBC).
The Government of Bihar promised the upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC) and OBCs in line with the constitutional provisions and applicable laws.
Legal dispute over caste-based census:
The central government has argued before the Supreme Court that the Census Act of 1948 gives exclusive power to the central government to conduct all census-related activities.
Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC):
The SECC was initially conducted in 1931 and was intended to assess the economic condition of each Indian household in both rural and urban areas.
This data can be used to identify indicators of deprivation and inequalities, including those related to caste, providing a more comprehensive view of inequalities.
Important Points:
The decennial census activities are supervised by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner for India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
The first census in India was conducted in 1872, and the first census of independent India was conducted in 1951, governed by the Census Act of 1948.
5. Madhya Pradesh government announces 35% reservation in government job vacancies for women
Tags: State News
Madhya Pradesh government officially announced a 35% reservation in government job vacancies for women except in the forest department.
An Overview of the News
To implement this policy, an amendment was introduced in the Madhya Pradesh Civil Services (Special Provisions for Appointment of Women) Rules, 1997.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced that 35% of vacancies in police and other government jobs will be reserved for women, and 50% of teaching posts will also be earmarked for women.
Ladli Bahana Scheme:
The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh has announced the transfer of financial assistance under "Laadli Behna Yojana", a welfare scheme for women, which provides ₹1,250 per month to each beneficiary.
About Madhya Pradesh
It is the second largest state of India in terms of area after Rajasthan.
Forests occupy 25.14 percent of its area.
Governor - Mangubhai Patel
Chief Minister - Shivraj Singh Chauhan
Capital - Bhopal
6. Hyderabad Organizes Empowering 'Divya Kala Mela' for Disabled Artisans
Tags: State News
'Divya Kala Mela' organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Secunderabad, Hyderabad started on 6 October 2023.
An Overview of the News
'Divya Kala Mela' is scheduled to be organized from 6 October to 15 October 2023.
Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar inaugurated the program on 6 October 2023.
National Initiative:
This initiative is part of a larger effort of the Department to promote the products and craftsmanship of entrepreneurs/artisans with disabilities across India.
The program is planned to be organized in 12 cities during the period 2023-2024.
Product Showcase:
The event will feature a wide range of products including handicrafts, handloom textiles, embroidery work and packaged foods from different regions including Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states.
These products will be showcased by around 100 disabled artisans/artists and entrepreneurs from around 20 States/UTs.
Product Categories:
The products will be categorized into home decor and lifestyle, clothing, stationery and eco-friendly products, packaged food and organic products, toys and gifts, and jewelry and personal accessories like clutch bags.
Economic Empowerment:
The initiative aims to economically empower persons with disabilities by providing them a platform to market and showcase their products and skills.
It encourages 'Vocal for Local' initiatives, allowing people to support and buy products made by designated disabled artisans.
Nationwide Effort:
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities has an ambitious plan to promote this concept and 'Divya Kala Mela' is an important step in this direction.
It has been organized in many cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bhopal, Guwahati, Indore, Jaipur and Varanasi in 2022 and 2023.
7. India's first solar cycle track inaugurated in Hyderabad
Tags: Popular State News
Taking inspiration from a similar solar panel-covered cycle track in South Korea, Hyderabad inaugurated India's first solar cycle track.
An Overview of the News
This innovative project in Hyderabad is now the world's second solar roof-covered cycle track, after similar initiatives in Dubai and Switzerland.
Features of Hyderabad Solar Cycle Track:
The solar cycle track has been constructed along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) of Hyderabad and has a total length of 23 kilometres, consisting of two lines.
The Pink Line extends from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy (TSPA), covering a distance of 8.5 kilometres, while the Blue Line runs from Narsingi Hub to Kollur, covering a distance of 14.5 kilometres.
The track is designed with the safety of cyclists in mind, featuring three dedicated lanes with protective barriers.
It comprises five access points equipped with various facilities such as parking, food stalls, repair and rental stations, first aid facilities, rest areas and advanced signaling systems.
A notable feature of the track is its solar roof, capable of generating 16 megawatts of power, which not only illuminates several streetlights but also provides extensive coverage.
Implementation and Cost Savings:
Hyderabad Growth Corridor Limited (HGCL), a division of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), is responsible for implementing the project, taking inspiration from similar facilities in South Korea.
The project is expected to provide cost savings to HMDA, with an estimated recovery period of six years for the solar panels and an estimated period of 15 years for the entire project.
Importance of Solar Cycle Track:
In addition to its environmental impact, the cycling track aims to reduce carbon emissions and establish itself as the world's most eco-friendly cycling track.
The strategic lighting system enables year-round, 24x7 use, with additional security provided by CCTV surveillance.
Future plans include the installation of bicycle rental agencies, health food shops, and retail kiosks to enhance the overall cycling experience.
Using rooftops for solar panels not only saves land, but also generates clean energy in line with sustainable practices. Additionally, the roof provides protection from sunlight, rain and pollution, contributing to accident prevention.
8. Union Cabinet approves Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana
Tags: State News National News
The Union Cabinet on October 4, 2023 approved the establishment of Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Mulugu district of Telangana.
An Overview of the News
Amendments to the Central Universities Act 2009 were approved to facilitate the establishment of the university.
The Central Universities (Amendment) Bill-2023 will be introduced in Parliament for legislative action.
Legal Mandate and Delayed Establishment:
The University has been established under the provisions of the 13th Schedule of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act-2014.
This Act mandated the establishment of a tribal university in both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
A tribal university was established in Andhra Pradesh in 2019, after delays in land allocation had prevented the establishment of the university in Telangana.
Financial Provisions and Educational Objectives:
Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University will receive funding provision of Rs 889.07 crore.
The university aims to increase access to higher education in Telangana and improve the overall quality of education in the state.
It will also focus on promoting tribal art, culture and traditional knowledge systems through instructional and research facilities.
The establishment of the university seeks to address regional educational imbalances and create additional educational capacity.
Central Tribal Universities in India:
Earlier, the Central Government had established two Central Tribal Universities in India:
Indira Gandhi National Tribal University is located in Amarkantak.
Andhra Pradesh Central Tribal University is located in Vizianagaram.
Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University in Telangana will be the third such university established with the aim of providing higher education and research facilities to the tribal population of the country.
At present there are a total of 45 central universities in India.
9. Jaipur hosts a two-day regional conference on good governance
Tags: State News
A two-day regional conference on “Good Governance” began in Jaipur on October 4, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The conference also saw the presentation of 2022 award winners under the Prime Minister's Awards for Excellence in Public Administration.
The program was presided over by Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh.
The conference featured 13 award winners from various categories, including the PM Award and National e-Governance Award winners from Rajasthan.
Highlights of the Conference:
The conference included plenary sessions on "Administrative Reforms and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances" and "Technology in Governance".
These sessions will feature presentations, short films and discussions on the journey of the Prime Minister's Awards Scheme and the role of technology in governance.
Objectives of the Conference:
The primary objective of the conference is to facilitate the exchange of experiences and innovative ideas in public administration both at the national and state levels.
It aims to promote good governance, e-governance, and digital governance by bringing together representatives from all the states and union territories of India to share their initiatives and practices.
About Rajasthan
It is a state in northern India and is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest state by population.
It is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the northeast; Madhya Pradesh in the southeast; and Gujarat in the southwest.
Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.
Formation - 30 March 1949
Capital - Jaipur
Districts - 33 (7 divisions)
Governor - Kalraj Mishra
Chief Minister - Ashok Gehlot (INC)
Assembly - Rajasthan Legislative Assembly (200 seats)
Rajya Sabha - 10 seats
Lok Sabha - 25 seats
10. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and Food Minister unveiled Ulkia Village Food Park
Tags: State News
With the joint efforts of Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Food Minister Amarjeet Bhagat, the first food park was inaugurated on 27 September 2023 in village Ulkiya of Sitapur development block of Surguja (Ambikapur) district.
An Overview of the News
To ensure the success of the food park, adequate arrangements have been made for essential facilities like electricity, water supply and transportation.
The state government has allocated Rs 6 crore 27 lakh for the establishment of this new food park.
District Collector Kundan Kumar confirmed that the ownership of 8.920 hectare area for the food park project has been transferred from District Trade and Industry Center Surguja to CSIDC (Chhattisgarh State Industrial Development Corporation).
The proposed food park will offer around 60 plots of various sizes including 3000, 5000, 7500 and 10000 square feet exclusively for setting up micro and small scale industries. These industries are expected to contribute to government revenue through various taxes.
The establishment of this new food park is expected to provide many benefits to the local community including job creation, economic growth and improved infrastructure.
Food Park:
Food parks are special industrial areas built specifically for food processing businesses.
These parks provide shared infrastructure and facilities to food processing units, including:
Cold Storage: A facility for preserving and storing food products at low temperatures.
Cold Chain: A system for maintaining cold storage and transporting perishable goods.
Waste treatment plant: A facility for the treatment and management of waste generated by food processing.
Storage: Storage space for raw materials and finished products.
Power Connection: Reliable power supply for processing operations.
Water Facilities: Adequate water supply for various processing requirements.
Sewerage: A system for managing waste water.
Food parks are particularly beneficial to small and medium-sized food processing businesses as these facilities can be expensive to set up individually.
By providing the necessary infrastructure, food parks help reduce wastage in the food processing industry.
The types of processing units installed within a mega food park often depend on the availability of raw materials and the location of the park.
