PRANA PORTAL – AIR QUALITY INDEX UNDER NCAP.

PRAYAS – ASSISTED MIGRATION FOR YOUTH AND SKILLED

PROFESSIONALS BY INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION ORGANIZATION AND
MEA + NITI Aayog and state govt.
PM-PRANAM – ANNOUNCED TO PROMOTE BALANCED USE OF CHEMICAL
FERTILIZERS.

PROJECT TAMARA – Development and Commercialization of Intelligent Water Body

Management System (IWMS)-TAMARA.

EVOLUTION OF WOMEN MOVEMENT IN INDIA: ARTICLE ON PAGE 78,

OCTOBER MONTHLY MAGAZINE
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHG & CO-OP
 Both SHG and Cooperative societies save money and can get loans from banks.
 SHGs are usually of poor people and found in rural areas, whereas cooperative
societies are found in urban areas and consist of workers, industrial cooperatives, etc.
 SHGs are groups of about 15-20 members who pool their savings together and can
take loans from the group’s savings themselves on a decided rate of interest, which is
much lower than the interest charged by informal sources.
 Cooperative societies are a formal source of credit.

NYAYA BANDHU APP

 Nyaya Bandhu mobile Application has been developed and onboarded on
UMANG platform.
 Nyaya Bandhu is pro bono legal service scheme that provides voluntary legal
advice to individuals/ organizations that are unable to afford/ access legal aid.
 It is being implemented by Department of Justice, Ministry of Law & Justice.
 As per Legal Service Authority Act 1987, marginalized and disadvantaged
including SC, ST, women, children, PwDs, etc., can get free legal aid under the
program.
 Article 39A (DPSP) obligates the state to provide free legal aid to needy.

JAL JEEVAN MISSION

 Supply of 55 litres of water per person per day to every rural household through
Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC) by 2024.
 It is implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
 It ensures conjunctive use of conserved water; drinking water source augmentation,
drinking water supply system, grey water treatment and its reuse.
 It has already provided tap water to 73% of rural households. This means that more
than 14 crore rural households have tap connections compared to
only 3.23 crore in August 2019.
 Sustainable Development Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all).
 The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation maintains a proactive Water
Quality Management Information System.
 This helps detect contamination or deterioration in water quality, thereby enabling
prompt corrective action and grievance redress.
NAL JAL MITRA
 Nal Jal Mitra initiative is a specialised programme which equips villagers
with a comprehensive set of skills so that they are able to carry out
minor repairs and maintenance of the piped water supply scheme in their village.
AMRUT
 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation.
 The Mission focuses on development of basic infrastructure, in the selected cities
and towns, in the sectors of water supply; sewerage and septage management; storm
water drainage; green spaces and parks; and non-motorized urban transport.
 Ministry of housing and Urban Affairs.
AMRUT 2.0
 AMRUT 2.0 will promote circular economy of water through development of
City Water Balance Plan (CWBP) for each city focusing on recycle/reuse of
treated sewage, rejuvenation of water bodies and water conservation.
PM-PRANAM
 PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment and
Amelioration of Mother – Earth (PM-PRANAM), announced to promote
balanced use of chemical fertilizers.
 To promote the balanced use of chemical and alternative fertilisers, generating
awareness of regenerative agriculture (RA).
REVAMPED RASHTRIYA GRAM SWARAJ ABHIYAN
 The scheme is aimed to develop governance capabilities of Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs).
 Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
 Capacity Building & Training (CB&T) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to
deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
 The revamped RGSA will comprise Central and State components.
 The funding pattern for State Components will be in the ratio of 60:40 among
Centre and States respectively.
 NE, Hilly States and Union Territory (UT) of J&K where Central and State
share will be 90:10.
 However, for other UTs, Central share will be 100%.
ADHAARSHILA
 Released by Ministry for women and child development in collaboration with
ministry of education.
 Central government has released curriculum advisable to be taught to children
aged three to six-years-old, thus giving an impetus to pre-school learning in 14
lakh anganwadis across the country.
  National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education 2024 titled
‘Aadharshila,’ on the lines of the National Education Policy 2020 and the
National Curriculum Framework.
 Aadharshila (translated as foundation stone) is a detailed 48-week curriculum
meant for learning in the age-group of three to six-year-olds in anganwadis.
 There are 14 lakh anganwadis in India which serve as nodal points in villages for
health and nutrition needs of pregnant mothers and children.
NATIONAL ONE HEALTH MISSION
 One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely
connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
 Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-
STIAC) endorsed the setting up of the ‘National One Health Mission’.
 Since then, 13 Ministries and Departments as well as science funding agencies —
this includes the Department Of Science and Technology, the Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
the Department of Pharmaceuticals, and AYUSH, or Ayurveda, Yoga and
Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy — the Ministries of Health,
Animal Husbandry and Environment as well as Defence came together to shape
the mission, taking one of the most holistic approaches to one health and
pandemic preparedness in the world.
 National Institute for One Health based in Nagpur, is to be the anchor in
coordinating activities nationally, and the nodal agency to coordinate
international activities across the space of one health.
 The goals of the ‘National One Health Mission’ are to develop strategies for
integrated disease surveillance, joint outbreak response, coordinated research
and development (R&D) and ensure seamless information sharing for better
control of routine diseases as well as those of a pandemic nature.
FREE HOUSING INITIATIVE FOR TRANSGENDER
 Tamil Nadu government is the first to launch free housing initiatives for the
transgender community.
 The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP) is the statutory body
under the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019.
 Works include advising the government on all policy matters affecting
transgender and intersex persons, as well as people with diverse GIESC (gender
identity/expression and sex characteristics) identities.
VIKSIT BHARAT: THE IDEA OF MAKING INDIA A DEVELOPED NATION BY 2047
 Viksit Bharat has now been formally launched. The idea of making India a
developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its Independence, sounds exciting.
 Considering the case of Japan, we should focus on happiness more than
development.
 Tittle should be should be KHUSHHAL BHARAT-VIKSIT BHARAT
  The World Happiness Report 2023 shows many developed
nations have poor happiness markers.
 India’s case is also crucial because it is ranked 126
out of 137 countries despite being the fifth largest economy.
AYODHYA AIRPORT

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi Maharishi Valmiki International Airport

and the revamped Ayodhya Dham Junction Railway Station.

Maharishi Valmiki

 He is considered as the first poet in the Sanskrit language.

 He is credited with writing the Ramayana. It consists of 24000 shlokas. It is the first
epic in poem in history.
 One of the famous temples dedicated to sage Maharishi Valmiki, is in Thiruvanmiyur,
Chennai.
 His teachings and ethical insights, particularly through the Ramayana, emphasized
virtues, morality, duty, and righteousness, shaping Hindu philosophy and ethical
beliefs.
 According to Vishnudharmottara Purana, Valmiki reincarnated as Tulsidas, the
revered poet who composed the Ramcharitamanas, an Awadhi-Hindi version of the
Ramayana.

VAIBHAV (VAISHWIK BHARTIYA VAIGYANIK)

 Under the Department of Science & Technology
 A fellowship programme called Vaibhav (VAIshwik BHArtiya Vaigyanik).
 Indian STEMM Diaspora – Scientists of Indian origin, or
of Indian ancestry, can apply to spend up to three
months in a year, for three years, at a host research laboratory in India.
 In that period, these researchers are expected to begin a project or
technology startup, build long-term connections
with the institute, collaborate with the host faculty and bring in new ideas to the field,
in Indian university and research settings.
 The non-resident Indian scientist may consider staying on in India.

VAJRA (VISITING ADVANCED JOINT RESEARCH)

 Department of Science and

Technology (DST) conceived the VAJRA (Visiting Advanced Joint Research)
Faculty Scheme with similar objectives.
 The differences in the two schemes are minor.
 Vaibhav is exclusively for the Indian diaspora, while VAJRA can
include other nationalities too.
 VAJRA, though generous in the amount offered as fellowships, was restricted to one-
year engagements, unlike Vaibhav which pays less but extends to three years.
 Currently, officials say, both schemes will continue.

PM GATI SHAKTI INITIATIVE

  PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan (PMGS-NMP) is aimed to provide multimodal
connectivity infrastructure to various economic zones of India.
 To set up a unified portal that would bring 16 Ministries including Railways and
Roadways together.
 To incorporate Economic zones like textile clusters, pharmaceutical clusters, defence
corridors, electronic parks etc.
 Economic zone refers to a cluster where any economic activity in the form of
manufacturing or value addition services or other services, is being carried out.
 It will encompass the seven engines (Roads, Railways, Airports, Ports, Mass
Transport, Waterways and Logistics Infrastructure) of the National Infrastructure
Pipeline (NIP).
 Harness the capabilities of digital technologies like artificial intelligence, digitization
of NOC (No Objection Certificate).
 Centre will implement three major economic corridor programmes —
energy, mineral, and cement corridor.
 Energy Economic Corridor; port connectivity corridor aka Rail Sagar; and high
traffic density corridors, aka Amrit Chaturbhuj.
VISHWAKARMA YOJANA
 Prime Minister Vishwakarma Yojana to benefit individuals skilled in traditional
craftsmanship across 18 trades: Weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry
workers, barbers etc. from both rural and urban areas.
 It will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme.
 Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the Nodal
Ministry for the Scheme.
 The Scheme will be jointly implemented by the MoMSME, the Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Department of Financial
Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
 Targeted beneficiaries
 The scheme offers a stipend of Rs 500 for skill training per day and Rs
15,000 grant for the purchase of modern tools.
 PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card.
'LAKHPATI DIDI' SCHEME – MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
 Lakhpati Didi Scheme aims to encourage women to start micro-enterprises to
help them earn at least Rs 1 lakh annually from the Self Help Groups (SHGs).
 The scheme is already in place in some states.
 Launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Rural Development.
 These women would be trained in skills like plumbing, LED bulb making and
operating and repairing drones, etc.
BHARATIYA BEEJ SAHAKARI SAMITI LTD (BBSSL)
 Certified and scientifically prepared seeds to every farmer in the country.
 It was established under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, of
2002.
  It will contribute to the field of traditional seed conservation, promotion and research.
 Traditional seeds have to be conserved and passed on to the coming generations
so that the production of healthy grains, fruits and vegetables continues.
TRIBAL WELFARE: PM JANMAN (PM- JANJATI ADIVASI NYAYA MAHA
ABHIYAN)
 Birsa Munda (1875 – 1900) also known as Dharti Aaba, was born in Munda tribe at
Ulihatu, Khunti district of Chotanagpur Plateau region (Jharkhand). He stressed on
the importance of prayer, staying away from alcohol, having faith in God and
observing a code of conduct. Based on these, he started the faith of Birsait.
 Ulgulan movement: Birsa started a movement called 'Ulgulan', or 'The Great
Tumult' against the exploitation and discrimination against tribals. Led to
Chotanagpur Tenancy Act being passed in 1908 which restricted the passing on of
land from the tribal people to non-tribals.
 PVTGs – First recognized in 1973 as Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) based on
recommendations of the U N Dhebar Commission (1961). In 2006, the
Government of India renamed the PTGs as PVTGs. These are centrally recognized
special category from among the Scheduled Tribes (STs).
 Janjatiya Gaurav Divas is celebrated on 15th November (since 2021) to recognize
the efforts of the tribal freedom fighters. The date is the birth anniversary of Sri Birsa
Munda who is revered as Bhagwan by tribal communities across the country.
 Union government launched PM JANMAN (PM- Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha
Abhiyan) on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (Tribal Pride Day). The occasion also
coincided with the launch of the nationwide ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’. The
focus of the Yatra will be on reaching out to people, creating awareness, and
providing benefits of welfare schemes. The Yatra will start from districts with
significant tribal populations initially and by 25th January 2024 and will cover
all districts across the country.
 About PM JANMAN
• Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission.
• The mission comprises of 11 critical interventions through 9 ministries.
• The mission aims to saturate PVTG households and habitations with basic
facilities such as safe housing, clean drinking water and sanitation, improved
access to education, health, and nutrition, etc. In addition, saturation will be
ensured for Sickle Cell Disease Elimination, TB Elimination etc.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS LAUNCHED BHARAT NCAP (NEW
CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME)
 Bharat NCAP is a new car safety assessment programme which proposes a
mechanism of awarding 'Star Ratings' to automobiles based upon their
performance in crash tests.
 The testing protocols adopted by the Bharat NCAP are modelled on the Global NCAP,
which is a project of the U.K. based NGO, Towards Zero Foundation.
INDIA, DISABILITY INCLUSION AND THE POWER OF ‘BY’
 Disability as an identity and entity exists at the intersection of multiple
vulnerabilities —social, economic and gender — with each facet requiring careful
consideration when conceptualising action for equity.
 Globally, 1.3 billion people (which is equivalent
to nearly the entire population of India) live with some form of disability.
 Of them, 80% live in developing countries; further, 70% of them live in rural areas.
 According to the English dictionary, “For” is
often used when a person is receiving something
and “By” is to “identify the agent performing an action”.
 This difference is crucial when it comes to disability inclusion, as the approach is
completely different if it is “by” persons with
disabilities being a part of the process and not
“for” them, without them in the process.
 The inclusion of persons with disabilities into the economy can help boost
global GDP between 3% to 7%, as per the study by
the International Labour Organization. Everyone has the right to equal
treatment and opportunities at work, agnostic of
any attributes other than the ability to do the job.
 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities advocates
changing attitudes and perceptions towards
persons with disabilities and viewing inclusion from a social development dimension.
 In India, the Central and State governments have
various schemes for persons with disabilities and a
unique id for persons with disabilities (UDID)
card, established as part of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016).
 The ILO and the International Fund for
Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration
with the Women’s Development Corporation in
Maharashtra, are implementing the Sparking
Disability Inclusive Rural Transformation (SPARK) project.
 Through this project, persons with disabilities were put in the lead, being identified
from the villages, and trained as Disability
Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs). The DIFs engage
with the community, persons with disabilities,
caregivers of persons with disabilities, women from self-
help groups and other stakeholders to raise awareness about disability inclusion and
barriers to inclusion.
 The DIFs identify women with disabilities and mainstream them in existing self-
help groups for social and economic development, where these women have been
able to access funds to start an enterprise.
 The SPARK project has been able to bring an
attitudinal shift towards persons with disabilities,
right from the societal to administrative levels.
 Given the historic marginalisation of persons with disabilities and the backsliding of
the progress on the Sustainable Development
Goals, a fundamental shift in commitment,
 solidarity, financing and action is critical. It is
about time that the voices and needs of persons
with disabilities be prioritised at the centre of the global development agenda.
AMRIT BHARAT EXPRESS & VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS

Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express are distinct railway services, each serving
different purposes and sharing commonalities solely in their colour scheme and
nomenclature.

Train Feature Amrit Bharat Express Vande Bharat Express

Locomotive-hauled
Train type Electric multiple unit
(Push-Pull) train
Long distances (>1000
Service Medium Distances (500 km average)
km)
12 Sleeper and 8
Classes 14 Chair car and 2 Executive
Unreserved
Maximum
130 km/h (81 mph) 160 km/h (99 mph)
Speed
Air
No Yes
conditioning
On-board
No Yes
catering
Automatic
No Yes
doors
Sealed
Yes Yes
gangway
CCTV Cameras, Smoke alarms, Electrical fire
Safety safety, Centralised coach monitoring
CCTV cameras
features system, Passenger voice
communication, Disaster management lights
Electric outlets, Bio Electric outlets, Bio vacuum toilets, Sensor-
vacuum toilets, Sensor- based water taps, Passenger information
Other
based water system, Reclining seats, Reading light, Foot-
features
taps, Passenger rest, Onboard-wifi, Entertainment
information system Systems, Odour control system
Ticket cost Low High

INDIAN FOREST & WOOD CERTIFICATION SCHEME

 MoEFCC launched Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme (IFWCS).
  Includes three types of certification – Forest management certification. TOF
management certification, Chain of Custody Certification (traceability of a forest
product).
 Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal act as operating agency and
responsible for overall management of IFWCS.
JAL DIWALI "WOMEN FOR WATER, WATER FOR WOMEN CAMPAIGN"
 Aims to provide a platform for inclusion of women in water governance.
 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched the Campaign under Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) in partnership with
National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM).
 Phase I shall witness participation from all States/ UTs, except for Chhattisgarh,
Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana.
 AMRUT – Launched by MoHUA in 2015 in 500 cities and towns for developing
basic infrastructure in water supply sectors; storm water drainage; green spaces and
parks etc.
SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication and Holistic Inventory) Portal
 It is a Centralized Online System.
 Seeds authenticity can be traced through a QR code system.
 Portal has been developed by National Informatics Centre in collaboration with
MoA&FW on theme of ‘Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan.
 Seeds with valid certification can only be sold by valid licensed dealers to centrally
registered farmers who will receive subsidy through DBT directly into their pre-
validated bank accounts.
 In India, legal status to seed certification was given by Enactment of Seeds Act, 1966.
 Seed certification is voluntary, but labelling is compulsory in India.

NATIONAL SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA ELIMINATION MISSION IN MADHYA

PRADESH
 The Prime Minister of India has launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia
Elimination Mission in Madhya Pradesh.
 Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a type of hemoglobin disorder, inherited blood diseases
that affect how oxygen is carried in the body.
 Sickle Cell Disease in Tribal Population is more common because of malnutrition.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE UNVEILS INITIATIVES FOR
FARMERS
 KCC Ghar Ghar Abhiyaan: Campaign to (as per World Bank) connect around 1.5
crore beneficiaries who are not yet connected to KCC (Kisan credit card) scheme.
 Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): For comprehensive farmer data, loan disbursement
specifics, interest subvention claims under the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme
(MISS), etc. MISS Provide Short Term Agri Loan up to 3 lakh at subsidized interest
 rates. Interest subvention of 2% and Prompt Repayment Incentive of 3% is given to
farmers.
 WINDS Manual: Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative
aims to establish a network of Automatic Weather Stations and Rain Gauges at the
taluk/block and gram panchayat levels. It will help in implementation of crop
insurance Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and Restructured Weather
Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS).
“MERI MAATI MERA DESH (MMMD)” CAMPAIGN
 MMMD is a nationwide and people led initiative to commemorate 75 years of India's
independence. It celebrates the many achievements of the nation and involves paying
tribute to the 'Veers' who protect our nation.
TAMIL NADU LAUNCHES THE KALAIGNAR MAGALIR URIMAI THOGAI
(WOMEN’S BASIC INCOME) SCHEME
 This scheme will provide a monthly stipend of Rs 1,000 'to the female head of a
family.
 Women who hold less than the specified land and an annual specified family income,
aged above 21 years.
 Other states like Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have similar schemes
for women.
NATIONAL JUDICIAL DATA GRID (NJDG)
 Supreme Court also onboarded its case data on NJDG portal. NJDG is a database
of orders, judgments and case details of District & Subordinate Courts and High
Courts created as an online platform as part of e-Courts project. Data is updated in
real-time basis.
 NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, manage & reduce pendency of cases.
Recently, reasons for delay have been included in NJDG. To track cases related to
land disputes, Land Records data of 26 States have been linked with NJDG.
PM SHRI SCHOOLS (PM SCHOOLS FOR RISING INDIA)
 Ministry of Education laid the foundation stone of 141 PM SHRI Schools in
Uttarakhand.
 PM SHRI School is a centrally sponsored scheme.
 PM SHRI Schools showcase all components of National Education Policy 2020
and will act as exemplar schools and offer mentorship to other schools in their
vicinity.
Ministry of Railway has initiated JANJATIYA GAURAV CORRIDOR to push rail
infrastructure & promote rail connectivity in tribal dominated regions. It is guided by factors
like economic viability, closing last mile gaps, alternative routes and social economic
considerations.
NATIONAL E-VIDHAN APPLICATION (NEVA)
  It is a Unicode-compliant software developed to make all legislative body work
and data available online for usage by both citizens and Assembly members.
 It embodies the concept of 'One Nation, One Application.'
 Funding: Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Technical support: Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology.
 Automation of the entire legislative process, tracking of decisions and
documents, and sharing of information.
TELE-LAW 2.0.
 Launched by Ministry of Law and Justice, integrates Tele-Law and Nyaya Bandhu
App to ensure access to Justice.
 Tele-Law seeks to connect the beneficiary with the Lawyer via tele/ conferencing
facilities available at the Common Service Centers and through Tele-Law Citizens
Mobile Application.
 Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) connects practising advocates, interested in
volunteering their time and services with eligible marginalised beneficiaries.
 Lawyers of NALSA are onboarded to provide Tele-Law Services and to Pro Bono
Legal services at the district level.
SWACHH VAYU SARVEKSHAN 2023 RANKINGS
 Swachh Vayu Survekshan is an initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEF & CC).
 Cities are required to do the self-assessment as per the framework provided on the
PRANA online portal.
 First ranked cities: Indore(million plus population), Amravati(3-10 lakhs
population) and Parwanoo (less than 3 lakhs population).
SANCHI TO SOON BE INDIA’S FIRST ‘SOLAR CITY’
 Sanchi town lies in the Raisen District of Madhya Pradesh. It is known for its
Buddhist Monuments (Stupa) which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Sits near
the Tropic of Cancer makes it ideal for harnessing solar power. Help in reducing
emissions of more than 14,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.
SVAMITVA SCHEME UNDER THE MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ (MOPR)
WON THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR E-GOVERNANCE 2023
 It is a central sector scheme that aims to establish clear ownership of property in rural
areas, with issuance of legal ownership cards to the property owners.
 It uses drone technology for mapping land parcels to ‘Record of Rights’ to village
households.
“MERA BILL MERA ADHIKAAR” SCHEME
 Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) launched Invoice Incentive
Scheme “Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar” from 1st September, 2023 on pilot basis.
 To bring a cultural and behavioural change in the general public to ‘Ask for a
Bill’ as their right and entitlement.
  Allows people to earn cash prizes from ₹10,000 to ₹1 crore on the upload of GST
invoices.
ACCREDITED AGENT FOR HEALTH AND EXTENSION OF LIVESTOCK
PRODUCTION(A-HELP) PROGRAM
The Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairying unveiled the 'A-HELP'
program. A-HELP is an initiative of the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry
& Dairying, and the Ministry of Rural Development. It aims to empower women by
engaging them as trained agents who contribute significantly to disease control, artificial
insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), animal tagging, and livestock
insurance. Members of women self-help groups registered under the State Rural Livelihood
Mission, who are helping in the form of Pashu Sakhi, will be trained as A-HELP.
DIGITAL INDIA PROGRAMME
 9 more supercomputers will be added under National Super Computer Mission.
This is in addition to 18 supercomputers already deployed.
 540 additional services to be available under Unified Mobile Application for
New-age Governance (UMANG) platform (presently offers 1,700 services).
 Bhashini, AI-enabled multi-language translation tool (currently available in 10
languages) will be rolled out in all of 22 languages included in Schedule 8 of
Constitution.
 Digital India (launched in 2015) is a flagship programme of Government of India
with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge
economy.
PRESIDENT OF INDIA CONFERRED 4TH NATIONAL WATER AWARDS, 2022
 MADHYA PRADESH (BEST STATE)
 GANJAM IN ODISHA (BEST DISTRICT)

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (MoA&FW) launched PM-Kisan Mobile App
with Face Authentication Feature. PM- KISAN scheme has become the first scheme of
government to do e-KYC through facial authentication mobile app.
Silver Economy: It includes all those economic activities, products and services designed to
meet the needs of people over 50.
Gentrification is a complex urban phenomenon characterized by the transformation of
a neighborhood or community, typically in an urban area, through the influx of more
affluent residents and investments in real estate and infrastructure.

MIZORAM BECAME THE FIRST STATE TO OPERATIONALIZE AYUSHMAN

BHARAT'S MICROSITE PROJECT
Microsites projects are defined geographical regions where focused outreach efforts
would be made to onboard small and medium scale private healthcare providers.
RISE OF FEMINISM
  UN Women and feminist scholars and activists broadly divide the global movement
for women’s rights into 4 generations/ waves.
 First wave: The first wave emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries,
primarily in Western countries. Its focus was on legal issues, particularly women's
suffrage (the right to vote). Additionally, they called for equal rights within the
family, equal pay, and access to higher education.
 Second wave: It began 1970s and 1980. Activities of this wave include supporting
fair wage and reproductive rights.
 Ended with the creation of CEDAW.
 Third wave: It roughly spans around the 1980s and 1990s and coincided with the
gradual entry of feminists and feminist ideas into mainstream politics, strengthening
of feminist movements and rights advocacy in the Global South and Consolidation of
women’s studies as a discipline.
 Fourth wave: The emergence of the internet led to a new brand of social media-
fueled women’s rights movement. These feminists embraced various social justice
issues including racial equity, immigration reform, reproductive rights, environment,
and LGBTQIA+ rights. In India: Campaigns around gender-based violence.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (MHA) INTRODUCES A NEW CATEGORY OF AYUSH
VISA FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS
 Introduction of AYUSH Visa is part of India’s roadmap for Heal in India initiative,
which is intended at promoting India as a medical value travel (MVT) destination.
 Medical tourism refers to hosting foreign tourists visiting for maintaining,
improving or restoring health through medical intervention.
 It is broadly classified under 3 categories: Medical Treatment for curative purposes;
Wellness & Rejuvenation; Alternative Cures such as India’s AYUSH.
URBAN RIVER MANAGEMENT PLANS (URMPs) FOR 60 CITIES
 Project is part of River-Cities Alliance (RCA) under Namami Gange.
 RCA, started in 2021, is a joint initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) &
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) with a vision to connect river
cities and focus on sustainable river centric development.
 It will be World Bank funded.
 NMCG was registered as a society in 2011 under Societies Registration Act 1860. It
acted as implementation arm of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
which was constituted under Environment (Protection) Act 1986.
VIVAD SE VISHWAS
Launched by ministry of finance
One-time settlement scheme for pending contractual disputes with government/government
undertaking.
Court award (passesd upto 30.04.2023) and Arbitral orders (passed upto 31.01.2023).
Settlement amount offered: upto 85% of net amount awarded by the court 65% of net amount
awarded in arbitral.
Implemented through: Government e-Marketplace (It is an online platform made by ministry
of commerce and industry to create a procurement platform for government buyers).
SMART CITIES MISSION
 Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
 The Mission will cover 100 cities.
 The implementation of the Mission at the City level will be done by a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created for the purpose.
 There is no standard definition or template of a smart city.
A MENSTRUAL HYGIENE POLICY SHOULD PROVIDE A RANGE OF SERVICES
 The Supreme Court of India gave the Centre four weeks to finalise an optimum
menstrual hygiene policy with focus on the distribution of sanitary napkins.
MERA YUVA BHARAT (MY BHARAT) PLATFORM HAS BEEN LAUNCHED FOR
YOUTH ON NATIONAL UNITY DAY
 MY Bharat will benefit the youth in the age group of 15-29 years, in line with the
definition of ‘Youth’ in the National Youth Policy.
 National youth policy by Minsitry of Youth affairs and Sports.
 The platform connects youth with programs and learning opportunities in Businesses,
Government Departments and Non-Profit Organisations.
 National Youth Day, also known as Vivekananda Jayanti, is celebrated on 12 January,
being the birthday of a Hindu monk, Swami Vivekananda. In 1984, the Government of
India declared this day as National Youth Day and since 1985 the event is celebrated
in India every year.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR RURAL LIVELIHOODS MISSION (JKRLM)

 It is a poverty alleviation programme focusing on women empowerment through self-

managed and sustainable institutional platforms of women, financial inclusion,
and sustainable livelihoods.
 The Mission aims to reduce poverty by building strong grass-root institutions for the
poor in Jammu and Kashmir.

UMEED SCHEME

 The UMEED scheme under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission
(JKRLM) is a centrally sponsored scheme to encourage women to be self-dependent
and self-sufficient.
 It also encourages women to make small savings so that their Self-Help
Groups (SHGs) eventually become bankable at a reduced rate of interest.
 It helps women entrepreneurs exhibit and market their products.
 It is implemented by the Jammu & Kashmir State Rural Livelihoods Society.

AYUSHMAN BHARAT - PM JAN AROGYA YOJANA (PMJAY)

  Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a national
public health insurance scheme of the that aims to provide free access to health
insurance coverage for low-income earners in the country.
 Roughly, the bottom 50% of the country qualifies for this scheme.
 PMJAY aims at providing a health cover of 5 lakhs per family per year for
secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to over 12 crore poor and vulnerable
families.

PRADHAN MANTRI SURAKSHA BIMA YOJNA (PMSBY)

 It is an insurance scheme covering accidental death risk of Rs.2 Lakh for a premium
of just Rs. 12 per year (i.e. Rs 1/month as premium).
 The risk coverage will be Rs. 2 lakh for accidental death and full disability and Rs. 1
lakh for partial disability.
 The scheme is delivered through banks including regional rural banks as well as
cooperative banks.

PRADHAN MANTRI JEEVAN JYOTI BIMA YOJANA (PMJJBY)

 It is an insurance scheme for the age group of 18-50 years covering both natural
and accidental death risk of Rs. 2 lakh.

AMRIT BHARAT STATION SCHEME (ABSS)

 ABSS was launched to redevelop railway stations nationwide to provide state-of-
the-art public transport and world-class amenities at railway stations.
 Stations will be developed as ‘City Centres’ in an integrated approach for overall city
development, centred around station.
 Design of station buildings will be inspired by local culture, heritage and architecture.
NATIONAL COMMISSION ON URBANISATION SETUP IN KERELA
The first National Commission on Urbanisation, was formed by the
Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi and was headed by Charles Correa, one
of the finest architects of the country.
 HRIDAY: The National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana
(HRIDAY), aims to bring together urban planning, economic growth and heritage
conservation in an inclusive manner & with the objective of preserving the heritage
character of the City.
 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban: Addresses Urban housing shortage among
the Urban Poor including the Slum Dwellers by ensuring a pucca house to eligible
urban poor.
KANYASHREE PRAKALPA
 Launched in 2013 by WB government, Kanyashree Prakalpa is a
conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at incentivising the schooling of all teenage
girls between the ages of 13 and 18, and simultaneously discouraging child marriage.
 The scheme has completed 10 years and was recognised at an
international level with a United Nations Public Service Award 2017.
  Surprisingly there is no direct correlation between literacy
rate and child marriage. Despite high literacy, the incidence of child marriage is
also disproportionately high in WB.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL (ICC) BANNED TRANSGENDER
PLAYERS FROM INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CRICKET
 ICC is the global governing body for cricket, headquartered in Dubai, UAE.
MINISTRY OF EDUCTAION: SATHEE PORTAL
 SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams).
 It is an initiative by the MoE in association with IIT Kanpur.
 It is an open learning and assessment platform available to students at no cost.
 It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interact with students, and can be
customised to each student’s pace of learning.
NEPAL BANNED SOCIAL MEDIA APP TIKTOK CITING DISRUPTION TO
SOCIAL HARMONY
 Earlier, TikTok was banned in India, Australia, EU, USA, Belgium etc.
SBM AWARDS
 Indore, in Madhya Pradesh, has been adjudged India’s cleanest city for
the seventh year in a row.
 The only change is that this year, it has to share honours with Surat, Gujarat.
 Bhopal and Visakhapatnam also on the list.
 Mhow in Madhya Pradesh has been awarded as the cleanest ‘cantonment’ town.
 Varanasi and Prayagraj are proud winners of the ‘Cleanest Ganga town’.
 Chandigarh is the ‘Best Safai-mitra Surakshit
Sheher’ (Cities safest for sanitation workers).
TELANGANA GOVERNMENT’S MAHALAKSHMI SCHEME
 Zerofare travel for girls, women and transgender persons on Staterun buses
PRADHAN MANTRI GARIB KALYAN ANNA YOJANA (PMGKAY)

 Under the scheme, rice, wheat and coarse grains shall be provided free of cost to all
eligible households.
DEEP OCEAN MISSION

 India will for the first time, embark on a journey to a depth of 6,000 meters in the
ocean using an indigenously developed submersible.
 It is one of 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and
Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
 It has been launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
 To help India in achieving the target of over Rs. 100 billion “Blue
Economy” through its ocean resources.
  To develop technologies for exploration and conservation for sustainable utilization of
marine bio-resources.
 To provide ocean climate change advisory services.
 To develop renewable energy generation techniques and to explore the avenues of
desalination of water.
 The PM-STIAC is an overarching council that facilitates the Office of the Principal
Scientific Adviser to the Government of India to develop a futuristic roadmap
and advise the Prime Minister accordingly.
 The 9 missions are - Natural Language Translation, Quantum Frontier, Artificial
Intelligence, National Biodiversity Mission, Electric Vehicles, Bioscience for Human
Health, Waste to Wealth, Deep Ocean Exploration and AGNIi (Accelerating Growth
for New India’s Innovations).

SAMUDRAYAAN – MATSYA 600

 Under project Samudrayaan, Indian scientists are planning to send three people 6000
meters underwater in an indigenously developed submersible called ‘Matsya 6000’.
 Samudrayaan mission is part of Deep Ocean Mission. Matsya 6000 is being
designed and developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT),
Chennai under Ministry of Earth Sciences.

SCHEME FOR PROVIDING DRONES TO WOMEN

 Cabinet approved Central Sector Scheme for providing Drones to Women Self Help
Groups (SHGs).
ALLIANCE FOR GLOBAL GOOD – GENDER EQUITY AND EQUALITY

 Alliance launched by India at world economic forum.

 It was anchored by the CII Centre for Women Leadership, guided by the Ministry of
Women and Child Development, Government of India and supported by the Bill and
Melinda Gates Foundation.
 There has been an increase in India’s female labour force participation rate, from
23.3% in 2017-18 to 37% in 2022-23 (data from the annual Periodic Labour Force
Surveys).
 Centre for women leadership is a centre, like a cell or a group at the Confederation of
Indian Industry (CII).

CONFEDERATION OF INDIAN INDUSTRIES

 The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is a non-governmental trade

association and advocacy group headquartered in New Delhi, India, founded in 1895.
 CII engages business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global,
regional, and industry agendas.
 It is a membership-based organisation.
 CII has been appointed as the B20 India Secretariat by the Government of India to
lead the B20 India process during India's G20 Presidency in 2023.