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

Formation of State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA)

On September 29, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh convened a high-level meeting at his official residence, where he emphasized the urgent establishment of the State Capital Region Development Authority (SCRDA).

Key Points:

• Timely Implementation: CM Yogi Adityanath has set a three-month deadline for the implementation of the SCRDA and has called for a detailed action plan.
• Geographic Scope: The SCRDA will cover the districts of Lucknow, Unnao, Hardoi, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, and Barabanki.
• Administrative Centre: Lucknow will serve as the capital of the SCRDA, with regional offices established in the other districts for public convenience.
• Purpose of SCRDA: The authority aims to promote planned urban development in the state, following the model of the Jhansi Industrial Development Authority.
• Master Plans: The government has also prioritized the approval of master plans being prepared for 59 cities, including first-time plans for Shamli, Baraut, Chandausi, Gonda, and Amroha. Additionally, a master plan integrating Loni and Modinagar in Ghaziabad has been developed.

Launch of Special Communicable Disease Control Campaign in Gorakhpur

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a special campaign to control communicable diseases at the BRD Medical College in Gorakhpur on October 3, 2023. This campaign aims to combat various communicable diseases and will run statewide until October 31, 2023.

Public Awareness and Recognition

• On the launch day, the Chief Minister flagged off vehicles to promote public awareness for the campaign.
• He also recognized the efforts of two ASHA workers and two Anganwadi workers for their exemplary work and distributed Ayushman cards to four beneficiaries of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

Background of the Campaign

• The initiative dates back to 2017 when a special campaign was first launched to control diseases like Dengue, Malaria, Encephalitis, Kala Azar, and Chikungunya.
• Due to the positive outcomes observed, the state government now conducts this special campaign three times a year with coordinated efforts across departments.

Objectives and Activities

• The initial phase of the campaign focuses on raising public awareness and ensuring inter-departmental coordination.
• From October 16 to 31, 2023, under the Dastak Campaign, ASHA workers will conduct door-to-door visits to identify individuals with symptoms such as fever and cough, provide counseling, and facilitate their treatment.

Bal Sahitya Samman 2022

On October 4, 2023, the Bal Sahitya Samman Committee of the Uttar Pradesh Hindi Institute convened to select children’s writers for the “Bal Sahitya Samman, 2022.”

The institute announced the winners of seven Children’s Literature Awards, recognizing two writers from Ghaziabad and one each from Lucknow, Bijnor, Varanasi, Aligarh, and Basti.

• Shraddha Pandey of Ghaziabad will receive the Subhadra Kumari Chauhan Mahila Bal Sahitya Samman for the Children’s Literature Award 2022.
• Dr. Ajay Janmejay of Bijnor will be awarded the Sohanlal Dwivedi Bal Kavita Samman.
• Pawan Sharma of Varanasi will receive the Amrit Lal Nagar Bal Katha Samman.
• Lal Devendra Srivastava of Basti will be honored with the Lalli Prasad Pandey Bal Sahitya Journalism Award.
• Ashok Anjum of Aligarh will receive the Dr. Ramkumar Verma Bal Natak Samman.
• Dr. Manish Mohan Gore of Ghaziabad will be awarded the Jagapathi Chaturvedi Children’s Science Writing Award.
• Lucknow’s Centenary Garima will receive the Umakant Malviya Yuva Bal Sahitya Samman.

Award Details

• The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 51,000 and a citation.
• Dr. Amita Dubey, Editor-in-Chief of Uttar Pradesh Hindi Institute, mentioned that these children’s literature honors are part of the Children’s Literature Promotion Scheme.

'Anand Sagar Smriti Kathakram Award' to Story Writer Yogendra Ahuja

On October 4, 2023, the Anand Sagar Smriti Kathakram Samman Committee met and decided to honor Yogendra Ahuja, a prominent story writer, with the 'Anand Sagar Smriti Kathakram Samman.'

• The award comes with a cash prize of Rs 21,000 and a certificate of appreciation.
• The formal award ceremony is set to take place on November 5.

About Yogendra Ahuja

• Birth and Education: Yogendra Ahuja was born on December 1, 1969, in Badaun, Uttar Pradesh. He completed his education in the Kashipur district of Uttarakhand and the Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh.
• Writing Career: Ahuja's writing journey began with his first published story in the esteemed magazine Pahal in 1991. He gained recognition for stories such as Murcia, Wrong, An Old Story, Food, Laffaz, Wrestling, Accurate, and Pathology.
• First Story Collection: His debut story collection,  Laughter in the Dark,  was released in 2004.
• Recent Recognition: Ahuja's latest book,  Broken Stars,  has garnered multiple awards, including the Katha Award, Parivesh Samman, Vijay Varma Samman, Ramakant Smriti Award, Spandan Samman, and Premchand Smriti Samman.

Rohan Bishnoi Wins Silver in Judo Championship

• Rohan Bishnoi, a judo athlete from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, earned a silver medal at the Senior National Judo Championship held in Jaipur on October 5, 2023.
• Competing in the 100 kg weight category, Rohan put up a strong fight but was defeated in the final match by Dhyan Singh, representing the All India Police Services Control Board.
• Rohan's path to the finals was impressive, as he overcame several tough competitors along the way. He defeated Atanya Debbarma from Tripura, Sudhir Chauhan from Chhattisgarh, Raviraj Rajput from Gujarat, and Vikas from the Services Sports Control Board in his earlier matches.

Installation of 450 Automatic Weather Stations in Uttar Pradesh

• The Relief Department of Uttar Pradesh has launched a project to set up 450 automatic weather stations and 2,000 automatic rain gauges throughout the state. This initiative, reported on October 5, 2023, aims to deliver precise weather information at the tehsil and block levels starting from the next monsoon season.
• The installation of these weather stations and rain gauges is expected to improve the accuracy of rainfall measurements in villages, assisting in reducing the damage caused by heavy rains and storms. In addition to the automatic systems, 80 employees will be deployed to support this effort, with a budget of Rs 142.16 crore allocated for the project.
• To further enhance weather monitoring, Doppler weather radars will be installed in Lucknow, Aligarh, Jhansi, and Azamgarh. These radars will measure rain intensity, wind speed, and tornado direction, with Rs 26.12 crore sanctioned for their installation.

Launch of 'Shakti Didi' Initiative for Women's Safety in Uttar Pradesh

• On October 8, 2023, the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh launched a new initiative called 'Shakti Didi' aimed at enhancing the safety and self-reliance of women in the state. Under this campaign, a team of two women police officers, referred to as 'Shakti Didi', will visit various villages and cities every Wednesday to provide information and assistance to women regarding government schemes and services.
• During these visits, Shakti Didi will inform women about various government schemes such as the Kanya Sumangala Yojana and the Destitute Women Pension Scheme. They will also provide information about legal rights and protections for women and children, as well as government-issued helpline numbers and forums for assistance.
• The initiative aims to empower women by making them aware of the resources available to them and by addressing their concerns through coordination with different government departments. Similar action plans will be developed for urban areas as well.

32 Industrial Cities to be Established Along Five Expressways in Uttar Pradesh

Announcement of Industrial Cities

• On October 7, 2023, Anil Sagar, the Principal Secretary of the Industrial Development Department in Uttar Pradesh, announced the plan to develop a network of 32 industrial cities along five expressways in the state.
• Villages along three of the expressways have been identified and notified for this purpose.

Land Acquisition and Development

• The Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Authority (UPIDA) will be responsible for acquiring or purchasing land in the identified villages.
• Each industrial city will require between 100 to 600 acres of land.
• Villages for industrial cities along the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and Gorakhpur Link Expressway will be notified soon.

Overview of the Project

• The project aims to create a total of 32 industrial cities across 32 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• Basic facilities will be developed in these cities to attract investors, who will be offered plots to set up their industries.

Initial Focus Industries

• The initial focus will be on promoting warehouse and logistics industries.
• Other industries to be established include:
• Electronic equipment
• Hosiery
• Food processing
• Chemicals
• Milk processing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Machinery
• Information Technology (IT)
• Agricultural produce-based units

Workshop on Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Development Inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Event Overview

• On October 6, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched a workshop dedicated to Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Tourism Development in the Pilibhit district. This event was timed to coincide with Wildlife Week.
• During the workshop, several important reports and books were released, including the Stork Census Report-2023 and the Lagga-Bagga Corridor Book. These materials were compiled by WWF India in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.

Development Initiatives

• Chief Minister Adityanath also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 26 development projects in the Pilibhit district, with a total investment of Rs 248 crore.
• Additionally, 51 upgraded forest rest buildings were announced, with an investment of Rs 5 crore.
• During the event, the logo and screen for the Terai Elephant Reserve were also unveiled.

Tiger Protection Initiatives

• The workshop saw the launch of the Bagh Mitra App, aimed at enhancing tiger protection efforts.
• Individuals recognized for their exceptional work in tiger conservation were honored as tiger friends and received citations for their contributions.
• Symbolic certificates for honey kits were presented to Harshit Sarkar and Nipun Vairagi as part of the recognition.

Five Players from Uttar Pradesh Chosen for Sultan of Johor Cup Hockey Tournament

Why is this News?

On October 9, 2023, Hockey India revealed the 20-member Indian junior men's hockey team for the upcoming Sultan of Johor Cup. Among them, five players from Uttar Pradesh have been selected.

Key Details

• The 11th Sultan of Johor Cup-2023 is scheduled to take place in Johor, Malaysia, from October 27 to November 4. This event is regarded as a Mini World Cup for junior hockey.
• The selected players from Uttar Pradesh are:
  • Aamir Ali from Lucknow
  • Uttam Singh and Arun Sahni from Sai Center, Lucknow
  • Abdul Ahad from Jhansi
  • Vishnukant Singh from Lucknow Sports Hostel
• This year, the tournament will feature eight teams, an increase from the usual six.
• The Sultan of Johor Cup is an international under-21 men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia, which began in 2011. India and Great Britain have each won the tournament three times, while Australia has won it twice, and Germany and Malaysia once each.

New Townships to be Established in Seven Cities including Ayodhya

On October 9, 2023, the state government gave permission to set up townships in the Housing Development Council cities along with Ayodhya, Meerut, Agra, Saharanpur, Varanasi, Moradabad, and Kanpur.

Key points

• For this, the ‘Chief Minister’s Urban Expansion New City Promotion Scheme’ has been started.
• All these development authorities and the Housing Development Council will be given ₹1680 crore under the Chief Minister Urban Expansion Scheme. The Development Authority and Housing Development Council will come up with a housing plan after acquiring the land.
• Under the scheme, the state government will bear 50 percent of the expenditure on land acquisition for the expansion of the developed township before the development of the new township for a maximum of 20 years. The remaining money will have to be raised by the concerned development authority itself.
• ₹400 crore to Housing Development Council, ₹400 crore to Varanasi Development Authority, ₹200 crore to Moradabad Development Authority, ₹200 crore to Kanpur Development Authority, ₹200 crore to Meerut Development Authority, ₹150 crore to Agra Development Authority, ₹100 crore to Saharanpur Development Authority and ₹30 crores to Ayodhya Development Authority will be allocated.

‘Vandan’ Scheme for Development of Historical-Religious Places

On October 10, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath led a Cabinet meeting where the ‘Vandan’ scheme was approved. This initiative aims to develop cultural, mythological, historical, and religious sites within urban areas.

Enhancements and Facilities

• The scheme, as explained by Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma, will improve these sites by providing basic facilities such as:
• Lighting
• Drinking water
• Toilets
• Cleanliness
• Link roads
• Benches

Selection and Development Process

• A committee chaired by the District Magistrate will select two sites each year for development under this scheme.
• Improvements will be made in collaboration with the Tourism Department and will include:
• Connectivity
• Resting areas
• Sheds
• Circumambulation paths
• Ghat construction

Budget and Funding Sources

• For the financial year 2023-24, a budget of Rs 50 crore has been allocated for this scheme.
• Additionally, these sites can be developed using funds from:
• The tourism department
• Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
• MP-MLA funds
• Municipal departments

23 Bus Stands to be Built on the Lines of Airports

Proposal Approval

• During the same Cabinet meeting on October 10, 2023, a proposal to develop 23 bus stands by the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation was approved.
• These bus stands will be modeled after airport standards and developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework.

Locations and Development Plan

• Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge) Dayashankar Singh outlined the locations for the bus stands, including:
• Sahibabad in Ghaziabad
• Transport Nagar and Eidgah in Agra
• Old Bus Stand in Mathura
• Various locations in Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Lucknow

Additional Locations

• Proposals to develop bus stands in Bulandshahr and Garhmukteshwar were also approved.
• Other cities included in the development plan are Lucknow, Meerut, Aligarh, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Rae Bareli, and Mirzapur.

Upgradation Responsibility

• The firm responsible for upgrading old bus stands in Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Gomtinagar, and Ghaziabad will also oversee the bus stands in Lucknow.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to lay the foundation stone for these projects soon.

Introduction of the Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development Urban (CM GRID) Scheme

On October 10, 2023, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved the launch of the Chief Minister Green Road Infrastructure Development Urban (CM GRID) Scheme. This initiative aims to improve urban road infrastructure.

• Financial Commitment:. budget of Rs. 500 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24 was sanctioned for this scheme.
• Phase-wise Implementation: Phase 1 will target 17 municipal corporations, including cities like Ayodhya, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, and others. Phase 2 will encompass Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council roads, supported by the creation of an Urban Road Infrastructure Development Agency.
• Grant Distribution: Grants for road development will be allocated based on the income generated by urban bodies in the previous financial year.
• Comprehensive Road Facilities: The scheme aims to offer various facilities, including utility ducts, footpaths, green zones, solar-based street lights, bus stops, EV charging stations, beautification efforts, and pedestrian amenities.
• Goals: The objective is to create urban roads that are safe, sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly, contributing to greener urban spaces.

Pesticides Banned to Save Taste and Quality of Basmati

• Announcement of Pesticide Ban: On October 10, 2023, Dr. Ritesh Sharma, a Principal Scientist at the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) in Modipuram, announced the banning of 10 pesticides to safeguard the taste and quality of basmati rice.
• Reason for the Ban: The ban was implemented due to the indiscriminate use of chemicals affecting the basmati crop. The aim is to enhance the quality and authentic taste of basmati rice, which is expected to boost basmati exports.
• Implementation of the Ban: The Additional Director (Agriculture Defence), Tripurari Prasad Choudhury, has implemented this ban in 30 districts across the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Banned Pesticides: The banned pesticides include insecticides such as: Acephate, Buprofezin, Chloropyriphos, Methamidophos, Propiconazole, Thiamethoxam, Profenofos, Isoprothiolane, Carbendazim, and Tricyclazole.
• Basmati Cultivation Areas: Basmati rice is grown in 30 districts of western Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Aligarh, Auraiya, Baghpat, and others.
• Geographical Indication (GI) Status: Basmati rice is recognized as a GI category crop in Uttar Pradesh. However, residues of agricultural chemicals used to combat pests and diseases are being detected in the rice.
• Export Challenges: The European Union has set a strict maximum pesticide residue level for tricyclazole in basmati rice at 0.01 ppm. Exceeding this limit has led to a decrease in exports to Europe, America, and Gulf countries by 15 percent in 2021-2022 compared to the previous year.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Memorial Birth Anniversary Fair in Mathura

On October 11, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated a four-day fair commemorating Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay's birth anniversary at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Dham in Nagla Chandrabhan, Farah, Mathura district.

• During the event, the Chief Minister also addressed the Virat Kisan Seminar and announced plans for a mini stadium in Farah.
• He flagged off a golf cart purchased by the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority to assist devotees.
• Additionally, he proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Deendayal Upadhyay Cow Research and Training Center and the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Veterinary University to promote self-reliance among farmers through cow conservation.
• Last year, a significant food processing center was established in Kosi Kalan, and now a new potato processing center will be set up in Agra district.

Reservation of Green Areas for Commercial Activities in Uttar Pradesh Cities

On October 12, 2023, Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, the Additional Chief Secretary (Housing) of Uttar Pradesh, made an announcement regarding the reservation of green areas for commercial activities in cities with a population exceeding five lakh.

These reserved areas will encompass various zones such as transport cities, economic zones, industrial sectors, and business activities. Transport cities will be organized following a comprehensive mobility plan, specifying road widths in markets and colonies.

The economic zones will be designated for small-scale industries, business activities, and corporate sector offices, incorporating green infrastructure and transit-oriented development.

The development authority will mark these reserved areas in the master plan, with the central government providing Rs 50 crore each for the development of facilities in these cities.

Gokarn further stated that the existing master plan will be updated to include facilities such as:

• 40 buses per one lakh population
• Multistorey parking and electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities
• Transport plans for densely populated and old areas
• Food street locations within economic zones

These facilities, mandated by the central government, will be implemented in the first 19 cities of Uttar Pradesh with a population exceeding five lakh.

The cities identified for this initiative include:

• Lucknow
• Varanasi
• Prayagraj
• Kanpur
• Agra
• Meerut
• Gorakhpur
• Ghaziabad
• Bareilly
• Moradabad
• Muzaffarnagar
• Aligarh
• Jhansi
• Firozabad
• Rampur
• Saharanpur
• Mathura-Vrindavan
• Hapur-Pilkhua
• Shahjahanpur

Collaboration Between Indian Agricultural Research Institute and IIT Kanpur

On October 13, 2023, the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR) and the Start-up Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC) of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support incubators and start-ups in the agriculture sector.

The MoU aims to create a conducive environment for the growth and success of start-ups, leveraging the expertise and resources of both organizations.

This partnership will promote innovative activities in agriculture through collaborative efforts, with a focus on advancing progress and innovations in the sector.

Mission Shakti

• Launch of Fourth Phase: On October 14, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the fourth phase of ‘Mission Shakti,’ a women empowerment initiative, from his official residence.
• Felicitation of Notable Women: During the launch event at Lok Bhawan, the Chief Minister honored Padmashri Hema Prabha Sotia, ISRO scientist Ritu Karidhal Srivastava, and HCL chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, recognizing them as symbols of empowerment and inspiration.
• Impact on Women’s Safety: The Chief Minister credited the decline in crimes against women in Uttar Pradesh, according to NCRB data, to the efforts of Mission Shakti. He also emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has become a state with stringent punishments for such crimes.
• Awareness Campaigns: Following the Chief Minister's directives, the Women and Child Development Department plans to organize large-scale events and activities to educate women about their rights in the upcoming days.
• District Magistrate Engagement:. significant event titled ‘Haq Ki Baat, Zila Magistrate Ke Sath’ will be conducted, where District Magistrates (DMs) from all districts will engage with women affected by violence, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

Awards for Amethi MP Sports Competition 2023

On October 13, 2023, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani presented prizes to the winners of the MP Sports Competition 2023 in Amethi district.

• Inauguration of Projects: During the award ceremony, 879 projects worth Rs 699.79 crore were either inaugurated or had their foundation stones laid.
• Competition Overview: The MP Sports Competition, held in Amethi over 25 days from September 17 to October 8, 2023, witnessed the participation of 1 lakh 11 thousand players who collectively won 50 thousand medals. The competition was conducted at both school and village levels across the Lok Sabha constituency.
• Prime Minister's Address: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the closing ceremony of the Amethi MP Sports Competition 2023 through a video message.

Inauguration of Gyan Dairy's Milk and Milk Products Project in Gorakhpur

On October 16, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the milk and milk products project of Gyan Dairy in Gida, Gorakhpur district. The project, set up by CP Milk and Food Products Pvt. Ltd, spans 20,067 square meters and is estimated to cost Rs 114 crore.

• Direct Benefits: The project will benefit 1 lakh cattle-rearing families, providing direct employment to 300 individuals and indirect employment to 1,500 others.
• Product Production: Various milk products will be produced, creating direct employment for 1 lakh families. Farmers will also be offered fair prices for nutritious feed for their cows and buffaloes.
• Cooperative Societies: Milk producer cooperative societies will be established in Gorakhpur and Basti divisions.
• Milk Collection Centers: 5,000 milk collection centers will be set up in Gorakhpur, Deoria, Kushinagar, Basti, Sant Kabirnagar, and Siddharthnagar districts, providing direct and indirect employment to 1,800 people.
• Daily Milk Consumption: The project will consume 5 lakh liters of milk daily, with 3 lakh liters packaged and 2 lakh liters used for various products. Contracts will be signed with 1 lakh farmers and cattle herders for milk supply.

Recognition of Women in Dairy Industry: During the inauguration, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also honored five women associated with the dairy industry, highlighting their contributions and achievements.

Shree Anna Mahotsav in Lucknow

Overview:. three-day event called the Shree Anna Mahotsav, along with a state-level workshop on millets, is scheduled to be held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow from October 27 to 29, 2023. This event is organized in preparation for Krishi Kumbh 2.0 and will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Schedule and Participants: The event will feature different groups of farmers on each day:

• October 27: Farmers from Lucknow, Kanpur, Ayodhya, Basti, Azamgarh, and Devipatan divisions.
• October 28: Farmers from Saharanpur, Meerut, Aligarh, Agra, and Moradabad divisions.
• October 29: Farmers from Gorakhpur, Bareilly, Varanasi, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, and Mirzapur divisions.

Participation is also expected from teachers and students of agricultural universities and colleges.

Objectives: The main goals of the Shree Anna Mahotsav are:

• To honor progressive farmers and motivate others to adopt millet production practices.
• To raise awareness about various aspects of millet crops, including their production, consumption, marketing, and export.

Conference Details: The conference will involve the participation of:

• 50 progressive farmers from each district.
• 10 representatives from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in each district.
• 10 technical assistants from each district.

Millets Workshop: During the workshop, 35 FPOs will be certified for seed money and grants to establish millet-based processing plants. The Chief Minister will allocate Rs 4 lakh per unit to each FPO.

Product Stalls: There will be 40 stalls showcasing Shree Anna products. These stalls will feature FPOs, participants, and companies working with millets to promote the benefits of millet products.

Introduction of Digital Doctor Clinics in Uttar Pradesh Villages

The government of Uttar Pradesh is set to launch Digital Doctor Clinics in rural areas, aiming to enhance healthcare access in villages. This initiative comes after a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) valued at Rs 350 crore with the Obdu Group. The primary goal is to offer medical consultations, medicines, and pathology testing for serious illnesses at affordable prices.

Key Features of the Digital Doctor Clinic Initiative

• Telemedicine Services: Patients in rural regions will have the opportunity to consult doctors through video conferencing, facilitating remote medical consultations and treatment.
• Primary Health Center Model: The clinics will operate on a model similar to primary health centers, providing a wide range of medical services to patients.
• Pilot Project: The initiative will begin with the establishment of clinics in 20 centers located in Lucknow and Bulandshahr as part of a pilot project, with plans for subsequent expansion across the entire state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Private Investment: The Digital Doctor Clinics initiative is being implemented through private investment, ensuring the availability of essential medical services in rural areas where such facilities are often lacking.

Approval of Compressed Biogas and Biodiesel Projects in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has given the green light to 12 proposals for the establishment of compressed biogas (CBG) and biodiesel production plants. These projects, approved on October 19, 2023, during a meeting led by Additional Chief Secretary Mahesh Kumar Gupta, involve an investment of Rs 550 crore.

Project Details:

• The approved projects are expected to produce 93 tonnes of compressed biogas and 44 kiloliters of biodiesel daily.
• UPNEDA has received a total of 25 investment proposals, with 13 projects already approved and under construction, totaling an investment of Rs 1271 crore.
• Anupam Shukla, Director of UPNEDA, highlighted that the agency has received investment proposals worth approximately Rs 7 lakh crore in the new and renewable energy sector, with around Rs 57 thousand crore in the bioenergy sector under the Uttar Pradesh State Bio Energy Policy-2022.
• A total of 354 investors have submitted proposals for the establishment of compressed biogas, biodiesel, and bio coal plants, with 80 projects receiving in-principle approval from UPNEDA.

List of Approved Projects:

• Carbon Circle Private Limited, Bareilly (Compressed Biogas)
• Anand Mangal Infra Developers Private Limited, Meerut (Biodiesel)
• Ecotaras Sustainable Solution Private Limited, Sitapur (Biodiesel)
• Biospark Energy Private Limited, Muzaffarnagar (Biodiesel)
• Panchavati Food, Rae Bareli (Biodiesel)
• Adani Total Energy Biomass Private Limited, Mathura (Biodiesel)
• Resolution India Private Limited, Muzaffarnagar (Biodiesel)
• Organic Alternative Energy Limited, Moradabad (Biodiesel)
• BK Investment Service Private Limited, Saharanpur (Biodiesel)
• Shree Shatakshi Biotech Private Limited, Shamli (Biodiesel)
• Sisodia Research Laboratories Private Limited, Lucknow (Biodiesel)
• Lucknow Mat Fusion Weld Pvt. Ltd. (Biodiesel)

National Aging Center to be Established in BHU

Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has announced the approval for the construction of a National Aging Center in Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Uttar Pradesh. This decision came in response to a query from Rajya Sabha MP Seema Dwivedi on October 19, 2023.

The National Aging Center will be the third facility of its kind in India, following similar centers at AIIMS in Delhi and Madras Medical College in Chennai.

The center aims to provide comprehensive healthcare and rehabilitation services for the elderly under the National Program for Healthcare of the Elderly. It will feature 200 beds and be located at the old petrol pump site within BHU. The six-story facility will offer specialized treatment for various ailments, reducing the need for elderly patients to travel long distances for care.

Introduction of Dialysis Units in Uttar Pradesh

On October 19, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government approved the establishment of dialysis units in 11 hospitals across the state to cater to kidney patients. This initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, aims to improve healthcare facilities and services in Uttar Pradesh.

Locations for Dialysis Units

• Dialysis units will be set up in hospitals situated in the districts of Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur.
• Each unit will be equipped with four beds to accommodate patients requiring dialysis treatment.

Additional Healthcare Facilities

• In addition to dialysis units, blood banks will also be established in the same hospitals located in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur.
• This initiative aims to modernize government hospitals with essential facilities, thereby enhancing the overall healthcare services provided to the public.

Specific Instructions and Collaborations

• Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak has stressed the importance of timely implementation for the opening of these dialysis units to ensure immediate benefits to patients.
• Rotary International has been authorized to assist in the setup of blood banks in these hospitals, ensuring the necessary infrastructure and resources are in place for these vital services.

Examples of Dialysis Unit Setup

• At Lok Bandhu Raj Narayan Hospital in Lucknow, two dialysis units with four beds each are planned to be established.
• Similar dialysis unit setups are also being planned for hospitals in Varanasi and Gorakhpur districts.

Selection of Weavers for the Kabir Award in Uttar Pradesh

The Sant Kabir State Handloom Award in Uttar Pradesh has acknowledged three skilled weavers for their outstanding contributions to handloom and handicrafts. The selection committee, led by DM S Rajalingam, announced the regional winners during a meeting on October 19, 2023.

Winners and Their Contributions

• Lakshmi from Varanasi: Recognized for her innovative color cart design, showcasing her creativity and skill in handloom.
• Rukhsar Begum from Mirzapur: Honored for her exquisite carpet work, reflecting the rich tradition and craftsmanship of the region.
• Mangala Prasad Maurya from Varanasi: Awarded for his beautiful dupatta designs, contributing to the vibrant handloom sector.

Prizes and Recognition

• Winners of the Kabir Award receive a shield, certificate, angavastram, and a cash prize.
• First prize: Rs 20,000, Second prize: Rs 15,000, Third prize: Rs 10,000.

Significance of the Kabir Award

• The Kabir Award aims to promote and preserve traditional handloom and handicraft skills in the region.
• It encourages artisans to continue their craft and provides recognition and financial support for their hard work.

Prime Minister Launches India’s First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

On October 20, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the initial section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor at Sahibabad RapidX station in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. During the event, he also flagged off the ‘Namo Bharat’ RapidX train connecting the depot.

• Namo Bharat Train: Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the newly launched Namo Bharat train is ‘Made in India,’ with all support staff and locomotive pilots being women.
• Future Expansion: The Prime Minister announced plans to develop similar RRTS systems in other parts of the country to enhance connectivity and create job opportunities.
• Modernization of Indian Railways: He envisioned the trinity of ‘Amrit Bharat,’ ‘Vande Bharat,’ and ‘Namo Bharat’ as symbols of Indian Railways modernization by the decade’s end.
• Multi-modal Connectivity: The Namo Bharat system will connect Delhi’s Sarai Kale Khan, Anand Vihar, Ghaziabad, and Meerut bus stations, metro stations, and railway stations.

Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor

• The 17 km long priority section of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor will connect Sahibabad with ‘Duhai Depot’ along with Ghaziabad, Guldhar and Duhai stations. The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor on March 8, 2019.
• RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high speed, high frequency computer transit system. 180 km. With speeds of up to one per hour, the RRTS is a transformative, regional development initiative designed to provide high-speed trains for intercity commutes every 15 minutes, moving up to a frequency of every 5 minutes as required.
• A total of eight RRTS corridors have been identified to be developed in the National Capital Region (NCR), out of which three corridors have been given priority for implementation in Phase-I, which include Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor, Delhi-Gurugram- SNB-Alwar corridor and Delhi-Panipat corridor are included.
• The Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is being built at a cost of over Rs 30,000 crore and will connect Delhi to Meerut in less than an hour, passing through the urban centres of Ghaziabad, Muradnagar and Modinagar.
• The RRTS network will have extensive multi-modal integration with railway stations, metro stations, bus services, etc.
• Such transformative regional mobility solutions will boost economic activity in the region, provide better access to employment, education and health care opportunities and help significantly reduce vehicular congestion and air pollution.

Navy Museum in Lucknow

On October 21, 2023, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh laid the foundation for the Naval Valor Museum in CG City, Lucknow, situated near Ekana Stadium. This project, with an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore, aims to honor the legacy of INS Gomti, a decommissioned Indian Navy ship.

The museum will display various combat systems and military artifacts from INS Gomti, which served the Indian Navy for 34 years and was involved in significant operations such as Cactus, Parakram, and Rainbow before its decommissioning in May 2022.

INS Gomti, named after the Gomti River and commissioned in 1988, was the third ship of the Godavari class guided-missile frigates and played a vital role in enhancing the capabilities of the Indian Navy.

Lucknow Clinches Top Spot in Khelo India Women’s Judo League

On October 23, 2023, it was announced that Lucknow topped the Khelo India Women’s Judo League, achieving an impressive tally of 12 gold, 5 silver, and 22 bronze medals. The league included events for sub-junior, cadet, junior, and senior categories, all held at the Indian Para Judo Academy in Hazratganj, Lucknow.

Barabanki secured the second position with 9 gold, 11 silver, and 9 bronze medals. Among the standout gold medalists in the sub-junior category from Lucknow were Tika Bali from Bal Sadan and Nishtha from MD Club. The league saw participation from over 100 girls representing districts like Hardoi, Barabanki, and Lakhimpur Kheri. The awards were presented by Additional Chief Secretary Mahesh Kumar Gupta during the closing ceremony.

Ankur Dhama’s Gold Medal Triumph at Asian Para Games

Ankur Dhama, from Baghpat district in Uttar Pradesh, won a gold medal in the 5000 meters race at the Asian Para Games held in Hangzhou, China, from October 22 to 28, 2023. This victory adds to his impressive record, including two gold medals at the 2009 World Youth and Student Championships and a silver and two bronze medals at the Asian Para Games in 2014. Dhama also competed in the 2016 Para Olympics and received the Arjuna Award in 2018 for his achievements as a para athlete. The Asian Para Games, organized by the Asian Paralympic Committee, is a significant multi-sport event for athletes with physical disabilities, held every four years following the Asian Games.

Laadli Awards 2023: ‘Gaon Connection’ Receives Double Honor

Recently, ‘Gaon Connection’ was honored twice at the 13th Laadli Media and Advertising Awards in Jaipur, organized by ‘Population First’, an esteemed organization focused on gender equality.

• Recognition for Ground Reports on Crimes Against Dalit Girls

• Two ground reports from Uttar Pradesh documenting crimes against Dalit girls were recognized at the Laadli Awards 2023. The reports were awarded in the categories of English Investigative Story and Web Investigative Story.

• ‘2 murders, 22 months, 1 court proceeding - families of deceased Dalit cousins in Unnao still awaiting justice’

  • Reporter: Manvendra Singh

  • Published on: December 11, 2022

  • Category: Hindi: Web – Investigative Story

  • Story Overview: This report investigates the alleged poisoning of three minor Dalit girls in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, in 2021. Two of the girls died, while one survived. The story highlights the ongoing struggle for justice faced by the families of the deceased girls, despite the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

• ‘Accused out on bail for 8 years’

  • Reporters: Shivani Gupta and Abhishek Verma (Cameraperson)

  • Published on: October 7, 2022

  • Category: English: Investigative Story

  • Story Overview: This report is part of a series titled ‘Two Cursed’, which examines the lives of rape victims years after the crime. It focuses on the Badaun gang-rape-murder case and the prolonged wait for justice faced by the victim’s family.

About the Laadli Media Awards

• The Laadli Media Awards are organized by Population First, a Mumbai-based social impact organization, with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
• The awards aim to promote gender sensitization in the media across India.
• In the 13th edition of the awards, 87 journalists were recognized for their work in gender-sensitive reporting, while 31 others received jury commendation certificates.
• Over 850 entries were submitted in 13 languages for the awards.

Amar Ujala’s Chandrabhan Yadav Receives ‘Laadli Media Award’

• Chandrabhan Yadav, the chief correspondent of Amar Ujala State Bureau in Uttar Pradesh, has been honored with the ‘Laadli Media Awards 2023’ by ‘Population First’, an esteemed organization advocating for gender equality.

• The ‘Laadli Media Award’ aims to promote gender sensitivity in media, and this year, over 850 journalists from across the country submitted entries in 13 languages. Out of these, 87 were selected and honored by the jury, while 31 journalists received commendation letters.

• Yadav was recognized for his story published in Amar Ujala titled ‘Illness husband and wife both suffer, yet the wife is suffering’, which highlights the struggles of a couple facing health issues, with a focus on the wife's suffering.

• Yadav had previously received. fellowship from the Reach Media Foundation for his work. The award ceremony was attended by notable figures, including the vice-chancellor of Baba Amte Divyang University, Jaipur, Prof. S.K. Singh, and representatives from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).