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

Enhanced Groundwater Levels in Uttar Pradesh Districts

The groundwater levels have improved in 32 districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Prayagraj, according to a notification from the state government. This improvement has led to a reduction in areas classified as critical for groundwater.

Key Points

• The groundwater department in Prayagraj assesses various factors to determine whether a district is in a safe, critical, semi-critical, or over-extracted zone regarding groundwater.
• The main factor considered is the balance between water extraction and recharge. After a thorough annual evaluation, districts are classified accordingly.
• Districts now classified as safe include:
• Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Fatehpur, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Agra, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Mathura, Aligarh, Etah, Hathras, Badaun, Chitrakoot, Mahoba, Kanpur Nagar, Kannauj, Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Hapur, Mirzapur, Moradabad, Amroha, Bijnor, Sambhal, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, and Shamli.

The Namami Gange Programme is a major initiative by the Indian government aimed at cleaning and conserving the Ganga River. Launched in 2014, it focuses on reducing pollution and rejuvenating the river, ensuring its health and sustainability.

• Integrated Conservation Mission: The programme is designed to tackle pollution and conserve the Ganga in a holistic manner.
• Flagship Programme: Approved by the Union Government, it is a key initiative for river conservation.
• Department of Water Resources: The programme is managed by this department under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): This body implements the programme, overseeing various projects aimed at cleaning and conserving the river.
• National Ganga Council: The NMCG operates under this council, which was established to ensure the Ganga's health and cleanliness.
• Financial Aspects: The programme has a substantial budget of Rs. 20,000 crores, funded by the central government. It is a non-lapsable corpus, meaning unused funds do not expire, and it encompasses nearly 288 projects.
• Main Pillars: The programme is built on several key pillars that guide its implementation and objectives.

SWAYAM Programme

The SWAYAM Programme, initiated by the Government of India, aims to provide high-quality teaching and learning resources to individuals across the country, regardless of their location or institutional affiliation. It covers a wide range of subjects in higher education and skill sector courses, ensuring that every student has access to the best quality education at an affordable cost.

• The Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM) was launched on July 9, 2017, by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. The objective is to create a unified platform for online courses, making quality education accessible to all.

BHU’s Involvement in SWAYAM

• BHU has developed 15 online courses for the 2024 session, covering various subjects such as management, commerce, science, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and philosophy.
• This marks BHU’s first venture into online education, aiming to provide accessible and quality education to a wider audience.
• The courses are supported by technical expertise from IIT Madras and IIT Kanpur, with funding from the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Significance of SWAYAM

• SWAYAM aims to ensure that every student in the country has access to the best quality higher education at an affordable cost.
• It involves academicians from various institutions across the country in developing and delivering massive open online courses (MOOCs) in almost all disciplines, from senior schooling to post-graduation.

Food Irradiation for Onion Preservation

• The Indian government plans to use food irradiation to extend the shelf life of 100,000 tonnes of onions in 2024.
• This initiative aims to prevent shortages and price hikes, especially as onion production is expected to decline by 16% in the 2023-24 season.

Food Irradiation Process

• Food irradiation involves exposing food and food products to ionizing radiation, such as gamma rays, electron beams, or X-rays.
• In India, this process is regulated under the Atomic Energy (Control of Irradiation of Food) Rules, 1996.

Significance of Food Irradiation

• Food irradiation is used to ensure food safety by preventing spoilage and reducing the risk of harmful bacteria and parasites.
• It helps in addressing seasonal overstocking, long transport times, and the challenges posed by India’s hot and humid climate, which are conducive to spoilage-causing insects and microbes.

Onion Production in India

• India is the second-largest onion-growing country in the world, known for its pungent onions available throughout the year.
• Major onion-producing states include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
• Maharashtra is the leading state in onion production, followed by Madhya Pradesh.

Export Destinations

• Major export destinations for Indian onions include Bangladesh, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

India to Import Wheat After 6 years

India, the second-largest producer of wheat in the world, is set to start importing wheat after a gap of six years. This decision comes in response to depleted reserves and rising prices caused by three consecutive years of poor harvests.

• Due to unfavorable weather conditions, India’s wheat production has declined over the past three years, leading to a significant decrease in output. The government anticipates that this year’s wheat crop will be 6.25% lower than last year’s record production of 112 million metric tons in 2023.
• The initial target for wheat procurement in 2024 was between 30-32 million metric tons, but so far, only 26.2 million tons have been purchased. Domestic wheat prices have remained above the government’s minimum support price (MSP) of 2,275 rupees per 100 kg and have been increasing recently.
• In response, the government has decided to lift the 40% import duty on wheat, allowing private traders and flour millers to import wheat, primarily from Russia.
• Wheat is a crucial cereal crop in India, second only to rice in importance. It is a major food crop, especially in the northern and northwestern regions of the country. Wheat is a rabi crop that thrives in a cool growing season with ample sunshine during ripening. The success of the Green Revolution significantly contributed to the expansion of rabi crops, particularly wheat.
• Top 3 Wheat Producers in the World (2021): China, India, and Russia.
• Top 3 Wheat Producers in India (2021-22): Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

Government Initiatives to Support Wheat Production:

• National Food Security Mission
• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
• Macro Management Mode of Agriculture
• Other related schemes

Agniveers Join Indian Army’s Gorkha Rifles

Recently, Agniveers from the third batch were welcomed into the 3 & 9 Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army during a ceremony at the 39 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) in Varanasi. The Gorkha Rifles are known for their bravery and are one of the seven Gorkha regiments in the Indian Army.

• The Agnipath Scheme, introduced in 2022, recruits young individuals aged 17.5 to 21 for a four-year service in the Armed Forces, with the option to extend 25% of them for an additional 15 years. The scheme aims to lower the average age of the Armed Forces, which is currently 32 years, to 26 years in the coming years.
• Agniveers are soldiers recruited under the Agnipath Scheme, which allows youth to serve in the Indian Armed Forces for a period of four years. The scheme aims to bring down the average age of the armed forces and provides an opportunity for young individuals to serve their country.

Faculty Induction at IIT (BHU), Varanasi

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has sponsored a 24-day faculty induction programme at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, as part of the Malviya Mission Teachers Training programme.

This rigorous programme aims to foster professional growth and enhance pedagogical skills for 40 distinguished faculty members from across India.

Objectives of the Programme:

• To improve the quality of education by providing tailored training to teachers in higher education institutions.
• To equip 15 lakh teachers across India with the necessary skills to meet the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP).

Background Information:

• The UGC was established on December 28, 1953, and became a statutory body by an Act of Parliament in 1956. Its primary role is to coordinate, determine, and maintain standards of teaching, examination, and research in university education in India.
• The head office of the UGC is located in New Delhi.

Recent Developments:

• The Human Resource Development Centres (HRDCs) have been renamed as Teachers’ Training Centres.
• The Malviya Mission Teachers Training Programme is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of higher education in India.

IIIT-A Secures Place in QS World University Ranking 2025

The Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad (IIIT-A), has made its mark in the QS World University Ranking 2025, achieving an impressive global rank of 1,401. Within India, IIIT-A secured the 46th position overall.

• The QS World University Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and assess the performance and quality of universities worldwide. The ranking methodology considers various indicators, including academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, employer reputation, sustainability, employment outcomes, international research network, citations per faculty, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio.
• In addition to overall rankings, QS provides rankings by subject, region, student city, business school, and sustainability.

Clarification on Uttar Pradesh's Proposed Two-Child Policy

The Uttar Pradesh government recently faced criticism over claims that it had implemented a two-child policy as of June 7, 2024. However, official statements clarified that these reports are false and no such policy has been enacted yet.

• While a draft bill for a two-child policy has been submitted to the state government, it has not been passed and formulated into law. The Uttar Pradesh Law Commission had shared a draft of the proposed bill on population control in 2021 with the state government.
• According to the draft bill titled Uttar Pradesh Population (Control, Stabilisation, and Welfare) Bill, 2021, couples with more than two children would face restrictions in applying for government jobs, seeking promotions, or benefiting from government welfare schemes.
• A similar policy is already in place in Assam, where parents with more than two children are barred from government jobs under the Assam Public Services (Application of Small Family Norms in Direct Recruitment) Rules, 2019.
• The need for such a policy arises from India's growing population, which has surpassed 125 crores and is expected to exceed that of China in the coming decades. Despite having the National Population Control Policy since 2000, India remains the second most populous country in the world, leading to overburdening and overexploitation of natural resources.
• However, the proposed restricted child policy has faced criticism for potentially creating a shortage of educated young people necessary for India's technological advancement. Concerns have also been raised about issues like gender imbalance and undocumented children, similar to the challenges faced by China due to its one-child policy.

Maha Kumbh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister has stated that the Maha Kumbh, set to take place in Prayagraj in 2025, will significantly boost the state's economy due to the expected attendance of crores of people.

• The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a study to attract both domestic and foreign tourists, along with a concrete action plan to achieve this goal.

USD 1 Trillion Economy

• During an official meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress and future plans towards making Uttar Pradesh a USD 1 trillion economy.
• He urged all ministers and senior officials to focus on improving the ease of living and maximizing employment generation.

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

• Uttar Pradesh's GDP increased from 16.45 lakh crore in 2021-22 to over 25.48 lakh crores in 2023-24.

National Income

• The state contributes 9.2% to the national income, becoming the second-largest economy in the country and a key driver of national growth.

Unemployment Rate

• The unemployment rate in Uttar Pradesh has significantly improved, decreasing from 6.2% in 2017-18 to 2.4% in 2024.

UNESCO Recognition

• The Kumbh Mela is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Kumbh Mela Overview

• The Kumbh Mela is the largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims on Earth, where participants bathe in sacred rivers.
• It takes place at the confluence of rivers in four cities: Nashik (Godavari River), Ujjain (Shipra River), Haridwar (Ganges River), and Prayagraj (Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati Rivers).
• The confluence in Prayagraj is known as the 'Sangam.'

Festival Activities

• The Kumbh Mela lasts for over a month and involves the construction of a large tented township with various facilities.
• It is organized by the government, local authorities, and police, ensuring smooth conduct.
• The festival is famous for attracting a diverse range of religious ascetics from remote areas.

Additional Installment of Tax Devolution

Uttar Pradesh received the largest share of Rs 25,495 crore as an additional payment for tax devolution from the Union finance ministry.

• This was the highest amount allocated to any state in the country.
• The finance ministry stated that this additional fund would help states expedite development projects.
• This amount is separate from the regular devolution for June 2024.

States Allocation

• Uttar Pradesh topped the list with the maximum allocation.
• Other states receiving significant amounts include:
• Bihar: Rs 14,056.12 crore
• Madhya Pradesh: Rs 10,970.44 crore
• West Bengal: Rs 10,513.46 crore

Tax Devolution Explained

• Tax devolution is the process of distributing tax revenues between the central and state governments in India.
• It is a constitutional mechanism aimed at ensuring fair and equitable allocation of tax proceeds among the Union and the states.

Role of Finance Commission

• Article 280(3)(a) of the Indian Constitution assigns the Finance Commission the responsibility of recommending the division of net tax proceeds between the Union and the states.

Noida International Airport

• Development Plans: The Uttar Pradesh government has plans to develop the Noida International Airport into a world-class facility, aiming to enhance its passenger and flight handling capabilities.
• Transit Hub: The airport is being developed as India’s first transit hub, modeled after the Zurich Airport in Switzerland.
• Location and Significance: Located in the Jewar area of Gautam Buddh Nagar district, the airport will be the second international airport in the National Capital Region (NCR), alongside Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
• Construction Phases: The project is currently in the first phase of development, covering over 1,300 hectares, with plans to develop the entire airport across 5,000 hectares in four phases.
• E-Tendering System: The government has streamlined the processes for issuing licenses, managing operations, and appointing staff and consultants through an e-tendering system, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
• Project Management: Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), owned by Zurich Airport International AG, is responsible for developing the airport according to the standards set by the Uttar Pradesh and central governments.
• Greenfield Airports Policy: The Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, introduced in 2008, aims to reduce environmental impact by diverting air traffic from urban areas to locations outside city centers.
• Greenfield Airport in UP: Kushinagar International Airport is an example of a greenfield airport in Uttar Pradesh.

Credit Flow to Startups and Rural Enterprises

• Institutional Credit Easing: The Uttar Pradesh government has made it easier for startups and rural enterprises to access institutional credit. This move aims to provide financial assistance and create self-employment opportunities for the youth in the state.
• Funding Plans: The state plans to fund around 8,300 enterprises under two credit schemes: Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana (MYSY) and Mukhyamantri Gramodyog Rojgar Yojana (MMGRY). These schemes are designed to support the establishment of industries and service sector entities.
• Institutional Funding: Startups and rural enterprises in Uttar Pradesh have received institutional funding exceeding Rs 163 crore. This funding is part of the efforts to promote self-employment and entrepreneurial activities in the state.
• Loan Details under MYSY: Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarojgar Yojana, the state offers loans of up to Rs 25 lakh for setting up industries and up to Rs 10 lakh for service sector entities. This financial support is aimed at encouraging young entrepreneurs to start their businesses.
• Incubators and Startups in UP: Uttar Pradesh is home to nearly 52 government-recognized incubators and over 7,200 startups registered with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. This ecosystem supports innovation and entrepreneurship in the state.
• Agreements for Rural Tourism: The state tourism department has signed agreements with the State Rural Livelihood Mission (UPSRLM) and Manyawar Kanshiram Institute of Tourism Management to improve rural tourism and community empowerment. These agreements aim to enhance facilities and infrastructure for tourists, offering them an authentic experience of rustic village life.

Surge in Power Demand in Uttar Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh has set a new record for power supply in India, reaching 28,889 megawatts (MW) of electricity, thanks to the hard work of the Power Department.
• This achievement comes as the state faces extreme heatwave conditions, leading to unprecedented levels of power demand.
• Other states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Rajasthan also experienced high demands, with figures of 24,254 MW, 24,231 MW, 16,257 MW, and 16,781 MW respectively.

Understanding Heat Waves

Heatwaves are long periods of extremely hot weather that can negatively affect people’s health, the environment, and the economy.

• India, being a tropical nation, is especially susceptible to heatwaves, which have been occurring more frequently and with greater intensity in recent times.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has specific criteria for declaring heat waves in the country, which vary based on the normal maximum temperature of a location.
• For instance, in plain areas, a heat wave is considered when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C and exceeds the normal by 5°C to 6°C.
• In hilly regions, the threshold is lower, requiring a maximum temperature of at least 30°C.

Uttar Pradesh Flood Management Initiative

Recently, Uttar Pradesh has initiated comprehensive measures to protect the state from potential flooding.

• Officials have been instructed to develop a robust flood management strategy, focusing on rapid relocation plans for residents and livestock to safer areas.
• The state has been divided into three flood management zones: 29 highly sensitive districts, 11 sensitive districts, and 35 normal districts.
• Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other departments are closely monitoring these regions.
• To improve readiness, additional teams have been positioned across the state, and volunteers known as ‘Aapda Mitras’ have been trained to assist during emergencies.
• A detailed flood preparedness guide has been distributed to all districts to enhance their readiness.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

• The NDRF is a specialized force in India formed under the Disaster Management Act of 2005.
• While the responsibility for managing disasters lies with state governments, the central government’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) acts as the nodal ministry for natural disaster management.
• The NDRF consists of trained professional units that provide specialized responses to various disasters.

Aapada Mitra Programme

• Launched in May 2016, this Central Sector Scheme is implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• The programme aims to identify and train individuals in disaster-prone areas to become first responders during emergencies.
• The goal is to equip community volunteers with necessary skills to address immediate needs in the aftermath of disasters, such as floods and urban flooding.

Uttar Pradesh Speeds Up Thermal Power Initiatives

The government of Uttar Pradesh is fast-tracking the Ghatampur and Obra C thermal power projects to meet the increasing energy demand in the state.

Capital Expenditure (Capex)

• Capex refers to spending aimed at increasing durable assets or reducing recurring liabilities.
• For example, building new schools or hospitals is considered capital expenditure as it creates new assets.

Project Details

• The total combined cost for the Ghatampur and Obra C projects exceeds Rs 32,000 crore.
• Ghatampur Project:
  • Capacity: 1,980 MW
  • Estimated Cost: Rs 19,006 crore
  • Developer: Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power (NUPPL)
  • Expected Completion: All three units by 2024-25
  • Power Distribution: Uttar Pradesh will receive 75% of the electricity produced.
• Obra C Thermal Power Plant:
  • Capacity: 1,320 MW
  • Cost Overrun: Due to price and exchange rate changes
  • Funding: 70% of the increased cost will be covered by state borrowings, with the remaining 30% from share capital.

PM Modi Inaugurates Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor

Prime Minister Modi recently visited Varanasi, his first trip to the city since his re-election, to inaugurate the first phase of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple corridor project.

• The corridor, which connects the temple to the banks of the Ganga River, is a tribute to India's Sanatan culture.
• During his address, PM Modi spoke about the temple's historical importance and Varanasi’s resilience against past invasions.
• Before the inauguration, he offered prayers at the Kaal Bhairav Temple and later observed the Ganga Aarti in the evening.

National Commission for Women (NCW) in 2024

The NCW received a total of 12,648 complaints in 2024.

• Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 6,492 complaints.
• Delhi followed with 1,119 complaints.
• Maharashtra reported 764 complaints.
• Other states with complaints included Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
• The highest number of complaints were related to harassment (3,567), including dowry harassment, molestation, and rape or attempted rape.
• Domestic violence accounted for 3,213 complaints.
• Other categories included police apathy towards women (524) and ethnic violence (658).
• Despite the ongoing issues in Manipur, the state recorded only six complaints in 2023.

Overview of NCW

• The NCW is a statutory body of the Government of India, established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
• It was set up in January 1992, as per the provisions of the Indian Constitution.
• The main objective of the NCW is to represent and advocate for the rights of women in India, addressing issues such as dowry, politics, religion, job representation, and labor exploitation.
• The NCW also investigates complaints from women facing violence, discrimination, harassment, or deprivation of rights.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

The Prime Minister of India has approved the 17th installment of PM-KISAN, emphasizing the government's dedication to farmer welfare through Direct Benefit Transfer.

• Over Rs 20,000 crore will be distributed to approximately 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers.
• Since its inception, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received over Rs. 3.04 lakh crore in benefits under PM-KISAN.
• Additionally, certificates were awarded to over 30,000 women as Krishi Sakhis under the Krishi Sakhi Convergence Program (KSCP), which aims to empower rural women by training and certifying them as Para-extension Workers.
• This initiative aligns with the objectives of the “Lakhpati Didi ” program, furthering the empowerment of rural women.

About PM-KISAN

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme involves the direct transfer of Rs 6,000 per year to landholding farmers in three installments, regardless of land size.
• Launched in February 2019, the scheme is fully funded by the Government of India and implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• State and Union Territory governments are responsible for identifying beneficiary farmer families.

Objectives of PM-KISAN

• To support the financial needs of Small and Marginal Farmers for purchasing inputs to ensure healthy crops and expected yields, aligning with anticipated farm income.
• To prevent farmers from falling into the hands of moneylenders for such expenses and to ensure their continued engagement in farming activities.

Lakhpati Didis Initiative

• The government aims to create two crore “lakhpati didis” in villages, focusing on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment.
• Women will receive skill training to help them earn over Rs 1 lakh per year.

Drone Technology for Women SHGs

• Drones will be provided to women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) for agricultural activities, aiming to leverage technology in agriculture while empowering rural women.
• Around 15,000 women’s SHGs will be trained in operating and repairing drones, creating new income opportunities and equipping women with advanced skills.
• Precision farming with drones can revolutionize agriculture through crop monitoring, pest control, and other innovative practices.

Skill Development in Rural Areas

• Women will be trained in various skills such as LED bulb manufacturing, plumbing, and others under this initiative.