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

Uttar Pradesh: Pioneering Fire Stations at Tehsil Level

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced that Uttar Pradesh will be the first state in India to establish fire stations at the tehsil level. This initiative aims to enhance fire safety and emergency response across the state.

Key Highlights

• During the announcement, the Chief Minister virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation for 38 new fire stations.
• The UP Fire and Emergency Services has a long history, having been established in 1944.
• There was a significant lag in the establishment of fire stations until 2017, with only 288 in place by then. However, in the past seven years, over 70 new fire stations have been added, reflecting a marked improvement in fire safety infrastructure.
• In addition to the fire stations, the Chief Minister also flagged off 35 new firefighting vehicles.
• Emphasizing the importance of quick response times, he highlighted that reducing the time it takes for fire tenders to reach the scene is crucial for minimizing loss of life and property.
• As part of the broader disaster management framework, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also been established in Uttar Pradesh.

State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)

• The SDRF in Uttar Pradesh was constituted under the Disaster Management Act of 2005. It serves as the primary fund for state governments to respond to notified disasters.
• The Central Government plays a significant role in funding the SDRF, contributing 75% of the allocation for general category states and 90% for special category states.
• The annual central contribution is released in two installments, based on the Finance Commission's recommendations.
• Funds from the SDRF are exclusively used for providing immediate relief to disaster victims.
• The headquarters of the SDRF in Uttar Pradesh is located in Lucknow.

MYUVA Scheme

The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh is set to launch the "Mukhyamantri Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (MYUVA)" scheme, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among the state's youth.

• This initiative intends to prepare 100,000 young entrepreneurs annually by providing interest-free loans for projects up to Rs 5 lakh.
• To support this endeavor, the government has allocated Rs 1,000 crore in the budget for the financial year 2024-25.
• The scheme is designed to empower educated and skilled youth across the state, facilitating self-employment opportunities and encouraging the establishment of new ventures.

Beneficiaries

• Youth who have completed training under various government-run schemes, such as the Toolkit Scheme and the Skill Upgradation (Kaushal Unnayan) program by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, are eligible for assistance.
• Additionally, individuals holding certificates, diplomas, and degrees from educational institutions will also be entitled to benefits under this scheme.

Loan Stages

• Upon successful repayment of the first loan, units can access second-stage financing.
• This involves a composite loan of double the initial amount or up to Rs 7.50 lakh.

Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana

• The Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana aims to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople engaged in various occupations such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, and sculpting.
• The focus is on preserving cultural heritage and integrating these artisans into the formal economy and global value chains.
• This scheme will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, fully funded by the Government of India.
• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoMSME) is the Nodal Ministry for this scheme.

Objectives

• Integrate artisans into domestic and global value chains to enhance their market access and opportunities.
• Preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage of traditional crafts.
• Assist artisans in transitioning to the formal economy and integrating them into global value chains.

Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission

• The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission was established as a society registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• It operates under the Department of Vocational Education and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and was founded on 13th September 2013.

UP Government Allocated Funds for Schools and Anganwadi

Aspirational Cities Scheme

The Uttar Pradesh Government has launched the Aspirational Cities Scheme to accelerate development in 100 underdeveloped cities within the state.

Key Points:

• The initial focus of this scheme will be on transforming schools and Anganwadi centers in these targeted cities.
• A specific plan has been devised for Anganwadi centers, aligning with the Chief Minister's directives.
• Under the Chief Minister's directives, 913 schools in the 100 aspirational urban areas will be upgraded, and 25 new schools will be established.
• In the 100 underdeveloped urban areas, new buildings will be constructed for 348 Anganwadi centers currently located in rented or alternative government structures.
• The state government has allocated over Rs 143 crores for the implementation of these projects.
• Additionally, 25 new Mukhyamantri Abhyudaya Composite Schools will be set up at a total cost of Rs 35.5 crores, with each school costing Rs 1.42 crores.
• Overall, the state government plans to spend Rs 101.83 crores for the upgradation and establishment of new schools.

Okhla Bird Sanctuary Observes World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day (WWD) was recently celebrated at the Okhla Bird Sanctuary, emphasizing its diverse biodiversity and the theme of "Mission LiFE." WWD is observed annually on March 3 to honor wild animals and plants. 

• Theme for WWD 2024: The theme for WWD 2024 is "Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation," highlighting the importance of digital innovations in wildlife conservation efforts. 
• Inter-generational Exchange: The event provided a platform for inter-generational exchange and youth empowerment through activities such as art, presentations, and discussions on sustainable digital wildlife conservation. 
• Role of Technological Innovation: Advances in technology, including research tools, communication methods, tracking systems, and DNA analysis, have made wildlife conservation efforts more efficient and accurate. 
• Digital Revolution: The ongoing global digital revolution is dismantling barriers to people-centered digital governance, offering equal opportunities for all to engage in digital transformation for wildlife conservation. 
• Activities Organised: Various activities were organized during the event, including eco trails, poster making, and on-the-spot hand and face painting, all centered around the theme of WWD 2024.

Subsidies for Green Hydrogen Projects in Uttar Pradesh

• The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has recently approved a substantial subsidy program amounting to 50.4 billion rupees (approximately USD 608 million) to promote the production of green hydrogen. 
• This initiative is part of the state's Green Hydrogen Policy, which aims to establish a significant capacity for green hydrogen production by 2028.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• If successful, Uttar Pradesh's policy could contribute to one-fifth of India’s ambitious target of producing five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030, as outlined in the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• The focus of this policy is to meet existing demand in industrial processes such as chemicals and oil refining, replacing grey hydrogen, which is currently produced using fossil fuels.
• Grey hydrogen, which has been the standard due to its reliance on gas, is being phased out in favor of green hydrogen, which offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative.

The Green Hydrogen Policy aims to achieve the following:

• Produce one million metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2028.
• Fast-track environmental permitting for producers.
• Rebate on transmission charges for the intrastate grid.
• Exemption from electricity tax for ten years.
• Exemption from stamp duty.

Land Leasing Initiatives

• The state government plans to lease land to state-owned enterprises for green hydrogen projects at a nominal rate of one rupee per acre per year.
• Private renewable hydrogen investors will be offered land leases at a rate of 15,000 rupees (approximately USD 181) per acre per year.

National Green Hydrogen Mission

• The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched by the Union Cabinet in January 2022, aims to promote the production and use of green hydrogen and green ammonia. 
• The mission focuses on various components, including strategic interventions for green hydrogen transition and partnerships for research and development. 
• The expected outcomes by 2030 include significant annual production of green hydrogen, fossil fuel import savings, job creation, and substantial investments.

Hydrogen Types

• Produced through electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar and wind. It has a lower carbon footprint as the process emits no harmful gases.

Green Hydrogen

• Made from natural gas, releasing associated emissions into the atmosphere. This is the most common form of hydrogen currently used.

Grey Hydrogen

• Similar to grey hydrogen but with carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions.

Blue Hydrogen

• Produced from coal, with emissions released into the atmosphere, making it the least environmentally friendly option.

Uses of Hydrogen

• Hydrogen is primarily an energy carrier, capable of storing and delivering large amounts of energy. It can be used to generate electricity, heat, and power through fuel cells.
• Currently, hydrogen is widely used in petroleum refining and fertilizer production, with emerging markets in transportation and utilities.
• Hydrogen and fuel cells have potential applications in distributed energy systems, backup power, renewable energy storage, and portable power solutions.
• Their high efficiency and low emissions make them suitable for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors.

Uttar Pradesh Government Launches 'Project Praveen' for Skill Training

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented 'Project Praveen' to provide skill training to over 61,000 boys and girls in the state. This initiative aims to equip youths with free, modern courses to prepare them for the job market.

• 'Project Praveen' targets students in classes 9 to 12 attending higher secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh. Under this scheme, students receive daily free training in various trades aligned with their interests, such as IT, electronics, beauty, healthcare, apparel, and accounting, alongside their regular studies.
• The project is operated under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Secondary Education and the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission. Its primary goal is to revamp the state's education system and curriculum.
• Initially launched as a pilot project in 2022-23, 'Project Praveen' provided training to 20,582 students across 150 government secondary schools. The Kasturba Gandhi Girls School was also included, facilitating training for 3,450 girl students. For the year 2023-24, 315 government secondary schools have been included in the project, with skill development training already provided to 61,400 students.
• All courses offered under 'Project Praveen' are certified and approved at the national level by the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). Students receive certificates upon completion of training and assessment, which are valid throughout the country.
• Training is conducted by private training centres within the schools, with trainers certified under the Training of Teachers (TOT) program and registered with the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM).
• The National Skill Development Policy, launched in 2009, aims to skill 500 million persons by 2022, with Uttar Pradesh targeting to skill over 4 million youth by the end of the 12th Five Year Plan. The UPSDM coordinates all skill development initiatives in the state, leveraging the State Skill Development Policy and empaneling private and government training partners.
• NCVET, established as a regulatory body by the Government of India in 2018, aims to set standards, develop regulations, and improve the vocational education, training, and skilling ecosystem. The National Skill Development Mission (NSDM) aims to create convergence across sectors and States in skill training activities, expediting decision-making to achieve skilling at scale with speed and standards.

177 Development Projects Inaugurated in Sonbhadra

• The Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas recently inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for in Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh, virtually.

177 development projects

• These projects, worth are funded from the Minister’s MPLAD (Members of Parliament Local Area Development) fund.

Rs 10 crore 41 lakh,

• Sonbhadra has been consistently among the top five districts in the overall performance of the since January 2018.

Aspirational Districts Programme

• The minister has been overseeing Sonbhadra’s development under this programme since 2018.

MPLAD Scheme

• Launched in December 1993, the MPLAD Scheme allows MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, focusing on creating durable community assets.
• Since June 2016, funds can also be used for initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and the Accessible India Campaign.

Aspirational Districts Programme

• This programme, initiated in 2018, aims to improve districts with poor socio-economic indicators.
• Aspirational Districts are those that lag in key social and economic areas.

PM Launches Projects Worth Over ₹34,000 Crore

• The Prime Minister of India recently launched various development projects worth over across the country.

₹34,000 crore

• In the civil aviation sector, he , including the unveiling of 12 new Terminal Buildings at various airports and the foundation stones for three new Terminal Buildings at other airports.

initiated the construction of multiple airport projects

• The Prime Minister also which has led to the construction of over 2000 affordable flats with modern amenities.

inaugurated the Light House Project,

• Furthermore, he dedicated valued at more than ₹3700 crore, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, benefiting approximately 59 districts in Uttar Pradesh.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

• Launched on December 25, 2000, this scheme aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.
• The eligibility criteria include habitations with a population of 500 or more in plain areas and 250 or more in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, Deserts, and Tribal Areas, as per the 2001 census.
• An unconnected habitation is defined as one located at least 500 meters or more (1.5 km in hilly areas) from an all-weather road or a connected habitation.
• The core network refers to the minimal network of roads essential for providing basic access to social and economic services to all eligible habitations through at least single all-weather road connectivity.
• The latest funding pattern involves allocating funds to states commensurate with the value of projects sanctioned to them in subsequent years.

Uttar Pradesh to Rename 8 Railway Stations

Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the Uttar Pradesh government’s proposal to rename eight railway stations in Amethi district. The aim of this decision is to preserve the cultural identity and heritage of the region.

The proposal suggests renaming Kasimpur halt as Jais City and several intermediate stations, including Jais as Guru Gorakhnath Dham, Bani as Swami Paramhans, Misrauli as Maa Kalikan Dham, Nihalgarh as Maharaja Bijli Pasi, Akbarganj as Maa Ahorwa Bhawani Dham, Warisganj as Amar Shahid Bhale Sultan, and Fursatganj as Tapeshwarnath Dham.

Uttar Pradesh to Install 100 Telemetric Weather Stations to Monitor Drought

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to set up Telemetric Weather Stations (TWS) in the 100 most drought-prone tehsils across the state, including all tehsils in the seven districts of the Bundelkhand region.

• This initiative aims to monitor and address the persistent drought conditions by gathering data on temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and other factors. The TWS will be strategically located 7-10 kilometres from existing Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and Automatic Rain-Gauge Stations (ARG), in areas measuring 10 x 10 metres.
• The Bundelkhand region, comprising Hamirpur, Banda, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Mahoba, and Chitrakoot districts, faces annual drought challenges.
• An automated version of a conventional weather station used to monitor weather in remote areas or where manpower is limited.
• Meteorological stations where observations are made and transmitted automatically.

Uttar Pradesh Government Invites Private Investment in E-Mobility Initiative

The Uttar Pradesh government has recently called for private investment in its e-mobility initiative, aiming to introduce 50,000 electric buses across 75 districts within the next five years.

• The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has issued a tender for the supply, operation, and maintenance of 5,000 e-buses on a gross cost contract basis.
• In the initial phase, 5,000 e-buses are set to be deployed in the upcoming financial year 2024-25.
• Bidders will be responsible for not only the e-buses but also the necessary electrical and civil infrastructure.
• They will operate on existing inter-district routes under a revenue-sharing model.
• This initiative aims to replace 12,000 diesel buses, significantly reducing carbon emissions in the state’s public transport fleet.

Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC)

• UPSRTC is a public sector corporation providing passenger road transport services in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring North Indian states.
• It operates the largest fleet of buses in North India, offering both state and interstate bus services.
• The corporation, headquartered in Lucknow, was established on June 1, 1972, under the Road Transport Act, 1950.
• Its objectives include developing the road transport sector to foster trade and industry, coordinating road transport with other transport modes, and providing efficient and economical road transport services to residents.

Bundelkhand Set to Become New Energy Hub with 10 Solar Projects

Bundelkhand is on the verge of becoming a new energy powerhouse in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of 10 solar energy projects expected to generate over 3,000 megawatts of electricity.

These solar energy production plants will be established in the districts of Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Banda, Chitrakoot, and Mahoba, with a significant number of projects concentrated in Jhansi district.

• Jhansi District:  600 MW solar plant at Rs 3,430 crore, creating 300 jobs.
• Tusco: 100 MW solar plant at Rs 1,200 crore, generating over 1,000 jobs.
• Fourth Partner Energy Private Ltd: 135 MW open-access solar project at Rs 600 crore, creating 2,000 jobs.
• Lalitpur District: 600 MW solar plant at Rs 3,450 crore, creating 300 jobs.
• Banda District: 750 MW solar project at Rs 350 crore.
• Mahoba District: 155 MW Arjun Sagar Floating Solar Power Project at Rs 1,008 crore, creating 78 jobs.
• Tusco: Solar project at Rs 80 crore.
• Chitrakoot District: 800 MW solar project at Rs 4,700 crore, creating 400 jobs.
• Other Projects: Solar power plant worth Rs 202 crore in Bundelkhand.
• Shree Cement Private Ltd: With these projects, Bundelkhand is set to play a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh’s energy landscape, significantly contributing to the state’s solar power generation capacity.

Allahabad High Court Deems UP Madrasa Education Act Unconstitutional

The Allahabad High Court has recently declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, as "unconstitutional." The court found that the Act violates the principle of secularism enshrined in the Constitution. As a result, the court has ordered the state government to integrate current madarsa students into the formal schooling system.

• The petitioner challenged the constitutionality of the UP Madarsa Board and raised concerns about the management of madarsas by the Minority Welfare Department instead of the Education Department.
• The petitioner argued that the Madarsa Act infringes upon the basic structure of the Constitution, particularly Article 21-A, which mandates quality compulsory education for children up to the age of 14 years/Class-VIII. They contended that the Act fails to provide universal and quality education to all children studying in madarsas.
• In Uttar Pradesh, there are approximately 25,000 madrasas, of which 16,500 are recognized by the UP Madrassa Education Board. Among these, 560 madrasas receive government grants. Additionally, there are around 8,500 unrecognized madrasas in the state.
• The Madarsa Education Act was enacted in 2004 to regulate madrasa education, focusing on subjects such as Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Islamic studies, traditional medicine, philosophy, and other specified branches. The UP Madrasa Education Board was established to oversee this education, comprising a chairperson, director, and representatives from various sectors, including Sunni and Shia communities.
• Article 21 (A) of the Constitution ensures the Right to Education, making free and compulsory education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen years. This provision was introduced by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002, replacing an earlier provision under Article 45 in Part IV of the Constitution.
• In summary, the Allahabad High Court's ruling highlights the importance of upholding constitutional principles, including secularism and the right to quality education for all children, regardless of the type of institution they attend.

UP Madrasa Education Act, 2004

• The Act was introduced to streamline and regulate madrassa education in Uttar Pradesh.

Purpose:

• The Act defines madrassa education as encompassing subjects such as Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Islamic studies, traditional medicine (Tibb), philosophy, and other specified branches of study.

Definition of Madrassa Education:

• The UP Madrasa Education Board was reconstituted under the Act to oversee madrassa education. The board includes a chairperson, a director, the principal of the state-run Oriental College in Rampur, a legislator representing both Sunni and Shia sects, a representative from the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), heads and teachers of Sunni and Shia institutions, and a science or Tibb teacher.

Board Composition:

• The primary objective of the board is to promote and regulate madrassa education, ensuring that it meets certain standards and criteria.

Objectives:

• The establishment of the UP Madrasa Education Board in 2004 was part of a broader effort by the state government to promote various languages and subjects, similar to the formation of the Sanskrit Education Council in Uttar Pradesh.

Article 21 (A)

• Article 21 (A) of the Indian Constitution mandates that the State shall provide free and compulsory education to all children aged six to fourteen years.

Right to Education:

• This provision makes elementary education a Fundamental Right, while higher or professional education is not included as a Fundamental Right.

Fundamental Right:

• Article 21 (A) was added by the 86th Constitutional Amendment Act of 2002.

Constitutional Amendment:

• Before the 86th amendment, the Constitution had a provision for free and compulsory education for children under Article 45 in Part IV of the Constitution.

Uttar Pradesh Issues 5 Crore Ayushman Cards

• Uttar Pradesh has become the first state in India to issue five crore Ayushman cards, a significant milestone in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

Recent Achievement:

• The scheme aims to provide financial protection to economically disadvantaged individuals against healthcare costs. Uttar Pradesh has made remarkable progress with a total of 50,017,920 Ayushman cards issued, benefiting 74,382,304 individuals.

Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

• The process of issuing Ayushman cards has been streamlined in Uttar Pradesh. Panchayat assistants, Kotedars, and Asha workers conduct door-to-door visits to facilitate card creation for residents. Eligible beneficiaries can also obtain their cards at the Gram Panchayat Bhawan within their villages.

Streamlined Process:

• Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme, Uttar Pradesh has witnessed 3,481,252 health claims filed, with an impressive settlement rate of 92.48%. This indicates the scheme’s effectiveness in providing timely assistance to those in need.

Health Claims:

• The Ayushman Bharat Scheme is the world’s largest health insurance scheme fully financed by the government. Launched in 2018, it offers a sum insured of Rs. 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care. Health Benefit Packages under the scheme cover surgery, medical and day care treatments, cost of medicines, and diagnostics.

Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra Lead India’s Post-Pandemic Growth: SBI Report

The State Bank of India (SBI) Research Report highlights the strong economic recovery and growth of the Indian economy post-Covid-19. The average real growth has improved significantly to from 5.7% before the pandemic.

Key Points from the Report:

• Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were major contributors to the 235 basis point growth, with 56 and 40 basis points, respectively.

Contribution to Growth:

• Gujarat has seen a remarkable increase in its economic output, doubling it and achieving a 2.2 times increase over the past decade. Other states like Karnataka, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Sikkim, and Madhya Pradesh also showed significant economic progress.

Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP):

• Some states, such as Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, have maintained stable per capita income growth. However, states like Jharkhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab, Delhi, and Goa have experienced a decline in per capita income growth.

Per Capita Income Growth:

• There has been a notable reduction in state-wide inequality in terms of per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Reduction in State-Wide Inequality:

• The research team at SBI emphasized the importance of ongoing policy support and targeted interventions to sustain and enhance economic growth across all states.

Need for Policy Support:

• Basis points are used to measure percentage changes in financial instruments or rate changes in indices. One basis point equals 0.01% or 0.0001 in decimal form.