Madhya Pradesh current affairs 2018 (jan-Dec)

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Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – January 2018

Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to achieve complete door-to-door garbage Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in India to completely implement door-to- door garbage collection in all areas under urban bodies.
  1. Maya Singh, Urban Development and Housing Minister, said that measures like solid waste management at landfill sites and processing through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode are implemented in urban areas.
  2. She instructed the respective officials to submit weekly reports on the progress of work done in solid waste management centres. She said that, garbage collection should be carried out on holidays also.
PM Narendra Modi attends Annual DGP Conference at BSF Academy in Tekanpur

On 7th and 8th January 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Annual Conference of DGPs and IGPs at the BSF (Border Security Force) Academy in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. The DGPs Conference is conducted annually. It has participation from top police officials from all over India. They discuss issues related to security matters.
  2. This Annual DGP Conference is held outside the national capital in line with Prime Minister’s vision to conduct such conferences all over India, not restricted only to Delhi.
IFC to provide $440 mn debt to Rewa solar park developers

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member institution of the World Bank Group will provide $440 million debt to Mahindra Renewables Pvt. Ltd, Acme Group and global private equity fund Actis Llp to build the Rewa solar park in Madhya Pradesh.

i. Earlier, Rewa Ultra Mega Power Ltd had invited bids for the solar projects. Based on the bidding, three 250MW projects were awarded to Acme Solar Holdings Pvt. Ltd, Mahindra Renewables Pvt. Ltd and Actis LLP’s Solenergi Power Pvt. Ltd.

MP Govt to impose 50 paisecess on petrol and diesel to fund road infrastructure

On January 3, 2017, Madhya Pradesh government decided to impose 50 paisa cess on per litre of petrol and diesel.

  1. Decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Funds raised through this cess will be used for developing and strengthening road infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh and for laying the metro railroad in Bhopal and Indore.

MP Govt to impose 50 paisecess on petrol and diesel to fund road infrastructure

On January 3, 2017, Madhya Pradesh government decided to impose 50 paisa cess on per litre of petrol and diesel.

  1. Decision in this regard was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
  2. Funds raised through this cess will be used for developing and strengthening road infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh and for laying the metro railroad in Bhopal and Indore.
Indian, Vietnamese armies hold first military exercise ‘VINBAX’

On January 29, 2018, armies of India and Vietnam began ‘VINBAX’, a six day-long military exercise in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

i. Vietnam – India Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX) is the first military exercise between India and Vietnam.

  1. Defence ties between India and Vietnam have strengthened in recent times with the primary focus being cooperation in the maritime domain.
  2. With the first protocol on defence cooperation signed in 1994, India and Vietnam have been periodically elevating their defence cooperation since then.
iii.     In 2016, India-Vietnam strategic partnership was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Former MP Assembly Speaker Sriniwas Tiwari Passed Away

  1. On Jan 19 2017, Former Speaker of the Madhya Pradesh assembly and Congress leader Shriniwas Tiwari ,93 passed away in a hospital in New Delhi.
  2. Tiwari, popularly known as “White Tiger”. He is survived by his MLA son, Sunderlal Tiwari.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – February 2018

Khajuraho dance festival organised in Madhya Pradesh

On 20th February 2018, the Khajuraho dance festival started off in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.

  1. Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel lit the traditional lamp and inaugurated the 44th Khajuraho dance festival. This festival will be held till 26th February 2018.
  2. This festival is organised by the culture department of the Madhya Pradesh government. It will feature classical dances like Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav begins in Madhya Pradesh

On 24th February 2018,Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav celebrations began in Madhya Pradesh.

  1. The Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is organized by the Ministry of Culture under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat matrix. This event is held in several locations of Madhya Pradesh like Bhopal, Gwalior etc.
  2. Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is being celebrated to highlight the idea of unity in diversity. It is conducted for 7 days.
Madhya Pradesh’s first butterfly park comes up in Raisen

Madhya Pradesh’s first butterfly park, at Gopalpur in Raisen district opened for public on February 15, 2018.

  1. The park is spread over three hectares of land.It houses 65 species of butterflies and nearly 137 plant varieties.
  2. Madhya Pradesh Forest Minister GaurishankarShejwar expressed hope that this park will give a new identity to the state in the field of eco tourism.

MP government launches “pollution metre” app to spread awareness against pollution On 6th February 2018, Madhya Pradesh government introduced ‘Pollution Metre’, a mobile application to spread awareness against pollution in the western part of Madhya Pradesh.

  1. The mobile application ‘Pollution Metre’ is available on Google Play Store. This app has
been developed jointly by a private firm and Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board.
  1. Using the ‘Pollution Metre’ app, users can check the status of air, water and noise pollution in their areas.
  2. Using this app people from 8 districts in western Madhya Pradesh can notify their concerns regarding pollution and environment. This would help the government to have a check on pollution.
Former Indore mayor and Senior Congress leader Suresh Seth passes away

On 22nd February 2018, Suresh Seth, senior Congress leader and former Indore Mayor, died after suffering from age-related health issues, at a hospital in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. Suresh Seth was 87 years old. He was also called as the ‘Lion of Indore’ or ‘Sher-e-Indore’.
  2. He fought for people’s issues aggressively and worked for the benefits of common man. He had also served as minister for urban administration in Madhya Pradesh.                                           
  1. When he was mayor of Indore, he played a key role in changing street lanterns to tube lights. He had to face a lot of quarrels with his party to implement this.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – March 2018

Madhya Pradesh announces pension for single women

On 8th March 2018, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the ‘Mukhyamantri Mahila Kosh’ scheme that will offer pension to unmarried women above 50 years of age.

MP has the highest tribal habitations fully covered by Drinking Water supply

Among all Indian states, Madhya Pradesh has the highest number tribal habitations (55770) fully covered with the safe drinking water supply.

i.    As on March 21, 2018, 301858 out of 365050 Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated habitations in India are fully covered with provision of safe drinking water supply.
  1. Under ‘National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP)’, 10% of the total allocation of funds is earmarked to be used for the supply of drinking water.
  2. Besides, with funding from NRDWP and assistance from Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Government is also installing solar power based dual pump schemes in Left Wing Extremist/Naxal Affected States for providing safe drinking water to small rural tribal habitations in these areas through taps.
Madhya Pradesh’s Kadaknath chicken gets Geographical Indication tag

Madhya Pradesh has got Geographical Indications (GI) tag for Kadaknath, a chicken breed whose black meat is in demand in certain regions of the state.

  1. Kadaknath chicken’s protein-rich black meat is sold at a much higher price than other varieties of chicken.
ii.    It is native to Jhabua, Alirajpur and parts of Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. About Geographical Indications (GI) tag:
  1. GI tag is a name or sign given to certain products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
  2. GI tag grants exclusivity for using the name/sign to the producer/manufacturer in the corresponding region and thereby testifies the origin, quality and reputation of the product/commodity.
Madhya Pradesh government raises retirement age of state government employees from 60 to 62 years

On 30th March 2018, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan increased the

retirement age of Madhya Pradesh government employees from 60 to 62 years.

i. In August 2013, Shivraj Singh Chouhan had said that the Madhya Pradesh government will consider increasing the retirement age of state government employees from 60 to 62 years.

Madhya Pradesh inks MoU with Bharat Financial for animal healthcare plan

The Madhya Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department has inked a MoU with Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd (BFIL) to launch ‘Pashu Dhan Sanjeevani – 1962’, an animal healthcare programme.

  1. The MoU was signed in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Antar Singh Arya and BFIL CEO and MD Geoff Woolley.
  2. The ‘Pashu Dhan Sanjeevani – 1962’ is claimed to be the first of its kind initiative by any state government in India.They just have to dial the toll-free helpline number 1962.
iii.  The service delivery process will be monitored through the ‘Bharat Sanjeevani’ software and a mobile app

Madhya Pradesh inks MoU with Bharat Financial for animal healthcare plan

The Madhya Pradesh Animal Husbandry Department has inked a MoU with Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd (BFIL) to launch ‘Pashu Dhan Sanjeevani – 1962’, an animal healthcare programme.

  1. The MoU was signed in the presence of Madhya Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Antar Singh Arya and BFIL CEO and MD Geoff Woolley.
  2. The ‘Pashu Dhan Sanjeevani – 1962’ is claimed to be the first of its kind initiative by any state government in India.They just have to dial the toll-free helpline number 1962.
iii.  The service delivery process will be monitored through the ‘Bharat Sanjeevani’ software and a mobile app

Madhya Pradesh power utility starts ‘Pink Electricity Zone’

On 8th March 2018 (International Women’s Day), Madhya Pradesh West Power Distribution Company (MPWPDC) launched a “Pink Electricity Zone’ that will be managed by women staff.

  1. Akash Tripathi, MD of MPWPDC, said that, the Zone comprises 25 women staff.
  2. They will manage the energy maintenance work of 13,000 power connections in Aranya Nagar.
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 5th Nadi Mahotsava at Bandrabhan in Madhya Pradesh

On 16th March 2018, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 5th ‘Nadi Mahotsava’ at Bandrabhan in Hoshangabad, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. He said that, ‘Nadi Mahotsava’ was started by late Union Minister Anil Madhav Dave. He urged people to cooperate in preserving of water.
  1. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan also addressed the gathering. He spoke on various measures taken by government to preserve water.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – April 2018

PM Modi to launch Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from MP

On April 24, 2018, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhya Pradesh’s Mandla district and launched the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Ram Nagar.

  1. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is aimed at helping Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.
  2. The roadmap includes utilisation of Rs. 2 lakh crore funds for development of areas under tribal panchayats.
  3. During the course of this visit, PM Modi also unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of an LPG bottling plant of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Maneri.
Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Eighth ‘Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific’ was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 10th – 12th April, 2018.

i.    3R stands for – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
  1. During the course of this event, participants engaged in high-level discussions on policies, shared useful information and committed to support implementation of 3R projects in member countries.
iii.     Theme of this event was ‘Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource Efficiency – A 21st-Century Vision for Asia-Pacific Communities’.

iv The event concluded with the signing and adoption of ‘Indore 3R Declaration on Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air’ in cities.

Quick Facts about Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific:

  • Established in – 2009
  • Proposed by – Japan
  • Inaugural Forum held in – 2009, in Tokyo, Japan.
Roll-out of e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods in Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Puducherry

The e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods is implemented from 25th April 2018 in Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Puducherry.

  1. e-Way Bill system for Inter-State movement of goods was launched on 1st April 2018.
  2. As on 20th April, 2018, e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods has been rolled- out in Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
  3. Trade and industry and transporters present in the above locations can register on e-Way Bill portal at https://www.ewaybillgst.gov.in
Government of India and World Bank Signs Agreement to Improve Rural Road Network in Madhya Pradesh

On 24th April 2018, Government of India, Government of Madhya Pradesh and World Bank signed a $210 million loan agreement for the Madhya Pradesh Rural Connectivity Project.

  1. The Project would enhance the durability, resilience and safety of the gravel surfaced rural roads and improve the capacity of Madhya Pradesh to manage its rural roads network.
ii.    The Project will cover 10,510 km distance of rural roads in Madhya Pradesh that come under the Chief Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) program.
  1. Out of this 10,000 km will be upgraded from existing gravel to bituminous surface roads. 510 km of new roads will be built to the bituminous surface standard.
  2. This project will carry out surface sealing of roads, embankment pitching, and balancing culverts to prevent damages caused by extreme flood events.
  3. The project will implement Road Accident Database Management System

(RADMS). Madhya Pradesh will pilot a comprehensive Road Safety Program (PCRSP) in districts with the most fatal and serious injuries observed in the past.

About Madhya Pradesh Rural Connectivity Project (MPRCP):

  • Chief General Manager – Pankaj Jhawar
  • Project Implementing Agency of MPRCP – Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (MPRRDA)
Madhya Pradesh conferred Most Film Friendly Award

Madhya Pradesh will be conferred Most Film Friendly State Award 2017 by Central Government.

  1. Announcement in this regard was made on April 19, 2018 by Ramesh Sippy, Chairman of the jury for selecting the Most Film Friendly State Award 2017. The jury comprised renowned filmmakers – Nagraj Manjule, Raja Krishna Menon, Vivek Agnihotri and Uday Singh.
  1. Madhya Pradesh has been selected for the award on account of ease of filming in the state, excellent ground support, filmic infrastructure, informative website and incentives for filmmaking.
  1. The award will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on May 3, 2018 during the presentation of the 65th National Film Awards.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – May 2018

First Integrated Smart Cities Control Centre Launched In MP

On May 8, 2018, Madhya Pradesh State Government launched India’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) for all seven smart cities of the state in Bhopal.

Details about India’s first ICCC for Smart Cities:

  1. The centre was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Singh Puri.
ii.    The ICCC will enable State authorities to monitor the status of various smart civic amenities in real-time through the sensors connected to it.
  1. ICCC is a cloud-based Universal Internet of Things (UIoT) platform. It has been developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).
  2. Cities of Madhya Pradesh that have been selected under Smart Cities Mission are Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Satna, and Sagar.
Hardeep Puri inaugurates the ‘First Apex Conference for the CEOs of Smart Cities’ in Bhopal

On 8th May 2018, Hardeep Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs inaugurated the ‘First Apex Conference for the CEOs of Smart Cities’ in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. The conference is held for 2 days till 9th May 2018. It is organized for offering a platform for cross learning and knowledge sharing among the Smart City CEOs.
  2. The conference will let the CEOs learn from the experiences of all city leaders.

The plenary sessions will have panel discussions and presentations by Smart City CEOs.

  1. It will focus on high impact projects. The way forward for the city level project implementation will also be discussed.
  2. An exhibition displaying various projects undertaken by Cities under Smart Cities Mission is held.
  3. This Conference also offers an opportunity for the Smart City CEOs to visit and appreciate smart city projects implemented by Bhopal Smart City Limited.

About Smart Cities Mission (SCM):

  • Launched on – 25 June 2015
  • Key projects – digitally integrated smart city centers, street re-design, installation of solar rooftop on buildings, etc.
Highlights of first apex conference for Smart City CEOs, held in Bhopal

First apex conference for Smart City CEOs was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh on 8th and 9th May, 2018.

  1. The conference was inaugurated by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing & Urban Affairs, Hardeep Puri.
  2. The conference served as a platform to share knowledge and best practices among city leaders and various stakeholders in the Smart Cities Mission.
  3. Agence Française de Développement (AFD’s) programme to fund Smart City projects was also launched during the conference.
  4. The conference also focused on implementing Smart City Centres, Area Based Developments, Human Resources and Future Roadmap.
Gujarat Governor to hold additional charge of MP

On May 15, 2018, Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh as the incumbent Governor, Anandiben Patel is on leave.

  1. In the past, Mr. Kohli held the additional charge of the office of Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 8th September 2016 to 19th January 2018.
  2. In January 2018, Anandiben, became the Governor of Madhya Pradesh.
Former MP Minister Nirmal Hirawat Dead

Former Madhya Pradesh minister and senior Congress leader Dr Nirmal Hirawat died of a heart attack on May 9, 2018 at his residence in Katangi town in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh.

  1. Dr Nirmal Hirawat was 74. He is survived by his wife, a son and two daughters.He was instrumental in getting the status of a tehsil for Katangi.
ii.    He was a member of Madhya Pradesh’s former Chief Minister, Shyama Charan Shukla’s cabinet.

Poet-politician Balkavi Bairagi passes away

On 15th May, noted poet and politician Mr. Balkavi Bairagi passed away at 87 years in Madhya Pradesh.His full name was Nand Ramdas Balkavi Bairagi.

  1. He was a well known person in poetry , politics and cinema .Known for his several compelling and crowd-pulling dramatic style, he wrote many poems for children including Jhar gaye paat, bisar gayi tehni(The leaves have fallen, the branch has forgotten) was one of his acclaimed poems. He also penned lyrics for many hindi films .
  2. He was a congressman and won 1968 state assembly elections in Manasa, west Madhya Pradesh. He also won the Lok Sabha elections in 1984 and was a Rajya Sabha

member from 1998 to 2004.                                                                                               

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – June 2018

MP announces outstanding power bill waiver scheme ‘Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana’ for BPL families

On June 6, 2018, Government of Madhya Pradesh launched ‘Bijli Bill Mafi Yojana 2018 (Power Bill Waiver Scheme)’ a outstanding power bill waiver scheme for poor and families of labourers.This would benefit 77 lakh people.

  1. ‘Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018’scheme,Benefits the BPL families would be given power supply at a rate of Rs.200 per month.
  2. Eligibility for the schemes would be that the beneficiaries consuming power below 1000 watts and   could operate a fan , a television and bulbs. It would waiver the outstanding bill as on June 1,2018.
PM Modi inaugurated urban projects worth over Rs 40 bn in Madhya Pradesh

On June 23, 2018, during his visit to Madhya Pradesh, Prime Miniser Narendra Modi inaugurated several urban development projects worth over Rs 40 billion, at various locations across the State.

  1. Mr. Modi will contribute the Mohanpura Irrigation Project worth ₹3,866 crore in Rajgarh district
  2. He will also praise the winners of cleanliness survey — Swachh Survekshan 2018 and give away the Cleanliness Survey-2018 Awardsto representatives of Indore, Bhopal and Chandigarh, the cities that secured top three positions in the survey.
  3. He will also inaugurate the state government’s urban transport scheme named ‘Sutra Seva’ at Indore’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
  4. The ‘griha pravesh’ (house warming ceremony) of all 1,00,219 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana also be performed .
  5. He dedicates 23 development projects at a cost of ₹278.26 crore under the Smart City Mission to various cities and also inaugurate drinking water schemes for 14 urban areas.Parks developed under the AMRUT Yojana in 10 urban areas.
Madhya Pradesh to be awarded for reducing maternal mortality

On 29th June 2018, Madhya Pradesh will be awarded for reducing maternal mortality under Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign.

  1. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda has invited Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare of Madhya Pradesh Rustam Singh for the award function that will be held on 29th June 2018.
  2. The Prime Minister’s Safe Motherhood Campaign was launched to ensure quality of care of more than 3 crore pregnant women in India before delivery.
Bhayyu Maharaj passed away

On 12th June 2018, Spiritual guru Bhaiyyu Maharaj committed suicide by shooting himself dead at his residence in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. Bhayyu Maharaj was 50 years old. He was popular among political leaders mainly from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.
  2. His original name was Uday Singh Deshmukh. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that Bhaiyyu Maharaj had set up Suryoday Parivar and carried out social welfare schemes in Vidarbha.
  3. Bhayyu Maharaj had left behind a suicide note that showed that he was depressed. The Madhya Pradesh government had recently included him in a committee of saints to conserve river Narmada.
  4. He was offered a state minister status. But he refused it saying that posts meant nothing for saints.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – July 2018

Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 : scheme to provide subsized power launched by Madhya Pradesh govt

On July 4, 2018, The Madhya Pradesh government announced Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide subsidized power)With an Objective for power bill waiver scheme for labourers and poor families.The scheme is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 1000 crore and come into effect from July 1,2018.

  1. Power connection under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana would be provided free of cost to the beneficiaries.
  2. Over 1 crore 83 lakh workers registered under Sambal Yojana in the state till now
  3. Registered labourers of the unorganised sector and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided electricity at a cost of Rs 200 per month.
  4. In case the bill is lower than Rs 200, the beneficiary will have to pay the actual bill amount and in instance of the bill amount crossing Rs 200, the difference amount would be subsidised by the state government
  5. People whose power consumption is below 1000 watts would be eligible for this scheme. The beneficiaries can operate a fan, a television, and bulbs. vi.Under the power bill waiver scheme, pending dues (as on June 1, 2018) of registered labourers of the unorganised sector and poor families would be waived completely.
  6. A total outstanding electricity bill worth 5179 crores rupees is to be waived off.
  7. The scheme is expected to benefit 88 lakh families in the state.
Madhya Pradesh govt to implement Ayushman Bharat Yojana under PMRSS Mission on Independence day

On July 3, 2018, An MoU has been signed between the Madhya Pradesh

government and National Health Agency for implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana under the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission in the state from August 15,2018.

  1. An expenditure of over Rs. 16 hundred crore at the rate of Rs. Twelve hundred per family has been estimated.
  2. An amount of Rs. 600 crore in the form of Grant-in-Aid will be provided by central government, whereas around Rs. 400 crore will be shared by the state.
  3. A total of 84 lakh families of deprived section have been included in the Ayushman Bharat scheme on the basis of socio-economic caste census.
  4. An annual Health Security Cover of 5 lakh rupees will be provided to each family under the scheme.
  5. The benefit of the scheme will be given in cashless form through government and private hospitals.
  6. It will help reducing out of pocket medical treatment expenses of citizens.

4th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals will strengthen mineral auction regime On July 13, 2018, The 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals was held at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

  1. The agencies concerned with preauction preparations such as Exploration agencies (GSI & MECL), transaction advisors (SBICAP, CRISIL, KPMG), DGPS survey agency (MECON), etc would also put up their Stalls.
  2. Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) will be the partner of the event.
  3. PSUs responsible for organizing the conclave are HCL, NALCO, & MECL under the Ministry of Mines and the companies in which the government stake is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Mines, viz. HZL & BALCO.
  4. The metal and the allied sector would also participate in the conclave.

This Mining Conclave will provide unique opportunity to the State Governments to showcase their auctionable 100 mineral blocks with regard to its exploration, mineral resources, transport connectivity from mineral block, policy scenario in State and incentives to attract prospective

investors.

  • A webpage on the Ministry of Mines website, “NCMM July, 2018” has been created about the Conclave.
  • The Minister of Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar announced about the growth of 6% of the mineral production in terms of volume and 23.4% in terms of value. With average annual accrual of Rs 6000 crore and present accumulated fund of Rs 19,500 crores.
Senior journalist Kalpesh Yagnik passed away

On July 14, 2018, Senior journalist Kalpesh Yagnik after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 55 at Indore.He was the group editor of popular Hindi daily ‘Dainik Bhaskar’.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – August 2018

$375 Million Loan agreement signed by ADB & India to improve irrigation in Madhya Pradesh

On August 30, 2018, Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $375 million loan agreement to double farming incomes in Madhya Pradesh.

It would be done via The Madhya Pradesh Irrigation Efficiency Improvement Project.

  1. It will cover 2 large irrigation systems: the Kundalia irrigation project, the existing Sanjay Sarovar Irrigation Project.
  2. The projects include developing 125,000 hectares of climate resilient and efficient irrigation networks.
  3. It would expand irrigation networks and system efficiency in more than 400 villages, benefiting over 800,000 people in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal and Kolkata topped in CSE rankings of ‘Urban Commute’ on clean transportation On August 26, 2018, the New Delhi-based think tank, Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released its analysis – titled The Urban Commute in Kolkata on pollution in urban commute.

  1. Objective is to understand the way people travel how it contributes to air pollution and energy consumption.
  2. It is a study analyzed by CSE that ranks the 14 cities on the basis of emissions of heat-trapping carbon dioxide and toxic pollutants in urban commute.
  3. The 14 cities studied include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad (henceforth called megacities); and Ahmedabad, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, Vijayawada and Chandigarh (grouped as metropolitan cities).
  4. The Rankings were of 2 categories:
    1. Overall emissions and energy consumption and
Ø  Per-travel trip emissions and energy consumption.


  • In the Overall emissions and energy consumption category: Bhopal topped and Delhi ranked last (14th).
vi.  In the Per-travel trip emissions and energy consumption category: Kolkata topped and Hyderabad ranked last (14th).

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – September 2018

Cabinet approved construction of 205.5 Km new line of Indore (Mangaliyagaon) — Budni

On September 19, 2018, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved construction of new line between Budni to

Indore (Mangaliyagaon) with approximate length of 205.5 Km.

Objective:

Development of backward area and reduction in travel time from Indore to Jabalpur and Mumbai.

Key Points:

  • The total cost of project is : Rs. 3261.82 crore.
    • It will reduce distance by 68 Kms.
    • It will generate direct employment during construction for about 49.32 Lakhs man-days.
    • In this project, 10 New crossing stations and 7 new halt stations are proposed to be constructed.
    • The new line will serve Sehore, Dewas and Indore districts and a direct link from Budni to Indore.
India’s first corn festival began in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh

On 29th September 2018, India’s first corn festival began in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh.

i. This festival is a one-of-its-kind international event. Madhya Pradesh is one of the largest corn producing states in India. Chhindwara is the highest corn producing district.

“Mil -Banche” programme organized in govt schools for learning awareness: Madhya Pradesh

On August 31, 2018, Madhya Pradesh launched a first of its kind initiative called “Mil -Banche” in all government schools across the state.

i. It is an interactive programme between schools and society for promoting education and learing.

Objective:

Aim to create education and learning awareness among the children

Key Points:

  1. It would help in multi-dimensional development of children through:

language skill up-gradation,reading textbooks and co-curricular activities in government schools.

  1. Volunteers read out one chapter of any book from either the school library or the Hindi textbook during the programme.
  2. More than 80 thousand out of over 2 lakh registered volunteers gave books and useful gifts to the students.
  3. All volunteers submitted their video entries(less than 90 seconds) and the best one would be given certificate and the video would be featured in MP MYGOV platform.
MP cabinet hikes ex-gratia to kin of deceased journalists

On September 5, 2018, Madhya Pradesh government in its cabinet meeting decided to increase the ex-gratia to be paid to the kin of deceased journalists.

  1. It has been increased to Rs.4 lakh from Rs.1 lakh.
  2. Also, 5 per cent interest subsidy will be given for a period of five years on housing loan up to Rs 25 lakh to deceased journalists from the current financial year (from April 2018).
  3. In case of damage to vehicles or cameras, the government would give Rs 50,000 as compensation amount to journalists/cameramen.

Other News:

To implement the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission from January 1, 2016, the total amount will be paid in one installment and deposited in GPF accounts of the government college teachers.

$150 mn loan approved by ADB for Madhya Pradesh’s first multi-skills park setup On September 28, 2018, Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $150 million loan to establish the first multi-skills park in Madhya Pradesh to boost employment in the state.

  1. The facilities will help enhance Madhya Pradesh’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system.
  2. The new flagship Global Skills Park (GSP) campuswill be established in Bhopal.
  3. It will consist of the core advanced training institutes including the Center for Occupational Skills Acquisition and Center for Advanced Agricultural Training.
  4. These institutes would provide entrepreneurship, training of trainers, and skill-related research benefitting about 20,000 trainees and trainers.

Other News:

  1. ADB will also administer a $2 million technical assistance grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, financed by the Government of Japan.
  1. This will be for guidelines and setting up of the GSP Society and development of reforms for industrial training institutes.
  2. The Madhya Pradesh Skills Development Project will also help in modernizing 10 industrial training institutes across the state according to industry and market needs.
  3. It would include renovating training infrastructure and upgrading skills courses.
AP, Odisha & Madhya Pradesh Best Performing States in “Ease of Living Index” Under Amrut

On September 24, 2018, the “Ease of Living Index” rankings were launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban

Transformation (AMRUT) at the National Dissemination Workshop on Ease of Living Index, 2018 in New Delhi.

Highlights:

  1. Andhra Pradesh has topped the charts followed by Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.
  2. The first round of Ease of Living covered 111 cities.
  3. Gurugram was subsequently included in the assessment.
  4. Four cities of West Bengal – Howrah, New Town Kolkata, Kolkata and Durgapur did not participate in the competition.
  5. Naya Raipur of Chhattisgarh and Amravati of Andhra Pradesh did not fulfill the parameters as they are green-field cities.

About Ease of Doing Business:

  1. It is a measurement of the cities in the country to enable them to implement and promote evidence-based planning and action towards sustainable urbanization.
  2. In June 2017 decision to rank 116 cities (all smart cities and million plus cities) based on the liveability parameters was taken and the implementation of the assessment commenced formally on 19 January 2018.
  3. The MoHUA released the first ever ‘Ease of Living Index’ covering 111 Indian cities on 13 August, 2018 and all cities were evaluated out of 100.
  4. The Ease of Living framework comprised four pillars namely Institutional, Social, Economic and Physical which are further broken down into 78 indicators across 15 categories.
  5. Of the 17 SDG goals, 8 goals are directly linked to India’s ease of living assessment framework.

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA):

  • Minister of State (I/C): Shri Hardeep Singh Puri.
  • Secretary: Shri durga Shanker Mishra.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – October 2018

Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation in Sehore District instead of Bhopal

On October 3, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved modification regarding the establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR).

  • It will be established in Sehore District (Bhopal-Sehore highway) instead of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.
    • It will be the first of its kind in the country in the area of mental health rehabilitation and will host capacity building in human resource and research in the area of mental health rehabilitation.
Niwari inducted as the 52nd district of Madhya Pradesh

On September 30, 2018, the state Cabinet of Madhya Pradesh approved the proposal of induction of Niwari district in the state.

  1. It became the 52nd district of the state.
  2. IAS officer Akshay Kumar Singh has been appointed as the first interim District Collector of the district.
General election of 2018 Legislative Assemblies to commence; Media Coverage during the period referred to in Section 126 of RP Act, 1951.

On October 12, 2018, the schedule for holding 2018 general election to the Legislative Assemblies of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Mizoram & Telangana, was announced.

  1. The EC stated the Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits displaying any election matter by means of television or similar apparatus, during the period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll in a constituency.
  2. The detailed provisions stated in the Act are as follows:
    1. Prohibition of display of content related to election matters during period of forty-eight hours ending with hour fixed for conclusion of poll,
    1. Violation of the aforesaid provisions of Section 126 is punishable with imprisonment up to a period of two years, or with fine or both.
  • “Election matter” has been defined as promotion of any material, including views/appeals by panelists/participants for gain of any individual party and that may affect the result of an election.
    • It will be the duty of the Press to give objective reports about elections and the candidates.
    • Election campaign along communal or caste lines is banned under the election rules.
    • Publishing of false or critical statements in regard to the personal character and conduct of any candidate is to be refrained.
    • The Press shall not accept/publish any advertisement at the cost of public exchequer regarding achievements of a party/government in power.
    • All paid content should be clearly marked as “Paid Advertisement” or “Paid Content” in compliance with the “Norms & Guidelines on Paid News”.

Background:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will monitor the broadcasts made by news broadcasters from the time elections are announced until the conclusion and announcement of election results.

India and ADB signed $110 Million Loan to Improve Rural Connectivity in Madhya Pradesh

On October 5, 2018, Government of India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $110 million loan for development projects in Madhya Pradesh.

  1. It aims to upgrade 2,800 kilometers all-weather rural roads in the State of Madhya Pradesh under the Prime Minister’s Rural Roads Program (PMGSY).
  2. It is the 2nd tranche loan and is a part of the $500 million Second Rural Connectivity investment Program for India. It was approved in 2017.

Background:

  1. Under the Second Rural Connectivity investment Program for India, improvements of 12,000 kilometers rural roads across the states of Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha,

and West Bengal will take place.

  1. Tranche 1 loan of $250 million is currently under implementation in the 5 project states, upgrading over 6,000 km of rural roads.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – November 2018

Centre cleared appointments of Chief Justices of 4 High Courts

On November 10, 2018, the Central government cleared the appointment of Chief Justices of 4 High Courts namely: Allahabad, Patna, Madhya Pradesh and Tripura.

  1. The most senior judge of the Rajasthan High Court, Justice Govind Mathur, was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.

The most senior judge of the Allahabad HC, Justice A P Sahi, was appointed the Chief Justice of Patna HC.

  1. The senior-most judge of the Madhya Pradesh HC, Justice S K Seth, was appointed as the Chief Justice of the MP High Court.
  2. The most senior judge of Himachal HC, Justice Sanjay Karol, was appointed as the Chief Justice of Tripura HC.
  3. Also, Justice M R Shah, who has been the CJ of Patna HC has been elevated as a Supreme Court judge.
Sanjay Kumar Seth takes oath as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court

On 14th November 2018, Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

  1. Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandi Ben Patel administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth.
  2. Earlier, Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth was made acting Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court after Chief Justice Hemant Gupta was promoted to the Supreme Court.
  3. He had served as an additional advocate general. Later, he was appointed as a judge to the Madhya Pradesh high court in 2003. He was made a permanent judge in 2004. He would retire in June 2019.
Madhya Pradesh celebrates its 63rd Foundation Day – November 1

On 1st November 2018, Madhya Pradesh celebrated its 63rd Foundation Day.

  1. Madhya Pradesh was founded on November 1, 1956. Now it is the second largest state of India in terms of size with an area of 3 Lakh 8 thousand sq. km.
  2. The foundation day was celebrated in all the districts of Madhya Pradesh. The theme for this year’s celebrations was: the heritage of MP.
  3. Special events were held at Ravindra Bhavan. Folk dances like Dhimariya, Badhai, Naurata, Akhada, Matki and Gudumbajan were performed.

Madhya Pradesh Current Affairs – December 2018

Andhra, Himachal and Madhya Pradesh best performing states under maternity benefit programme PMMVY: MoSWCD

On December 21, 2018, Minister of State for the Women and Child Development Virendra Kumar released the performance of states and UTs under the maternity benefit programme named Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana.

  1. Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh topped the charts as the best performing states.
  2. According to the finding, 51.70 lakh beneficiaries are covered annually under the PMMVY.
  1. Grants-in-aid amounting to Rs 2,048.59 crores and Rs 369.31 crores have been sanctioned to the states and the Union Territories during the year 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively.
Centre included Gangotri, Yamunotri in Uttarakhand, Amarkantak in MP and Parasnath in Jharkhand under PRASAD Scheme: Tourism Ministry

On December 4, 2018, the central government announced inclusion

of Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttrarakhand, Amarkantak in Madhya

Pradesh and Parasnath in Jharkhand under the scheme Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD).

i. With this, the number of pilgrimage sites under the scheme increased to 41 sites in 25 states. About the scheme PRASAD:

  1. It was launched by the Tourism Ministry in 2014-15.
  2. The scheme aimed at the following:
    1. Infrastructure development (road, rail and water transport),
    1. last mile connectivity,
    1. basic tourism facilities like Information/ Interpretation Centers, ATM/ money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport among others.
  3. A total 24 projects in 15 states have been approved with estimated expenditure of Rs 727.16 crore and a total amount of Rs 331.15 crore has been released for these projects under the scheme since its inception till date.

For more information about PRASAD scheme: Click Here

Madhya Pradesh: Kuno notified as national park; Gir lions from Gujarat to be translocated

On December 24, 2018, Kuno, in Madhya Pradesh, was announced to be notified as ‘national park’.

  1. This move was made after the compliance with the last condition imposed by a Supreme Court was met.
  2. This would enable translocation of lions from Gir in Gujarat to Kuno.
The heart of India- Madhya Pradesh was the host destination of 3-day 1st AdventureNext India 2018

On December 5, 2018, the 3-day AdventureNext 2018 event, concluded in the host destination of Madhya Pradesh– the heart of India.

  1. It was organised by:
    1. The Adventure Travel Trade Association and
    1. Madhya Pradesh Tourism.
  1. It was a first-of-its-kind in India & Asia, and the theme of the event was “Pulse of Tomorrow”.
  2. The Major partner in the event was Jharkhand Tourism.

Sitarist Manju Mehta conferred ‘Tansen Samman 2018’ by Madhya Pradesh government On December 26, 2018, the Madhya Pradesh government honoured noted sitar player Manju Mehta with the 2018 Tansen Samman, at theTansen Music Festival in Gwalior.

  1. She received the award from Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, for her contribution to the field of music.
  2. The award consisted of a cash award of Rs 2 lakh and a memento.

Other News:

The Raja Mansingh Tomar Honour was given to the Sankat Mochan

Pratishthan in Varanasi for 2017 and the Natrang Pratishthan of New Delhifor 2018.

About the Tansen Music Festival:

  • The Tansen Music Festival is organised every year by the MP culture department in memory of Tansen, one of the greatest artists in Indian history.
  • It is being held in Gwalior for the past 94 years.
Madhya Pradesh’s Divya Patidar Joshi crowned Mrs. India 2018 title in New Delhi

On December 26, 2018, Divya Patidar Joshi from Madhya Pradesh was crowned with the Mrs. India 2018 title at the Mrs. India My Identity Beauty Pageant 2018 finale held in New Delhi.

  1. She defeated 24 promising contestants and won all the rounds of Beauty with Brain contest along with Best Cat Walk title.
  2. With this win, in the year 2019, she would be representing India for Mrs. Universe title.
Kamal Nath sworn in as 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh

On December 17 2018,Congress leader Kamal Nath,72 took oath as 18th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh after the 2018 Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election at Bhopal,Madhya Pradesh. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office of Kamal

Nath.He Succeeds Shivraj Singh Chouhan,who hold the Office as C.M. from 2005 till 16th December 2018.

The Congress won 114 seats, has secured support of 121 MLAs, including SP (1) and BSP (2) legislators and four independents, to cross the majority mark of 116 seats in the 230-member Assembly.Congress took away the rule from BJP who ruled over 15 years.

Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath announces farm loan waiver

As soon as he has taken as oath of CM of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath signed the file for waiving loans of up to Rs 2 lakhs of Madhya Pradesh farmers.

 

Some facts about Madhya Pradhesh

Four sites in Madhya Pradesh have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.They are Khajuraho Group of Monuments (1986) including Devi Jagadambi temple, Khajuraho, Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003).

Ranji Trophy: Ajay Rohera smashes 267 on first-class debut, breaks 24-year-old world record

On 8th December 2018, Madhya Pradesh batsman Ajay Rohera scored 267 unbeaten on his first-class debut against Hyderabad while playing the Ranji Trophy match in Indore.

Key points:

  1. Rohera broke Amol Muzumdar’s 24-year-old world record of highest score on first-class debut which Amol set against Haryana at Faridabad back in 1994.
  2. Rohera had also added another feather to his cap during his innings by becoming the highest individual scorer for Madhya Pradesh surpassing J P Yadav’s 265.
  3. The 21-year-old, right-handed wicket-keeper batsman, Rohera’s 345-ball knock comprised of 21 fours and five sixes.

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