UPPSC Monthly Current Affairs: August 2024 | Monthly Current Affairs UPPSC - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Major Job Initiative in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has announced a plan to create 2 lakh jobs for the youth in the state over the next two years.

Key Points

• During a district-level employment and loan fair in Muzaffarnagar, the Chief Minister distributed appointment letters to more than 5,000 young individuals.
• The government aims to empower local entrepreneurs and boost the economy by providing over Rs 30 crore in loans to selected beneficiaries and entrepreneurs.
• Tablets and smartphones were given to over 1,000 youths under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme.
• Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme : This scheme benefits students enrolled in various programs such as higher education, skill development, and nursing. The state government distributes tablets and smartphones to these students through their respective institutions. The devices aim to raise awareness about various government developmental schemes and programs among students.
• The Chief Minister also announced upcoming recruitment for more than 60,000 police positions in the state.

Uttar Pradesh Board to Introduce Vocational Education

The Uttar Pradesh Board is set to implement vocational education in schools from class 6 onwards.

• This initiative aims to equip students with essential skills in various vocational subjects by the time they reach class 12.
• The goal is to prepare students for entrepreneurial opportunities after completing their education.

New Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework

• The introduction of vocational education is part of the transformative changes outlined in the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
• The focus is on expanding vocational education significantly, covering a wide range of subjects.

Curriculum Details

• The curriculum will include subjects such as cookery, confectionery, beekeeping, nursery management, food preservation, fruit preservation, and crop protection.
• In the machinery category, students can explore subjects like automobile engineering, IT, plumbing, electrical work, solar system installation, mobile repairing, textile design, photography, garment design and decoration, stenography, typing, printing, and radio and television technology.
• The service provider category will offer courses in health care, retail business, security, disaster management, library science, washing and dyeing, banking, accountancy, tourism, and hospitality.

Structure of Vocational Education

• From class 6 to 10, students will receive foundational education in these subjects.
• In class 11 and 12, they will have the opportunity to specialize in one of these vocational areas.
• There will be 31 vocational subjects offered up to high school and 44 subjects available in intermediate education.
• The syllabus for these subjects is being developed at the NCERT level.

National Curriculum Framework (NCF)

• The NCF is a crucial component of the NEP 2020, guiding the transformation of school education in India.
• The framework has been revised four times in the past, and the current proposed revision would be the fifth iteration.
• The NCF consists of four sections:
  1. NCF for School Education (NCF-SE)
  2. NCF for Early Childhood Care and Education
  3. NCF for Teacher Education
  4. NCF for Adult Education
• The objective of the NCF is to positively transform the school education system in India, ensuring high-quality education for all children and aligning with the principles of equity, inclusivity, and pluralism as envisioned in the Constitution of India.

Uttar Pradesh New Social Media Policy

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a new social media policy aimed at regulating content on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.

• The policy is designed to help the government promote its schemes and initiatives through social media influencers.

Influencer Earnings

• Under the new policy, social media influencers can earn significant monthly payouts by sharing government content.
• Influencers on different platforms have category-wise maximum payout limits, with Facebook, Instagram, and X having monthly limits ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh.
• For YouTube, the payout limits for videos, shorts, and podcasts range from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh per month.

Role of Digital Agency

• The government has appointed a digital agency called 'V-Form' to manage advertisements under the new policy.
• V-Form will be responsible for showcasing government content through various formats, including videos, tweets, posts, and reels.

Guidelines for Objectionable Content

• The policy also includes guidelines for addressing objectionable content, such as anti-national, anti-social, and fake news materials.

Scholarships for Students in Sanskrit Schools

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced scholarships for all students enrolled in over 500 Sanskrit schools across the state.

• The condition requiring families to have an annual income of less than Rs 50,000 has been removed.
• Under the new scheme:
  • Students in classes 6 and 7 will receive Rs 50 per month.
  • Students in class 8 will receive Rs 75 per month.
  • Students in classes 9 and 10 will receive Rs 100 per month.
  • Students in classes 11 and 12 will receive Rs 200 per month.

Relief and Rehabilitation Fund for Wayanad Landslide Affected District

The Uttar Pradesh government has approved Rs 10 crore to assist the Kerala government in relief and rehabilitation efforts for the landslide-affected Wayanad district

Background of the Wayanad Landslide

• The Wayanad district in Kerala faced a catastrophic event in early July 2024 due to intense rainfall and its delicate ecological conditions.
• Landslides in the villages of Chooralmala and Mundakkai resulted in the loss of at least 144 lives and injuries to 197 individuals.
• This disaster was triggered by over 140 mm of rain within 24 hours, which saturated the soil and compromised its stability, leading to the downward movement of soil and debris.

Understanding Landslides

• A landslide refers to the movement of rock, soil, and debris down a slope, which can vary from minor shifts to significant and destructive occurrences.
• Landslides can happen on both natural and man-made slopes and are often triggered by factors such as heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, human activities, and changes in groundwater levels.

Government Initiatives to Mitigate Landslide Risks in India

• National Landslide Risk Management Strategy (2019): This strategy provides a comprehensive approach to addressing landslide risks through hazard mapping, monitoring, early warning systems, awareness programs, capacity building, policy formulation, and stabilisation measures.
• Landslide Risk Mitigation Scheme (LRMS): Currently under preparation, this scheme aims to offer financial support for customised landslide mitigation projects in vulnerable states. It focuses on disaster prevention, mitigation strategies, and research and development for monitoring critical landslides.
• Early Warning System (EWS): This initiative aims to establish an early warning system and enhance capacity-building efforts to manage landslide risks effectively.
• Flood Risk Mitigation Scheme (FRMS): This scheme is designed to develop flood shelters, establish river basin-specific early warning systems, and create digital elevation maps to improve flood preparedness and evacuation strategies.

Uttar Pradesh Aims to Attract More Tourists by 2028

According to sources, Uttar Pradesh is set to become a premier destination in India, with an ambitious goal of attracting 80 crore tourists by the year 2028. Uttar Pradesh saw a surge in tourist numbers, from 23 crore in 2016-17 to 48 crore in 2023-24, a growth of 51%.

The state government is developing 12 new tourism circuits across the state to enhance and promote key locations.

The 12 new tourism circuits include:

• Ramayana Circuit
• Sufi-Kabir Circuit
• Bundelkhand Circuit
• Jain Circuit
• Krishna-Braj Circuit
• Shakti-Peeth Circuit
• Mahabharata Circuit
• Wildlife & Eco Tourism Circuit
• Swantantrata Sangram Circuit
• Aadhyatmik Circuit
• Buddhist Circuit
• Craft Circuit

Efforts are being made to improve local infrastructure and accommodation options to cater to the growing number of tourists.

• The state is focusing on spiritual tourism, with many devotees visiting religious sites such as Ayodhya, Kashi, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Prayagraj.
• The Chief Minister has emphasized the need to promote tourism alongside industrial development, leveraging the state’s cultural and spiritual assets like the Taj Mahal and Ram Mandir to boost the tourism sector’s contribution.

Important Fairs of Uttar Pradesh

Taj Mahotsav:

• It is a vibrant 10-day festival held annually at Shilpgram in Agra.
• This celebration draws inspiration from the rich Mughal and Nawabi culture that thrived in Uttar Pradesh during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Kumbh Mela:

• It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, celebrated by Hindus.
• The festival is held at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik every four years by rotation.

Ganga Mahotsav:

• The Ganges River is very important to India and has supported many civilizations along its banks.
• A festival is celebrated in Varanasi during the Karthik month to thank the river goddess for her blessings and to ask for more.

During Karthik Poornima, the ghats are adorned with lights and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere. People gather by the river to light and float earthen lamps, adding to the beauty of the occasion.

SLCR Project in Varanasi

The Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) has been established in Varanasi as part of the Green Strategic Partnership between the Governments of India and Denmark. This initiative, facilitated by the Indian Institute of Technology - Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), aims to enhance small river rejuvenation and management.

Objectives of the SLCR

• The SLCR aims to restore the Varuna River using sustainable methods.
• It seeks to create a platform for collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities to share knowledge and develop solutions for maintaining clean river water.

Initiative Components

• The project includes a hybrid lab model at IIT-BHU and a living lab on the Varuna River to test and scale solutions in real-world settings.
• The Indo-Danish Joint Steering Committee (JSC) oversees the SLCR, providing strategic guidance and reviewing progress.

Role of NMCG and PRC

• The National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG) is involved in the project.
• The Project Review Committee (PRC), comprising members from various organizations, including the Central Water Commission and IIT-BHU, ensures quality control at the project level.

Upcoming Projects

• Decision Support System (DSS) for Water Management: This project will analyze basin water dynamics using hydrological models, scenario generation, forecasting, and data analytics.
• Characterization of Emerging Pollutants: This project will focus on identifying and quantifying contaminants using advanced analytical techniques such as chromatography and mass spectrometry.
• Hydrogeological Model of the Varuna Basin for Recharge Sites: This project aims to enhance base flow through Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in the Ganga River, a minor tributary of the Ganges.

The Varuna River

• The Varuna River is a minor tributary of the Ganges River.
• It originates from Phulpur town in the Prayagraj district and flows into the Ganges near Sarai Mohana village in the Varanasi district.
• The district of Varanasi is named after the Varuna and Assi rivers.

Janmashtami Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh

• Overview of Janmashtami: Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami or Shrikrishna Jayanti, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month of the lunisolar Hindu calendar, typically falling in August or September.
• Celebrations in Uttar Pradesh: The state of Uttar Pradesh is currently in the midst of Janmashtami celebrations, with particular fervor in Ayodhya and Vrindavan. Devotees are actively visiting temples and engaging in shopping for the festival, reflecting the vibrant cultural and religious significance of this occasion.
• Significance of Janmashtami: Janmashtami holds great importance in Hindu tradition as it commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is revered for his divine play and teachings. The festival is characterized by various rituals, prayers, and festivities that celebrate the life and teachings of Krishna.
• Dahi Handi: One of the key highlights of Janmashtami celebrations is the “Dahi Handi” event. This involves the formation of human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with curd (dahi) hung at a height. This activity symbolizes the playful spirit of Lord Krishna, who is known for his love of butter and curd. It fosters a sense of community and teamwork among participants.

UP RERA Suspends 400 Projects Due to Missing Land Records

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP RERA) has put a halt to approximately 400 projects on its portal because developers failed to upload essential land records, maps, or both.

• Many of these suspended projects are situated in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Reason for Action: Despite receiving repeated notices since 2018, many promoters did not comply with the requirement to upload these crucial documents.
• Objective: The aim of this decision is to safeguard allottees from potential fraud by ensuring they are informed about the status of these projects before making any investments.
• Current Compliance: Out of the 400 projects, only 57 have provided the necessary explanations or documents to UP RERA.
• Future Steps: Promoters are being warned to upload the required documents promptly. Failure to do so may result in strict punitive actions.

Overview of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

• The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 is a legislation enacted by the Parliament of India with the aim of protecting home-buyers and fostering investments in the real estate sector.
• The Act came into effect on 1 May 2016.
• Objectives of the Act
• To establish the Real Estate Regulatory Authority for the regulation and promotion of the real estate sector.
• To ensure transparency in real estate projects.
• To safeguard the interests of consumers in the real estate sector and to set up a mechanism for speedy resolution of disputes.
• To provide accurate information about builders.
• To advise the government on the development and promotion of the real estate sector.

Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana

Recently, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh introduced the Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyam Vikas Abhiyan Yojana, a scheme designed to promote entrepreneurship among the youth of the state.

• The initiative aims to provide financial support to young individuals interested in starting their own micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with the goal of establishing one million new business units across Uttar Pradesh.
• The scheme is part of a broader effort to boost self-employment opportunities for the youth, building on the success of various Central and State Government initiatives that have already connected 62 lakh young people with self-employment prospects.
• Additionally, a dedicated start-up fund has been created to further encourage and finance new ventures, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth in the state.

Resolution of Issues in National Highway Projects

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has assured the Centre that any issues related to the execution of national highway projects in the state will be resolved promptly. He also mentioned that departmental land would be provided free of charge for the expansion of national highways in Uttar Pradesh. The processes of land acquisition and compensation distribution will be completed within the stipulated time frame.

Kumbh Mela

• The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of completing projects related to the Kumbh Mela, which is scheduled to take place in 2025.
• The Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims on earth, where participants bathe in or take a dip in a sacred river.
• It occurs on the banks of the Ganges in Haridwar, the Shipra river in Ujjain, the Godavari in Nashik, and the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati river in Prayagraj, known as the ‘Sangam.’
• The Kumbh Mela involves a month-long fair marked by the construction of a massive tented township with civic facilities, administrative and security measures, and is organized by the government, local authorities, and police.
• It is renowned for attracting a diverse array of religious ascetics from remote areas.

Toll-Free Number for Vidya Samiksha Kendras

The Uttar Pradesh government is planning to introduce a toll-free number system for Vidya Samiksha Kendras (VSKs) to enhance the quality of education.

• This toll-free line will serve as a platform for collecting feedback, addressing concerns, and resolving inquiries related to school education from parents, students, and teachers.
• The initiative aims to increase public involvement and strengthen the education system, supporting students at various levels across the state.
• All Vidya Samiksha Kendras will be integrated into this process, leveraging data and technology to improve learning outcomes.
• The initiative will utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data analysis to monitor over 15 lakh schools, 96 lakh teachers, and 26 crore students, aiming to enhance the overall monitoring of the education system and improve learning outcomes.

Uttar Pradesh to Observe Partition Horrors Remembrance Day

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to commemorate 'Partition Horrors Memorial Day' on August 14, 2024, honoring those who lost their lives during the partition of India in 1947. This day aims to promote unity, social harmony, and the empowerment of humanity, while eliminating discrimination and animosity.

• On this occasion, various events and programs will be organized across all 75 districts of the state. Schools, colleges, and universities will screen films and documentaries related to the partition, and students will be taken on tours of exhibitions to raise awareness about this historical event.

Partition of India

• The Partition of India in 1947 was a crucial event in South Asian history, leading to the division of British India into two independent countries: India and Pakistan. This separation was based on religious differences, with India becoming predominantly Hindu and Pakistan established as a homeland for Muslims. The partition was a response to growing religious tensions and the demand for separate nations.
• The process involved widespread violence and mass migrations, as millions moved between the newly formed countries. It triggered one of the largest and most tragic human migrations in history, accompanied by communal riots and interreligious conflict. The legacy of the partition continues to affect the region, with ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir.

Uttar Pradesh Aims for Five-Fold Increase in Tourism by 2028

The Uttar Pradesh government has set an ambitious goal to quintuple tourism in the state by 2028, aiming for a Gross Value Added (GVA) of ₹70,000 crore and attracting 80 crore tourists. This initiative focuses on revitalizing tourist destinations and improving transport infrastructure, which has already led to a significant increase in tourist footfall, with over 48 crore visitors in 2023.

• Cities of spiritual significance such as Mathura, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Naimisharanya, and Gorakhpur have seen a surge in tourism, and the government is committed to enhancing infrastructure in these areas. The One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative plays a crucial role in promoting local products to travelers, and efforts are underway to expand accommodation options like hotels, guest houses, and homestays. Additionally, government-operated tourist and Rahi bungalows will be revitalized to meet the growing demand from tourists.
• The ODOP initiative, launched by the Uttar Pradesh government in 2018, aims to boost economic growth by promoting one unique product from each district, leveraging local resources and skills to create a distinct identity for districts in the market. This initiative covers various sectors, including textiles, agriculture, processed goods, pharmaceuticals, and industrial items.
• The World Economic Forum has recognized the potential of the ODOP initiative in driving sustainable and inclusive growth by enhancing local production capacities and creating employment opportunities at the grassroots level.
• In January 2023, various One District One Product (ODOP) items were showcased at the Indian Pavilion during the event in Davos, Switzerland.

Uttar Pradesh to Launch Agriculture Business Project

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to initiate a World Bank-funded agriculture business and entrepreneurship project worth Rs 4,000 crore, aimed at enhancing rural income.

• This initiative will support farmers, farm groups, and agro-based micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across 28 districts in eastern Uttar Pradesh and the Bundelkhand region.
• The project is expected to benefit one million farmers, with 30% of the support directed towards rural women involved in agriculture.
• Financial assistance will also be extended to 100,000 fisherfolk, and 500 farmers will receive training through international tours to learn advanced farming techniques.
• The government plans to invest in high-yielding seed varieties, carbon credit market infrastructure, and develop a digital platform for the agricultural sector to help farmers increase their income.
• Carbon Markets
• Carbon markets are systems designed to price carbon emissions by facilitating the buying and selling of carbon credits or allowances.
• A carbon credit represents the removal, reduction, or sequestration of one tonne of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, while carbon allowances are set by governments based on emission reduction goals.
• The concept of carbon trading was formally introduced in 1997 under the Kyoto Protocol, a United Nations framework for combating climate change.

Reactivation of Anti-Romeo Squads in Uttar Pradesh

Recently, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh has directed the reactivation of the Anti-Romeo Squad teams.

• The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of creating a fear-free environment for women’s safety.
• He instructed district-level officers to ensure public hearings and effective communication regarding this initiative.
• The Anti-Romeo Squad was initially established to curb eve-teasing and enhance security for women.
• Its aim was to take action against boys found outside girls’ colleges who were involved in eve-teasing and molesting girl students.
• However, there were instances where couples were stopped simply for being together, even though the squad did not have the legal authority to do so.

NGT Imposes Fine for Dumping Solid Waste

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently enforced a total ban on littering or dumping solid waste in unauthorized areas of Uttar Pradesh. The fines for violations range from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 50,000.

• For the first instance of littering or dumping solid waste, the violator shall be liable to pay an environmental compensation of Rs. 5,000. For subsequent instances, the fine increases to Rs. 10,000.
• If a bulk waste generator, concessionaire, urban local body, or any other individual is caught littering or dumping waste in bulk, the fines are set at Rs. 25,000 for the first offense and Rs. 50,000 for any further offenses.
• The NGT issued this order in response to a petition regarding garbage being dumped on the embankment of the Rapti River, which is causing water pollution.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• The NGT was established under the Green Tribunal Act, 2010, and is responsible for the effective and swift disposal of cases related to environmental protection, forest conservation, and the preservation of natural resources.
• With the formation of the NGT, India became the third country globally to set up a specialized environmental tribunal, following Australia and New Zealand, and the first developing nation to do so.
• The NGT is required to resolve applications or appeals within six months of their filing.
• The tribunal has its principal office in New Delhi, with additional seats in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.

Ayodhya Becomes a Model Solar City

Recent Achievement

• Uttar Pradesh has recently achieved a power generation capacity of 40 MW through a solar energy plant in Ayodhya.
• This accomplishment has led to Ayodhya being recognized as a model solar city under the Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022.

Uttar Pradesh Solar Energy Policy 2022

• The policy aims to reduce the total demand for conventional energy by at least 10% in solar cities.
• Ayodhya has exceeded this target, achieving double the required capacity.

Solar Plant Details

• The solar plant was established by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Green Energy Limited near the Saryu River in the villages of Majha Rampur Halwara and Majha Sarairasi.
• The Uttar Pradesh government leased 165.10 acres of land to NTPC Green Energy Limited for 30 years at a nominal rate of Rs 1 per acre per year for the solar power project.

Power Purchase Agreement

• The power generated by the plant will be purchased by the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) for 25 years at a cost-plus-determined tariff.
• This arrangement has contributed to Ayodhya's designation as a model solar city.

Saryu River

• The Saryu River, flowing through Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, is of ancient significance, mentioned in the Vedas and the Ramayana.
• It is formed by the confluence of the Karnali and Mahakali rivers and is a tributary of the Ganges River.
• During the festival of Ram Navami, thousands of people bathe in the Saryu River in Ayodhya, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama.

Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL)

• Established on January 14, 2000, UPPCL was a result of power sector reforms and restructuring in Uttar Pradesh.
• UPPCL is responsible for planning and managing the power sector through transmission, distribution, and supply of electricity.
• The utility aims to provide reliable and cost-efficient electricity to every citizen in the state.

New Medical Colleges Approved in Uttar Pradesh by NMC

Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC) granted permission for the establishment of seven new medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh and approved an increase in seats at two existing colleges.
New Medical Colleges:The NMC approved autonomous state medical colleges in the following districts:

• Bijnor
• Bulandshahr
• Kushinagar
• Pilibhit
• Sultanpur
• Kanpur Dehat
• Lalitpur
• Total MBBS Seats: These new colleges will collectively offer 600 MBBS seats.
• Increased Seats:The NMC also approved an increase in seats at the following government medical colleges:
  • Agra Medical College: Increased by 72 seats, bringing the total to 200 seats.
  • Meerut Medical College: Increased by 50 seats, bringing the total to 150 seats.

Role of NMC

• The NMC is the apex regulatory body for medical education and practice in India, responsible for ensuring the quality and standards of medical training and the registration of medical practitioners.
• Established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, it replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) and consists of four autonomous boards overseeing various aspects of medical education and practice.
• The NMC also conducts major screening tests like NEET-UG, NEET-PG, and FMGE and has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), ensuring that medical degrees awarded by the NMC are recognized globally.

This recognition signifies the global acceptance of the standards set by the NMC for medical education in India.

About the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)

• The WFME, founded in 1972 by the World Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and other organizations, aims to enhance the quality of medical education worldwide.
• It works towards improving the standards of medical education and ensuring that medical graduates are adequately prepared for their professional roles.

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Approves 'Love Jihad' Law

The Uttar Pradesh Assembly has recently passed the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024, commonly referred to as the 'Love Jihad' law. This legislation introduces strict measures against fraudulent or forced religious conversions.

• Key Provisions of the Bill:
• Maximum Punishment: The law stipulates a maximum punishment of life imprisonment for offenders convicted under certain circumstances.
• Stringent Penalties:
  • 20 years’ imprisonment or life sentence for conversions carried out under threat, promise of marriage, or conspiracy.
  • Such cases are classified as the most serious crimes under the Bill.
• Filing Complaints: The bill allows any individual to register a First Information Report (FIR) in cases related to religious conversion, not just parents, victims, or siblings.
• Non-Bailable Offense: The crime is made non-bailable, and cases will be heard only by sessions courts.
• Voluntary Conversions: Individuals wishing to convert for marriage must submit an application to the district magistrate two months in advance.

Overview of State Anti-Conversion Laws

Odisha (1967): The first state to enact a law restricting religious conversions, prohibiting forceful conversions and fraudulent means.

Madhya Pradesh (1968): Introduced the Madhya Pradesh Dharma Swatantraya Adhiniyam, requiring notification to the District Magistrate for any conversion activities under penalty of law.

States with Anti-Conversion Laws:

• Haryana (2022): Enacted a law prohibiting various forms of religious conversions.
• Arunachal Pradesh (1978): Prohibited forceful and fraudulent religious conversions.
• Gujarat (2003): Introduced a law regulating religious conversions with penalties.
• Chhattisgarh (2000 and 2006): Enacted laws prohibiting forceful and fraudulent conversions.
• Rajasthan (2006 and 2008): Introduced laws regulating religious conversions.
• Himachal Pradesh (2006 and 2019): Enacted laws regulating religious conversions.
• Tamil Nadu (2002-2004): Introduced laws regulating religious conversions.
• Jharkhand (2017): Enacted a law prohibiting forceful and fraudulent religious conversions.
• Uttarakhand (2018): Introduced a law regulating religious conversions.
• Uttar Pradesh (2021): Enacted a law prohibiting forceful and fraudulent religious conversions.
• Centre’s Stand: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs stated in an affidavit to the Supreme Court that the right to religion does not include the right to convert others, especially through fraudulent or coercive means.

Supreme Court

Article 25

• They referenced the Supreme Court's interpretation of Article 25 and stressed that fraudulent conversion impacts an individual's freedom of conscience and has the potential to disturb public order.
• The Central Government has not clarified its intention to introduce a specific law regarding religious conversions, as requested in the petition.

Uttar Pradesh to Establish Logistics Clusters

The Uttar Pradesh government has embarked on the creation of 33 Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLCs) situated along expressways spanning 30 districts.

• IMLC Locations:
• IMLCs will be established along five major expressways:
• Ganga Expressway
• Bundelkhand Expressway
• Agra-Lucknow Expressway
• Gorakhpur Link Expressway
• Purvanchal Expressway

Additional Developments:

• Extra land will be designated for the defence corridor in Agra and Aligarh, located along the Agra-Lucknow Expressway.
• Industrial corridors will be developed as IMLCs in the districts of Firozabad, Etawah, and Kannauj.

Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA):

• Overview: UPEIDA is an authority established in 2007 by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, tasked with the development of expressway projects within the state.
• Headquarters: The authority's headquarters is situated at Paryatan Bhawan in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow.

Environmental and Forest Clearances:

• All scheduled projects require environmental and forest clearances.
• UPEIDA has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a consulting agency for this purpose.