UPPSC Monthly Current Affairs: February 2023 | Monthly Current Affairs UPPSC - UPPSC (UP) PDF Download

Uttar Pradesh Among Top Four States with Over 75 Lakh Tap Connections

Uttar Pradesh has made headlines by becoming one of the four states in India to provide over 75 lakh tap connections, as reported on January 31, 2023. The achievement was celebrated by the Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply Department with an event titled ‘Har Ghar Jal, 75 lakh taps.’

Key Highlights

• The department celebrated this milestone by honoring 75 engineers, officers, and employees with mementos.
• A film showcasing the success of the Jal Jeevan Mission over the past two years was presented, along with an e-booklet detailing the department's achievements.
• The event featured cultural programs highlighting how clean drinking water is being provided to every village, especially in the challenging conditions of Bundelkhand.
• Uttar Pradesh has made significant progress under the Jal Jeevan Mission’s Har Ghar Jal Yojana, securing the fourth position among states by providing tap connections to 75,26,740 rural households out of over 2.62 crore rural households.
• Bihar, Maharashtra, and Gujarat are ahead of Uttar Pradesh in the number of tap connections, with Bihar leading by over 1.58 crore connections.

PM Shri Yojana Will Transform 40 Schools in Gorakhpur

On February 2, 2023, B.S.A. Ramendra Kumar Singh from the Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh announced that 40 schools in the district will be upgraded under the PM Shri Yojana.

Singh mentioned that approximately two crore rupees will be spent on each school to improve the infrastructure, aiming to develop them into model schools. This initiative includes both secondary and primary schools.

Criteria for Selection

• Two schools from each development block will be chosen based on their performance across various parameters.
• A list of four schools from each development block has been prepared and submitted by the Basic Education Department.
• Out of these 80 schools, 40 will be selected for upgrading under the PM Shri scheme.

New Education Policy-2020 Implementation

• The selected schools will implement the New Education Policy-2020, focusing on a child-centered pedagogy tailored to students' skills.
• Concepts such as rainwater harvesting, solar energy, solid and liquid waste management, organic farming, and plastic waste reduction will be integrated into the curriculum.

PM Shri School Scheme Overview

• The PM Shri School Scheme is a central initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Vidyalaya for Rising India (PM-SRI) program.
• Under this scheme, two schools from every block in the country will be developed as model schools.
• The scheme is being implemented in phases, with the first phase covering five years from 2022 to 2027.

District Performance and Selection

• Singh highlighted that the AD Girls Inter College is the only secondary school in Gorakhpur district that met the criteria for the PM Shri scheme.
• As a result, AD Girls Inter College is the sole school from the district recommended for inclusion in the PM Shri list.

55 Villages of Bulandshahr Integrated into YEIDA

• As per reports on February 2, 2023, 55 villages in Bulandshahr have been officially integrated into the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).
• This inclusion aims to enhance the logistics, warehousing, and cargo hub capabilities of the Yamuna Authority.
• With this integration, the notified area of YEIDA now spans across districts including Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, and Agra.

Future Developments in YEIDA

• An airport is planned within the YEIDA region, along with the development of logistics and warehousing hubs.
• There are also plans to connect these hubs with the Delhi-Howrah railway line, necessitating the expansion of YEIDA's jurisdiction.
• The integration of the 55 villages was a strategic move to facilitate this expansion and development.

New Vidhan Bhavan in Uttar Pradesh: A Modern Upgrade

On March 3, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana announced plans for a new Vidhan Bhavan (Legislative Assembly building) in Uttar Pradesh, inspired by the Central Vista project and the new Parliament Building in Delhi. The current Vidhan Bhavan, nearly 100 years old, is facing issues of space, age, and traffic congestion, prompting the need for a new, modern facility.

Features of the New Vidhan Bhavan

• Completion Target: The goal is to finish the new building by 2027.
• Eco-Friendly: The new structure will be environmentally sustainable.
• Earthquake Resistant: It will be designed to withstand earthquakes.
• Modern Facilities: Equipped with the latest amenities for legislative work.

Current Vidhan Bhavan: A Historical Overview

• Foundation and Construction: Laid on December 15, 1922, by Governor Sir Spencer Harcourt Butler, and completed in 1928.
• Architectural Design: Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob and Hira Singh, showcasing a mix of European and Awadhi styles.
• Initial Cost: Constructed at a cost of Rs 21 lakh.
• Capacity: Currently accommodates 403 MLAs.

Legislative Council Chamber

• Proposal and Construction: Proposed in July 1935 and completed in November 1937 under chief architect A.M. Martin.
• Current Capacity: Seats 100 members.

Central Vista Project Context

• The Central Vista project includes the new Parliament building in Delhi, expected to be an architectural landmark, blending modern design with historical grandeur.

Five Rural Learning Centers to be Established in Bareilly Division, Uttar Pradesh

On March 5, 2023, D.D. Mahendra Singh from the Panchayati Raj Department of Uttar Pradesh announced the establishment of five learning centers in the Bareilly division. These centers aim to provide training to villagers at the grassroots level, focusing on enhancing their economic skills.

Objectives and Budget

• The initiative aims to strengthen the economic capacity of villagers by setting up model panchayat houses as learning centers in Bareilly, Pilibhit, Badaun, and two gram panchayats in Shahjahanpur.
• A budget of Rs 25 lakh has been allocated for this project, with Rs 5 lakh dedicated to developing each center.

Training Focus

• The learning centers will provide training on agriculture and entrepreneurship, equipping villagers with the necessary skills to improve their livelihoods.
• Essential equipment for training, including projectors, will be provided to facilitate effective learning.

Implementation Strategy

• The government aims to implement development schemes effectively at the village level, involving villagers in the process.
• Villagers will be informed about government schemes and how to benefit from them, ensuring their participation in the initiatives.

Selection Criteria for Learning Centers

• The selected gram panchayats for the learning centers have well-maintained panchayat and community center buildings.
• Facilities such as computers, internet access, electricity, and boundary walls are available in the panchayat houses, along with essential services like health centers, schools, and Anganwadi centers.

The Commission for Backward Class Reservation Submits Report Ahead of Deadline

On March 9, 2023, the UP State Local Bodies Dedicated Backward Classes Commission submitted its report to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The commission was established to determine reservations for backward classes in civic elections.

The report comes after a legal dispute where the Urban Development Department's reservation list for municipal elections was challenged in court. The High Court had initially ordered elections without reservations, prompting the government to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court instructed the formation of a commission to conduct a survey and prepare a report by March 31. The commission completed its 350-page report in just over two months, ahead of the deadline.

Background of the Commission

• Formation: The commission was set up on December 28, 2022, by the state government, led by retired High Court Judge Ram Autar Singh.
• Purpose: To survey and assess the backward population across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh and review existing data on backward castes.

Commission's Findings and Recommendations

• Survey and Data Review: The commission examined various data sources, including a rapid survey and previous reservation lists.
• District Visits: During its district visits, the commission identified flaws in the reservation and rapid survey processes and proposed corrective measures.

Next Steps

• Cabinet Approval: The commission's report will be presented for cabinet approval.
• Supreme Court Notification: After cabinet approval, the report will be submitted to the Supreme Court to seek permission for civic elections.
• Reservation Changes: The Urban Development Department will revise seat reservations for Mayor and President positions based on the commission's findings.
• Public Notification: A provisional notification for seat reservations will be issued by the end of March to gather objections before finalization.

Anticipated Changes

• Seat Reservations: Significant changes in seat reservations are expected, with many unreserved seats potentially allocated to Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Triple Test: The new reservations will adhere to the triple test criterion.

Four New Private Universities Set to Open in Uttar Pradesh

• On March 10, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government approved the establishment of four new private universities in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a cabinet meeting where the decision was made to issue letters of intent to these universities.
• The universities that received approval include: Varun Arjun University in Shahjahanpur, T.S. Mishra University in Lucknow, Farukh Hussain University in Agra, and Vivek National University in Bijnor.
• The Higher Education Department will soon issue letters of intent to these institutions, allowing them to begin construction. The aim of these new private universities is to enhance the standard of education and provide quality learning opportunities in the state.
• Once the letters of intent are issued, the universities must complete all necessary formalities within two years. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of the letter of intent.

'Shastrarth': An Online Game App for Learning Sanskrit

Dr. Aruney Mishra, the Chairman of the Sanskrit Department at Ewing Christian College, Allahabad University, Uttar Pradesh, has developed an innovative online game app called 'Shastrarth' to facilitate the learning of Sanskrit. This app aims to make Sanskrit learning engaging and competitive, benefiting students across India.

Features and Benefits of the Shastrarth App

• The Shastrarth app is designed not only for learning Sanskrit but also for preparing for competitive exams.
• It allows Sanskrit students from all over India to compete against each other in a fun and interactive way.
• There are three game formats available on the app, each with a time limit of 30 seconds to answer questions.
• The app is intended to promote the Sanskrit language through healthy competition and to generate interest among students.
• It is especially aimed at helping economically weaker students perform better in competitive examinations.

Game Formats

• Play Elon: This format is for solo play.
• Play with Friends: This format allows players to compete with friends online.
• Play Online: This format enables two players to compete against each other from anywhere using a mobile device or computer.

Winning Criteria

• The player who answers the most questions correctly is declared the winner.
• In the event of a tie, the player who answers correctly in the shortest time wins.

Future Plans and Updates

• Dr. Mishra is also working on another app aimed at attracting young and adolescent students to Sanskrit.
• The Shastrarth app is the first of its kind for online gaming related to the Sanskrit language and is completely free.
• The app will be regularly updated to align with the curriculum, with plans to add 1,000 new questions each month.

Availability

• The Shastrarth app can be downloaded from the Play Store by searching for 'Shastrartha.'

Uttar Pradesh Township Policy-2023

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to amend several rules to address the residential needs of people in cities through the proposed Uttar Pradesh Township Policy-2023. This policy aims to replace the previous hi-tech township policy and introduce new guidelines for setting up residential colonies in various cities.

Key Features of the Uttar Pradesh Township Policy-2023

• Land Requirements: The policy will allow the establishment of colonies on a minimum of 12.5 acres in cities with a population of less than two lakh, and 25 acres in other cities.
• Road Specifications: A 24-meter-wide road will be mandatory for accessing the colonies, with a 12-meter-wide road required for internal access.
• Land Transfer: Land from village societies, ceiling surplus, or other departmental land will be taken and allocated elsewhere.
• Agricultural Land Use: Up to 50 acres of agricultural land will be licensed for setting up colonies, with residential land use in master plans for projects exceeding 50 acres.
• Land Regularization: Village society and other government land will be regularized within 60 days, and land exceeding 12.5 acres will be allowed under the Revenue Code.

Development Projects:

• Multipurpose sports complexes will be established in cities with a population exceeding 50 lakh.
• Development projects such as sports cities, film cities, IT cities, medicities, and educational hubs will be introduced in various cities.
• The design of major buildings will adhere to high-quality standards, and the cultural and historical heritage of cities will be integrated into their development.

Private Township Regulations:

• In private townships, sector-specific completion certificates will be issued, and maps will be approved only for sectors with completion certificates to prevent illegal construction.

Uttar Pradesh to Implement Large-Scale Electricity Banking

In 2014, Uttar Pradesh had 1 crore 42 lakh electricity consumers, which has now increased to 3.25 crore. The peak electricity demand has risen from 12,327 MW in 2014 to 26,589 MW in 2022.

• Current Situation : The state is now providing 24-hour electricity to district headquarters and industries, with villages receiving an additional 6 hours of electricity.
• Power Banking Initiative : Under this initiative, during winters and normal days when power demand is low, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation will distribute surplus power to states like Jammu-Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, as well as NTPC. When the demand increases, this power will be withdrawn from these states as needed.
• Benefits of Electricity Banking : This strategy aims to ensure uninterrupted power supply in all areas, especially with the expected increase in demand due to industrial growth.
• Future Outlook : With the influx of industries and investments, the state’s economy is projected to reach one trillion dollars within two to three years. The Power Corporation is preparing to reassess potential electricity demand growth in the coming years.
• Surplus Power Management : The power corporation will not sell surplus power through the power exchange during winter and normal days but will instead distribute it to states with which agreements are being signed.
• Industrial Growth and Investment : The consistent power supply is attracting investors, and the state expects a significant boost in its economy and per capita income with the implementation of investment proposals from the Global Investors Summit.

Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch the Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme aimed at enhancing road facilities for residents in urban areas.

Key Highlights

• A budget of Rs 1000 crore is allocated for the scheme in the 2023-24 financial year. Additional funds will be provided to bodies that excel in house tax collection.
• Uttar Pradesh has 17 municipal corporations, 200 municipal councils, and 545 Nagar Panchayats, with 239 being new and border-expanding bodies.
• Urban bodies are responsible for developing colonies and specific routes within cities. They receive funding from road improvement plans and finance commissions but lack extra funds.
• The Urban Development Department aims to create the Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme to address the need for better road facilities based on demand.
• The proposal for the scheme has been sent for approval and emphasizes that urban roads reflect the state’s development progress.
• The government prioritizes pothole-free roads and plans to improve road facilities along with drains in cities with populations exceeding one lakh, considering their performance in delivering civic amenities.
• To encourage house tax collection, the scheme will offer additional funds to bodies based on their house tax revenue, aiming to boost competition and increase income.

‘Purvanchal Ki Shaan 2023’

On February 20, 2023, the 'Purvanchal Ki Shaan 2023' event was held in Lucknow to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the region. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak praised the achievements of Uttar Pradesh and its potential for economic growth. He highlighted the cultural and historical significance of places like Kashi, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur.

Honorees from Various Districts

• Varanasi: Prof. Ram Mohan Pathak, an educationist.
• Bhadohi: Imtiaz Ansari, a carpet exporter.
• Ghazipur: Sanjay Sherpuria, founder of the Youth Rural Entrepreneur Foundation.
• Mirzapur: Arun Kumar Dubey, Paritosh Bajaj, and Jai Prakash Maurya for their contributions to education and green initiatives.
• Jaunpur: Gyan Prakash Singh, Dr. Kshitij Kumar Sharma, and Rajneesh Srivastava for their work in security and healthcare.
• Gorakhpur: Dr. Ganesh Kumar, Sagun Kumari, and Nitin Matanhelia for their contributions to medicine, sports, and business.
• Kushinagar: O.P. Gupta and Dr. Sanjay Gupta for their work in education and healthcare.

Upgrade of 150 ITIs in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to upgrade 150 State Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to align with the demands of Industry 4.0. This initiative aims to equip thousands of youths with relevant skills and employment opportunities.

Currently, 305 Government ITIs are operational in the state, offering 72 different vocational training programs. The upgrade will introduce innovative courses to meet local, national, and global industrial needs.

Collaboration with Tata Technology Ltd.

• A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between Tata Technology Ltd. (TTL) and the Uttar Pradesh government to facilitate the upgrade.
• Under this agreement, 13% of the upgrade costs will be covered by the state government, while 87% will be funded by TTL.

Need for Modernization

• The modernization of ITIs is essential to meet the evolving demands of Industry 4.0.
• New and innovative courses will be introduced to ensure the quality of training and preparedness of skilled manpower.

Five Historical Buildings of Nawabs to be built as Heritage Hotels in Lucknow

• Chhatar Manzil - Built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan between 1798-1814 in memory of his mother Chhatar Kunwar. The building features Indo-Italian architecture and was used for the residence of the Begums of Awadh. During the 1857 freedom struggle, it was utilized by revolutionaries.

• Gulistan-e-Iram - Constructed in the early 19th century by Nasiruddin Haider, the second Nawab of Awadh, as his personal library. In the British era, it became a government farmhouse. It was demolished along with Kaiser Bagh on British orders post-1857.

• Kothi Darshan Vilas - Originally a palace, now housing the Directorate of Health, its construction began during Nawab Ghaziuddin Haider’s reign. It was later taken over by Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, showcasing a blend of British and Mughal architectural styles.

• Farhat Baksh Kothi - Originally known as Martin Villa, it was built by Major General Claude Martin in 1781. This Indo-French architectural gem served as Martin’s residence.

• Kothi Gulistan-e-Iram - Built by Roshan-ud-Daulah during the reign of Nawab Nasiruddin Haider, this building reflects a mix of British and Mughal art.

Uttar Pradesh Film Policy - 2023

On February 22, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the Uttar Pradesh Film Policy-2023. The policy aims to create a conducive environment for film production in the state and develop necessary resources for shooting.

To make Uttar Pradesh a film production hub, the policy offers subsidies for shooting films in the state and promotes opportunities for local artists to participate in films.

• A subsidy of ₹2 crore will be provided for films with at least two-thirds of the shooting days in Uttar Pradesh.
• A subsidy of up to ₹50 lakh will be available for setting up film training institutes.
• A large film city is being developed on 1,000 acres in Noida, with plans for film production facilities in other districts. Films made in the Film City will also benefit from the policy.
• Security arrangements, government guest houses, and tourist guest houses will be provided for shooting, and operational difficulties will be addressed.
• Outdoor shooting units will receive a 25% discount on room rents in guest houses and hotels operated by the Tourism Corporation.
• A 50% subsidy will be offered for productions in regional languages like Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli, and Bhojpuri, while a 25% subsidy will apply to films in Hindi, English, and other languages, with a cap of ₹1 crore if at least 50% of the shooting is in Uttar Pradesh.
• Web series shooting will be subsidized up to ₹10 lakh or ₹1 crore per episode, with additional support of ₹25 lakh if five main actors are from Uttar Pradesh.

Rajeev Raghuvanshi of Ballia becomes the New DCGI of the Country

Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, hailing from Ramnagar in Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed as the new Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on February 22, 2023. He succeeds Dr. VG Somani, whose term ended on February 15.

• Dr. Raghuvanshi holds over 250 patents for medicines and was previously the Secretary-cum-Scientist of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.
• His appointment by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) was approved by the cabinet committee.
• The DCGI leads the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), ensuring the quality of medicines in India, approving new drugs, and regulating clinical trials.

Construction of Advanced Military Hospital in Uttar Pradesh

A multi-super specialty military hospital with cutting-edge facilities is set to be built in the Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh, along with a similar facility in the capital city, Lucknow. The initiative aims to enhance medical care for soldiers and their families.

Background

• The need for a modern military hospital in western Uttar Pradesh was identified by the Central Command nearly ten years ago, leading to a proposal in 2011-2012.
• The proposal underwent various approvals, starting from the Central Command to the Defence Ministry, and has now received the green light for construction.

Hospital Details

• The hospital in Meerut will be built at a cost of Rs 379 crore and will feature 545 beds.
• The designated land for the hospital has been marked by the army, and the project is expected to benefit soldiers, ex-servicemen, and their families across 14 districts in western Uttar Pradesh.

Locations and Benefits

• The Meerut hospital will serve as a crucial medical facility for military personnel and their families in the region.
• The facility in Lucknow is anticipated to be the largest military hospital under the Central Command, further improving healthcare access for military families.

Impact

• The establishment of these hospitals reflects the commitment to providing advanced healthcare services to those who serve the country.
• It will significantly enhance the medical infrastructure available to military personnel and their families in Uttar Pradesh.

Inauguration of Indo-Israel Trauma Course

On February 24, 2023, the second Indo-Israel trauma course was inaugurated at the BHU Trauma Center in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The course aims to improve disaster management and trauma care by training personnel in effective patient transportation and treatment during emergencies.

Course Details

• The course is being conducted by a five-member medical team from Israel, led by Prof. Michael Halberthal, Director of RAMBAM Health Care Campus (HCC) in Israel.
• Participants include personnel from the General Reserve Engineering Force (GREF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

Focus Areas

• The course will cover various aspects of disaster management, including patient treatment and investigation procedures in trauma centers.
• Prof. Amit Gupta from AIIMS, New Delhi, will also contribute to the discussions on trauma care.

Purpose

• The Indo-Israel trauma course aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in disaster management and trauma care, ensuring better outcomes for patients in emergency situations.
• By learning from the expertise of the Israeli team, participants will be better equipped to handle trauma cases effectively.

New Policy for Admission to Paramedical and Nursing Courses in Uttar Pradesh

On February 26, 2023, Alok Kumar, the Principal Secretary of Medical Education in Uttar Pradesh, announced a new policy regarding admissions to auxiliary nurse and midwifery (ANM), general nursing and midwifery (GNM), and paramedical courses in the state. Admissions will now be based on state-level merit, and the Uttar Pradesh State Medical Faculty is implementing this change.

• Previously, college management had the authority to enroll students in these courses, but starting from the 2023-24 academic year, a centralized system will be established. Under this system, students will need to apply for courses, listing colleges in order of preference.
• The state-level merit will be determined based on the minimum qualifications and marks obtained in the intermediate examination. Colleges will be allotted to students through counseling.
• Alok Kumar explained that this new system aims to increase transparency and ensure that meritorious students receive fair opportunities. It addresses concerns that students with lower merit were getting admitted to preferred courses and colleges due to collusion among colleges.
• There are currently 19,220 seats available for ANM, 18,323 seats for GNM, and over 20,000 seats in various degree and diploma courses in paramedical fields. The new policy has been developed after seeking input from college managers and principals.

Inauguration of 7 National Highway Projects in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh

On February 27, 2023, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated 7 National Highway projects in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, with an investment of Rs 6500 crore.

• New Link Road: Gadkari announced a new link road between Ballia and Ara, featuring a 28-kilometer greenfield spur road at a cost of Rs 1500 crore.
• Ballia Link Expressway: The expressway will enhance connectivity, allowing travel from Lucknow to Patna in just four and a half hours.
• Improved Travel Times: The project will reduce travel times significantly, including Ballia to Buxar (30 minutes), Ballia to Chhapra (1 hour), and Ballia to Patna (1.5 hours).
• Better Connectivity: Eastern Uttar Pradesh will have improved connectivity to Chhapra, Patna, and Buxar in Bihar.
• Farmer Benefits: Farmers in Ballia will benefit from easier access to markets in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Patna, and from three multi-modal terminals in Varanasi, Ghazipur, and Haldia.
• New Roads: Gadkari announced the construction of a greenfield road from Chandauli to Mohania (Rs 130 crore) and a road from Saidpur to Mardah, connecting Mau to Varanasi.
• Economic Improvement: Better connectivity is expected to enhance the economic and social conditions of the state, benefiting backward areas like Azamgarh district.