Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – January 2018

Amit Shah to launch ‘Yuva Udghosh programme’ in Varanasi

On January 20, 2018, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah launched “Yuva Udghosh programme” in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

i. Mr. Shah launched this programme in presence of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and UP BJP President Mahendra Nath Pandey.

iii. ‘Yuva Udghosh programme’ focuses on enrolling youths, above 17 of age, who will eligible for voting in the 2019 Lok Sabha election.

International Bird Festival to be held at Dudhwa National Park

International bird festival is to be held for 3 days starting from 9^th February 2018, at Dudhwa National Park, in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh to promote eco-tourism in Dudhwa and to gain a distinct international identity.

1. During the festival a Florican village consisting of 100 cottages will be formed. It will accommodate around 200 bird experts taking part in the festival.

ii.    Brand ambassador of the International Bird Festival is documentary maker Mike Pandey.

1. During the festival, bird experts will explore Dudhwa and collect details about 450 bird species living there.

Uttar Pradesh theme state for Surajkund crafts mela

On 1^st January 2018, Haryana tourism department announced that Uttar Pradesh is the theme state for the 32^nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela, to be held at Surajkund, Faridabad,from 2^nd to 15^th February 2018.

1. All Indian states and around 24 countries are expected to participate in the Surajkund International Crafts Mela.

ii.    Haryana tourism minister Ram Bilas Sharma said that, the fair is organized by Haryana Tourism and Surajkund Fair Authority in collaboration with Union ministries of tourism, textiles, culture and external affairs.

1. It projects Indian handicrafts, handloom, cultural heritage and prosperity of India at global level. The theme state for Surajkund International Crafts Mela 2018 is Uttar Pradesh.

UP CM Yogi inaugurates Mahesra Bridge connecting Nepal to east UP

On 29^th January 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Mahesra Bridge at Sonauli-Gorakhpur National highway.

1. The Mahesra Bridge links Gorakhpur and other eastern Uttar Pradesh districts with Nepal.
2. The bridge will act as the main route for people travelling from Gorakhpur towards Balrampur, Maharajganj and Gonda.

UP CM Yogi inaugurates Mahesra Bridge connecting Nepal to east UP

On 29^th January 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Mahesra Bridge at Sonauli-Gorakhpur National highway.

1. The Mahesra Bridge links Gorakhpur and other eastern Uttar Pradesh districts with Nepal.
2. The bridge will act as the main route for people travelling from Gorakhpur towards Balrampur, Maharajganj and Gonda.

UP CM Yogi inaugurates Mahesra Bridge connecting Nepal to east UP

On 29^th January 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Mahesra Bridge at Sonauli-Gorakhpur National highway.

1. The Mahesra Bridge links Gorakhpur and other eastern Uttar Pradesh districts with Nepal.
2. The bridge will act as the main route for people travelling from Gorakhpur towards Balrampur, Maharajganj and Gonda.

Uttar Pradesh launches Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Gramin

On January 30, 2018, Uttar Pradesh State Cabinet launched ‘Mukhya Mantri Awas Yojna Grameen’, a new scheme to construct houses in rural areas.

i.    Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Gramin is for those who have not been covered under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and those who are not beneficiaries of any other government housing schemes.

1. Under this scheme, Rs 1.30 lakh financial aid (for constructing houses) will be given to people residing in Naxal-affected areas of Uttar Pradesh and Rs 1.20 lakh to selected beneficiaries.

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approves ‘one district, one product’ scheme

On January 23, 2018, Uttar Pradesh State Cabinet approved ‘one district, one product’ scheme to promote products indigenous to every district.

1. Decision in this regard was as taken at State Cabinet meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiatyanth.

ii  Under this scheme, one product indigenous to every district of Uttar Pradesh would be showcased at the three-day UP Diwas event beginning from January 24, 2018.

PM NarendraModi inaugurates National Youth Festival

On January 12, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 22^nd National Youth Festival is a five-day event being held at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh from 12^thto 16^th January, 2018 through Video conferencing.

• First edition of National Youth Festival was held in Bhopal in 1995.
  • It is celebrated (starting from January 12) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the youth icon of India.
• Theme of 22^ndNational Youth Festival is ‘Sankalp Se Siddhi’
• Theinaugural function was co-presided by Union Minister for State (Independent Charge) of Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath.   Union Minister for Culture (Independent Charge), Mahesh Sharma was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Uttar Pradesh govt restricts use of loudspeakers at religious, public places

Uttar Pradesh State Government has directed all District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to take action against unauthorised loudspeakers and public address systems installed at religious and public places.

1. The officials have been directed to conduct a survey for the same and submit a detailed report to State Government on January 10, 2018.
2. Those using loudspeakers without approval should obtain permission by January 15, 2018, failing which, action will be taken against them under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Atal Pension Yojana subscriber base touches 80 lakh-mark

On 5^th January 2018, the Atal Pension Yojana’s (APY) subscriber base reached a mark of 80 lakhs.

1. The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) is run by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India (PFRDA). It has reached 80 lakh subscribers.
2. Uttar Pradesh has highest number of subscribers (11.41 lakh). It is followed by Bihar (8.87 lakh) and Tamil Nadu (6.60 lakh).
3. The PFRDA had taken initiatives like account statement view and e-PRAN (permanent retirement account number). It has also introduced online registration facility for the scheme.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – February 2018

UP unveils new tourism policy, woos investors with sops

On 19^th February 2018, Uttar Pradesh government announced a new tourism policy aimed to raise tourist count and investment in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Rita Bahuguna Joshi said the UP government has aimed to encourage at least four to five persons from the 6.5 lakh Indian villages to participate in the KumbhMela 2019 at Allahabad.
2. The Department of Tourism aims for 10 % annual increase in the number of foreign tourists and 15 % annual increase in the number of domestic tourists.
3. Uttar Pradesh government has grant tourism the status of an industry. Benefits provided by the government under the new tourism policy, for investments within 20 km radius of tourist sites in the 10 tourist circuits of Uttar Pradesh has been announced.

Uttar Pradesh becomes 1st Indian state to clear projects digitally

Uttar Pradesh (UP) has become the first state in India where business and investment projects can now be cleared digitally, without any human interface.

1. This has become possible with launch of ‘Nivesh Mitra’, a digital platform which will serve as a single-window clearance system.
2. ’Nivesh Mitra’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration session of the UP Investors’ Summit in Lucknow.

PM Modi inaugurates UP Investors’ Summit 2018

On February 20, 2018, Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated ‘Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit 2018’ in Lucknow. i. This is the first of its kind event in UP, aimed at showcasing business and investment potential across the state.

1. This two-day Summit will be attended by Union ministers, leaders from the corporate world, senior policymakers, academicians and heads of international institutions.
2. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has stated that 1045 agreements worth Rs.

4.28 lakh crore have been signed on the very first day of this summit.

President Kovind inaugurates international conference ‘Agricon 2018’ in Kanpur On February 14, 2018, President of India, Ram NathKovind, inaugurated the international conference ‘Agricon 2018’ and ‘Agriexpo 2018’ at Chandrashekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology (CSAUT), Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

i.    The conference has been organised under the joint auspices of The Society of Agricultural Professionals, Kanpur and Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur.

1. Organisations like National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (referred to as NAAS) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research are partnering in this conference.

UP Govt signs pact with Amazon India for khadi products sale

On February 20, 2018, Uttar Pradesh’s Khadi and Village Industries Board signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Amazon India for online selling of Khadi products.

1. On behalf of Uttar Pradesh Government, the MoU was signed by Avinash Krishna Singh, the CEO of Khadi and Village Industries Board while GopalPillai, the Seller Services Director and GM signed on behalf of Amazon India.
2. As per the terms of the MoU, Amazon India will educate and train UP’s rural khadi artisans to directly sell their products to Amazon.in customers across India under the brand of UP Khadi.
3. Items that would be sold on Amazon.in would include khadi shirts, kurtas, dhotis, towels. There is high demand of these items in urban areas.

Uttar Pradesh launches DASTAK campaign to eradicate Japanese Encephalitis

On 5^th February 2018, Uttar Pradesh government in collaboration with UNICEF launched “Dastak Campaign against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)”.DASTAK:

i. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inauguratred the “Dastak Campaign against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)”. Also, he released a CD, sanitary kit and publicity material during the inauguration.

iv. Vaccination against encephalitis will be finished by March-April 2018. A sanitation drive will also be conducted as a part of this campaign.

Uttar Pradesh gets its first butterfly park in Kanpur

On February 3, 2018, Uttar Pradesh State Government inaugurated state’s first ever butterfly park in Kanpur.

1. Estimated cost for constructing this butterfly park is Rs. 1 crore.
2. In order to attract butterflies, 100 species of flowers have been planted in the park. So far, more than 50 species of butterflies have already been spotted in this park.
3. The Butterfly Park in Kanpur will open for public by March 2018.

iv.    Butterfly parks are pollution-free spaces which do not have chemicals/pesticides and play an important role in conserving endangered butterfly species.

BJP MP from KairanaHukum Singh passes away

On 3^rd February 2018, Hukum Singh, a BJP MP from Kairana in Uttar Pradesh, died at JP Hospital, in Noida.

i. Hukum Singh started his law practice in 1969. He entered politics around 1974. His followers fondly called him ‘BabuSahab’. He was member of the Uttar Pradesh state assembly for 7 times.

Ex-UP minister Khwaja Haleem passes away

On 15^th February 2018, Khwaja Haleem,75, former Uttar Pradesh minister died following a cardiac arrest, at a hospital in New Delhi.

i. In 1990, he became the chairman of Uttar Pradesh Minority Commission. He was a member of the Samajwadi Party Central Committee for nearly twenty years. He became advisor in tourism department in 2014.

Former MLA and Padma Shri awardee Ram Swarup Sharma passes away

On 17^th February 2018, Ram Swarup Sharma, former MLA and Padma Shri awardee died following a short term illness, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Ram Swarup Sharma was 92 years old. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.
2. He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly two times from the Mathura- Vrindavan constituency.
3. He was skilled in ‘Rasa Lila’, a form of folk theatre. He received the Padma Shri award for this. He was also given the title of ‘Raasacharya’

Uttar Pradesh BJP MLA Lokendra Singh dies in road accident

On 21^st February 2018, Lokendra Singh, BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) MLA, passed away in a road accident, in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Lokendra Singh was an MLA from Bijnor’s Noorpur in Uttar Pradesh. His car collided with a truck in Sitapur, while he was travelling to attend the ‘Investors Meet’ in Lucknow.
2. Lokendra Singh was 45 years old. His gun men Brijesh Mishra and Deepak Kumar and the truck driver also died in the accident.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – March 2018

PM Modi launches number of schemes for poor in Varanasi

On March 12, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a number of schemes for the poor in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Firstly, PM Modi inaugurated a 101-megawatt solar power plant in Mirzapur along with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.
2. PM Modi announced Ayushman Bharat scheme to ensure better healthcare facilities for the poor.
3. Besides, he also launched Pradhan Mantri Poshan Mission Yojana to ensure nutrition to children, especially girls.
4. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over Rs. 800 crore and flagged off a new train – Kanshi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express – between Varanasi and Patna

PM Modi launches number of schemes for poor in Varanasi

On March 12, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a number of schemes for the poor in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Firstly, PM Modi inaugurated a 101-megawatt solar power plant in Mirzapur along with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron.
2. PM Modi announced Ayushman Bharat scheme to ensure better healthcare facilities for the poor.
3. Besides, he also launched Pradhan Mantri Poshan Mission Yojana to ensure nutrition to children, especially girls.
4. PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over Rs. 800 crore and flagged off a new train – Kanshi-Patna Jan Shatabdi Express – between Varanasi and Patna

Swachh Shakti 2018 celebrated in Lucknow

On the occasion of International Women’s Day,The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, organized a Women’s Convention called Swachh Shakti 2018 at Lucknow. Swachh Shakti 2018 has been hosted by Uttarpradesh Government.

1. The event included a special exhibition, launch of a film celebrating Swachh Shakti and flagging off of 30 Swachhata Raths that will travel across the State, spreading the message of sanitation at the grassroots.
2. The Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, complimented the

commitment made by the Uttar Pradesh government to make the State Open Defecation Free (ODF) by October 2018.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched an anti-graft portal

On March 19, 2018, Bharatya Janata Party (BJP) Government in Uttar Pradesh under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath completed one yearin office and on this occasion, UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched an anti-graft portal.

1. The portal is aimed at taking action against any official who is involved in corruption or is encouraging it at any level.
2. Action will be taken based on a video or any other evidence uploaded through the portal& a multi-colour booklet titled ‘Ek Saal – Nayee Misaal’ with the punchline ‘Huaa Vikaas – Badha Vishwaas’ was unveiled

BJP bags 9 out of 10 seats in UP, SP wins one in Rajya Sabha polls

BJP has won nine out of the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha elections held on 23^rd March 2018.

BJP candidates who won the election are: Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Ashok Bajpai, Vijay Pal Singh Tomar, Sakal Deep Rajbhar, Kanta Kardam, Anil Jain, Harnath Singh Yadav and G V L Narasimha Rao and Anil Kumar Agarwal.

Former Uttar Pradesh minister Begum Hamida Habibullah passes away at 102

On 13^th March 2018, Begum Hamida Habibullah, former Uttar Pradesh minister, died due to a long term illness at her home in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. She was a former Rajya Sabha member.

1. She entered politics and joined the Congress party around 1965. She became an MLA from Haidergarh.
2. She was made the state minister of social and Harijan welfare, national integration and civil defence from 1971 to 1973. She was tourism minister from 1971 to 1974.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – April 2018

Ganga Hariteema Yojana launched in 27 districts of Uttar Pradesh

On April 7, 2018, Ganga Hariteema Yojana (Ganga Greenery scheme) was launched in 27 districts of Uttar Pradesh, located on the bank of river Ganga.

1. The scheme was launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Allahabad on the bank of Sangam, the confluence of rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.
2. It envisages carrying out plantation drives in one-kilometre areas from the banks of river. The objective is to enhance green cover in the catchment areas of the river Ganga and to control the land erosion.
3. Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Forest has been nominated as nodal department for this scheme, while total seven state government departments will be engaged in implementation.
4. The scheme will be carried out till September 16, 2018 (Ozone Day).

Smriti Irani launches GNFC’s Neem project in UP

On April 13, 2018, Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC’s) Neem Project in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.

1. Under this project, GNFC intends to collect 8,000 to 10,000 MT Neem seeds from Uttar Pradesh, which in turn will provide additional income of Rs 12-15 crore for over one lakh rural woman from 2,500 villages in the State.
2. The project will not only provide additional income to rural women but will also help in fulfilling Prime Minister’s vision of Neem-coated urea in the interest of millions of farmers of the country.
3. GNFC has been running Neem Project since 2015, in over 60 districts of five states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.

Indian Culinary Institute inaugurated in Noida

On 27^th April 2018, K.J.Alphons, Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology inaugurated the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Noida.

1. The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) has been set up by the Ministry of Tourism. Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change was the Chief Guest of the event.
2. The Noida campus is one of the two ICI campuses. The other one is developed at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
3. The Noida campus has been set up on an area of 5 acres. The total project cost is Rs.98 crore.

UP cabinet nod for integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit, Tiger Conservation Foundation in Dudhwa

On 10^th April 2018, Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved construction of an integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit and setting up a Tiger Conservation Foundation in Dudhwa.

1. Uttar Pradesh cabinet presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to develop the sugar mill of Kisan Sahkari sugar mill limited located near Pilibhit since 2011 as an integrated complex.
2. 40.308 hectare land of the sugar mill will be offered on 30 years lease. The ownership of the land will be with the sugar mill company.
3. The cabinet also approved setting up of Dudhwa Tiger Conservation Foundation, as said by central government in 2007.

UP Govt orders Govt hospitals and orphanages to establish SHISHU SWAGAT KENDRA- PALNA

On April 18, 2018, Uttar Pradesh State Government ordered all government hospitals and orphanages to establish SHISHU SWAGAT KENDRA – PALNA and put up cradles in front of their buildings so that any person, lady or couple can leave their unwanted child without disclosing their identity.

1. Objective of this setup is to tackle the problem of abandoning the infants at the roadside or other places which may pose a risk of life for the baby.
2. As per the order, the cradles will be set up at medical colleges, district, satellite and sub-district hospitals.

iii.     This setup is expected to bridge the gap between the number of children available for adoption and the increasing list of adoptive parents.

Yogi’s FB page most popular among Indian CMs

As per rankings released by Facebook on April 19, 2018, Facebook (FB) page of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the most popular among all other chief ministers of India.

1. On April 19, 2018, social media platform, Facebook released data of top ranked Facebook pages of government bodies, ministries and political parties in India.

ii.    Popularity of the pages is based on total interactions which includes total reactions, shares and comments on the page for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.

With 42 million likes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most popular Lok Sabha member while legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar is the most popular Rajya Sabha member with over 28 million likes.

1. Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) Facebook page has been adjudged as the most active, followed by Aam Aadmi Party at second place and Congress at third position.

Arun Jaitley to take oath today for fresh six-year term in Rajya Sabha

On April 15, 2018, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took oath for his new six years term in the Rajya Sabha.

He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He was re-elected for new term in March 2018.Following his re-election, he was also appointed the Leader of the House on April 2, 2018.

However, he was not able to take oath, owing to his health condition.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – May 2018

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Varanasi

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from 21^st to 23^rd January, 2019.

1. 5th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth organised by Union Ministry of External Affairs in association with the Uttar Pradesh State Government.
2. Theme of the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India”.

IIT Kanpur sets up India’s first advisory centre for energy

On May 21, 2018 , IIT-Kanpur has set up India’s first advisory Centre for Energy Regulation (CER) with the help of government of United Kingdom.With an aim to provide independent advisory on policy and regulatory matters in the power and energy sector.

1. It has been an initiative of the Department of Industrial and Management Engineering of IIT – Kanpur .
2. The activities of CER are funded by the Department of International Development (DfId), Government of United Kingdom(UK).
3. The activities includes research and development regarding issues like growth of Indian Economy, energy efficiency , energy demand etc.
4. It’s main focus is around the policy and regulatory changes in the power and energy sector.

 

Ministry of Women and Child Development signs pact with Government of Uttar Pradesh to manage Homes for widows in Varanasi

On May 29,2018, Ministry of Women and Child Development signed an MOU with Government of Uttar Pradesh.For management of home of Widows at Sunrakh Bangar,Varanasi.

1. The ministry of Women and Child Development has constructed shelter homes for widows with a maximum capacity of 1000people in it.
2. The MOU will be valid for a period of2 years and can be further renewed .
3. The MOU states that the state government will be liable for all the activities of the Home and shall perform periodical probes for security and monitoring for performances of the staff.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – June 2018

Cabinet approves construction of a new 6 – Lane bridge with its approaches across River Ganga at Phaphamau, Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh

On June 6, 2018, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi, approved the project for construction of 9.9 km long new 6 – lane bridge across river Ganga on NH – 96 at Phaphamau in Allahabad .

1. This would cost a total of Rs.1948.25 crore.The construction would take 3 years to be completed by December 2021.It would resolve the traffic congestion on existing old 2 – lane Phaphamau bridge on NH-96 at Allahabad.
2. It will also facilitate to the large congregation of people at Holy City Allahabad during Kumbh, Ardh-Kumbh and other yearly ritual baths at SANGAM in Prayag hence increasing tourism.

Ten new Swachh Iconic Places of 2018 launched under Phase III of Swachh Iconic places under Swachh Bharat Mission in Uttarakhand: Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation

On June 12, 2018, 10 new places have been inducted in the Phase III of Swachh Iconic

Places under Swachh Bharat Mission and the SIP mission was launched atMana village which is situated close to the Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand.

1. The 10 new places are : RaghavendraSwamy Temple (Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh); Hazardwari Palace (Murshidabad, West Bengal); Brahma Sarovar Temple (Kurukshetra, Haryana); VidurKuti (Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh); Mana village (Chamoli, Uttarakhand); Pangong Lake (Leh-Ladakh, J&K); Nagvasuki Temple (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh); ImaKeithal/market (Imphal, Manipur); Sabarimala Temple (Kerala); and Kanvashram (Uttarakhand).
2. He also launched four major SLWM activities in Mana village, including community soak pits, compost pits, separation centre for organic and inorganic waste, and naalis for liquid waste with a sanctioned amount of Rs. 26.87 lakhs.

UP govt decides to set up one police station in each district to check power theft & minimize power loss in state

On June 6, 2018, Uttar Pradesh government to set up police station in every district . Objective to minimize power theft and power loss.

1. State cabinet has also decided to declare Nagar Palika Vrindavan and Nagar

Panchayats Barsana, Gokul, Govardhan, Nandgaon, Radhakund and Baldev as no liquor areas. This places are under Mathura District .

1. The state government has also approved a Solid Waste Management policy, Animal Breeding Policy 2018 and Milk Policy 2018. Milk policy 2018 will come into effect for a period of 5 years.

Climate change may cost India 2.8% of GDP, says World Bank

On 28^th June 2018, a World Bank report named ‘South Asia’s Hotspots: The Impact of Temperature and Precipitation Changes on Living Standards’ said that, Climate change might cost India 2.8 % of GDP.

1. As per the report, nearly half of South Asia’s population, including India, lives in the “vulnerable areas” at present.
2. By 2050, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh would be the top two climate hotspot states. They would witness a decline of over 9 % in their living standards. They are followed by Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.’

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – July 2018

Cabinet approves establishment of Medical College, Salempur at Deoria, Uttar Pradesh On July 18, 2018, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for establishment of new medical college at Deoria.

• This college would be built at a cost of Rs.250 crore under Phase-II of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • Under the scheme, the criteria for one medical in every three Parliamentary Constituencies and one Government medical college in each State was adopted.
  • Also a requirement of 24 additional medical colleges including eight medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh has been approved.
  • 
    The college was recommended by the state government of Uttar Pradesh and would be an up-gradation of District Hospital, Deoria.
    

 

Gorakhpur launches ‘Stop JE/AES’ mobile app to check encephalitis

On 6^th July 2018, the Gorakhpur administration in Uttar Pradesh launched an android based smart phone application named ‘Stop JE/AES’ to combat encephalitis.

1. Encephalitis claims the lives of hundreds of children every year in eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh.
2. The ‘Stop JE/AES’ app enables users to avail immediate medical help by just pressing a button. This app was launched by Divisional Commissioner Anil Kumar and DM Vijyendra Pandian.
3. This app is available on Google Play Store. It could be used on any smart phone even without internet. This app aims to provide timely medical assistance to people in remote areas.
4. By pressing the help button in the app, an alert will be sent to the control room. Then they would call back on the number to collect the details about the patient.
5. As a first response, auxiliary mid wives (ANMs) will reach out to help the patient who will be taken to a nearby community health centre (CHC)/ primary health centre (PHC) or hospital through 102 or 108 ambulance services.
6. For encephalitis patients, the first 48 hours is very crucial. Using this app, the patient can be taken to hospital without any delay.
7. Also, during treatment, automatic alerts will be sent to the CMO’s (chief medical officer) office. Hence, concerned health officials can help the patient.
8. The app will be launched in all affected districts if it is successful in Gorakhpur.A software called Rashtriya Bal Suraksha Karyakaram (RBSK) that will display details of children referred to the CHCs/PHCs and hospitals on CMS portal was also launched on the occasion.

Regional Rail Training Institute inaugurated at Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh

On 22^nd July 2018, Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha inaugurated Regional Rail Training Institute (RRTI) in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

1. The Rail Training Institute (RRTI) was inaugurated with an aim to strengthen the expertise and capabilities of the employees of North-Eastern Railways.
2. He also inaugurated the newly constructed washing pit at Ghazipur City station.
3. Manoj Sinha said that, the RRTI was constructed within stipulated time. It will highly boost the development of the area.
4. RRTI was built at a the cost of Rs 21 crore. It has modern training facilities, an advanced model hostel, computer room, cafeteria and other necessary facilities.
5. He said that, the 400 metre washing pit was built at a cost of Rs 19.62 crore.He added that, doubling of railway tracks, their electrification and other passengers amenities are developed in the area on priority basis.
6. He also mentioned about the status of the projects of Tadighat to Mau via Ghazipur rail route, doubling of Chapra-Allahabad, Bhatni-Aurihar, Aurihar-Jaunpur, Indara-Phephna and Mau- Shahganj rail routes.

Uttar Pradesh sets up committee to look into demands of ‘shiksha mitras’

On 26^th July 2018, Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a committee to listen to the demands of ‘shiksha mitras’ and suggest a suitable action plan.

1. This move has been made after continuous protests by ‘shiksha mitras’ throughout Uttar Pradesh.
2. The committee was formed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.The committee head is: Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma.
3. Members of the committee will be: principal secretaries of basic education, law and the finance department.
4. After studying the issues, the committee will submit a report to the chief minister.
5. The ‘shiksha mitras’ have been demanding the direct appointment of 30,000 TET pass ‘shiksha mitras’ as teachers, providing financial assistance to people who died during the agitation and giving Rs 38,878 to those who have not been offered government jobs instead of the Rs 10,000 promised by the government.

‘UP Defence Aerospace Unit and Employment Generating Policy, 2018’: new defence manufacturing policy announced by UP Government

On July 3,2018, The UP Government announced a new Defence Manufacturing policy named ‘UP Defence Aerospace Unit and Employment Generating Policy, 2018’.

1. Under this policy, around 3000 hectares of land would be acquired by nodal agency UPIEDA and entrepreneurs will be given land under plug and play formula investment of Rs 50,000 crore in the next five years.
2. This would generate 2.5 lakh jobs.Six districts — Aligarh, Agra, Jhansi, Chitrakoot, Kanpur and Lucknow – will be notified for the Defence manufacturing hub, though the focus will be

on Bundelkhand region.

1. International consultants like Pricewater House Cooper has been appointed which will give its report on Defence manufacturing potential areas in the state.
2. There will be two categories of investment. (i) mega anchor project worth over Rs 1000 crore which will include companies willing to build aircraft, tanks, choppers and (ii) anchor units which could invest Rs 200 crore in Bundelkhand and Poorwanchal areas, Rs 300

crore in Madhayanchal and Rs 400 crore in western UP.

• The government would provide 25 per cent subsidy on circle rate of land purchased by investors while transport subsidy of 50 per cent or Rs 2 crore per year would be given for importing equipment.

 

• The Government would provide subsidy on technology transfer, setting up of effluent treatment plant, setting up labs for quality control and patenting.
• It will provide 100 per cent subsidy on quality certification and trade mark, 100 per cent subsidy for stamp duty in Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal, 75 per cent in other areas while

in Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida) and Ghaziabad, it will be 50 per cent.

• The government approved a proposal to get bank loan to the tune of Rs 12,000 crore from PNB for construction of Purvanchal Expressway.
• In the first phase Rs 7800 crore would be given by banks at the rate of 8.30 per cent interest for 15 years.
• The loan would be repaid in 48 instalments with 3 years moratorium and installments would be paid through funds collected from toll on the Expressway.
• It also gave its nod for construction of civil airports at Aligarh, Azamgarh, Moradabad and Shravasti under Regional Air Connectivity policy.The government also approved asset settlement of UP Mining Development Corporation.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – August 2018

Nirmala Sitharaman & Yogi Adityanath launch defence industrial corridor in Aligarh

On 11^th August 2018, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the first phase of UP Deference Corridor in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.

1. 6 nodal points have been identified for the corridor: Agra, Aligarh, Lucknow, Kanpur, Chitrakoot and Jhansi.
2. Stakeholder interactions have begun in Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Jhansi.

‘One District one Product’ Summit inaugurated by President of India in Uttar Pradesh

On August 10, 2018, President of India inaugurates ‘One District one Product’ Summit in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is a first of its kind summit in the country to boost trade of the MSMEs,to promote traditional industries and spur local trade.

1. This initiative will enhance skills of local people, result in economic progress of artisans of Uttar Pradesh.
2. Distribution of loan sanction papers with a tagline: ‘Nayi Udaan, Nayi Pehchan’ worth Rs 1006 crore to 4085 artisans of 75 districts of ODOP scheme digitally.
3. 2 MoUs were also signed with US-based companies. They were:

MOU between Amazonand Quality Control of India to market products of artisans and Another between NSE and BSE with Wipro GE Health Care.

1. Under this, Amazon will train the artisans and small entrepreneurs of districts, including Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Ferozabad, Moradabad, Agra, Kanpur, Meerut, Bhadohi and Varanasi.

• A 3-day exhibition was inaugurated in which one product of each district would be on display.
• ODOP toll free number and website were launched by the President.

Background:

• Uttar Pradesh contributes around 44 per cent in the total handicraft exports of the country.
• Under the ‘One District One Product’ scheme, the state government has set a goal of providing employment to 25 lakh people in five years through the financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores.

NGT constituted a committee to monitor Ganga rejuvenation project; headed by a former Allahabad High Court judge

On 6^th August 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), constituted a committee, to be headed by a former Allahabad High Court judge, to monitor the rejuvenation project of Ganga from Haridwar to Unnao in Uttar Pradesh.

1. Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court will nominate a former judge of Allahabad High Court to head the committee.
2. The committee will also have the following experts: one from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), one from the Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change, one from the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and one from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
3. The committee will assume charge within a month’s time. The committee would function from Kanpur.
4. However, the members can participate from the place they consider appropriate.
5. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will be the nodal agency to coordinate with the committee. It will coordinate and provide inputs to the panel.
6. NMCG has been asked prepare an action plan for the stretch starting from Unnao to Bay of Bengal within 4 months.
7. The committee has been asked to submit quarterly reports about the progress it has made.

Uttar Pradesh government to name upcoming Bundelkhand Expressway as Atal path Uttar Pradesh government has decided to name the upcoming Bundelkhand Expressway as ‘Atal Path’ to honour former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajyapee.

1. A notification in this regard will be issued soon. The upcoming Bundelkhand Expressway is proposed as a 289-km, 4-lane, access-controlled highway.
2. It will start from Jhansi and passing through Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Auraiya and Jalaun. It will reach Etawah and join Agra-Lucknow expressway.
3. It is proposed to be developed by the Uttar Pradesh Expressway Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA).
4. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath had also announced that the Uttar Pradesh government will build 4 memorials in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s name in Agra, Lucknow, Kanpur and Balrampur.

A formal announcement about the location of these memorials is yet to be made.

 

Amazon inked MoU with UP govt to boost MSME entrepreneurs under ODOP scheme

On August 11, 2018, as part of the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme, Amazon partnered with UP government to provide support MSME entrepreneurs across nine districts.

1. This will be a part of Amazon India’s Kala Haat programme which aims to help traditional industries to enter in to ecommerce business.
2. Under the programme, 300 MSME sellers registered under UP government’s ODOP scheme would be benefitted.
3. Amazon would provide training, account management guidance, marketing tools and world- class infrastructure of storage and delivery network to these sellers.
4. Some products and districts associated with them are:

Product	District/City of UP
Banarasi silk sarees to carpets	Bhadohi
Chikankari	Lucknow
Leather goods	Kanpur
Leather footwear	Agra
Locks	Aligarh
Brassware	Moradabad
Sports goods	Meerut
Wooden Products	Saharanpur

About the Kala Haat Prograam of Amazon India:

It has been introducing lakhs of weavers, artisans and crafts people across various clusters in India to digital commerce.

Samajwadi Party leader Nand Lal Passi passes away

On 24^th August 2018, Former MLA and Samajwadi Party leader Nand Lal Passi died following a long term illness, at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Nand Lal Passi was 84 years old. In 1993, he was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly as a Samajwadi Party candidate.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – September 2018

First-ever ‘dial-FIR’ scheme launched by Uttar Pradesh Police

On September 17, 2018, the UP police launched the ‘e-FIR’ or ‘dial-FIR’ scheme for the first time in the country.

Objective:

To help the citizens lodge a report and FIR online

Key Points:

1. It would be made possible by the collection of photographic data of 1 lakh small and big

criminals through the new 22,000 ipads.

1. It would contain 22 types of complaints such as:
   1. Getting domestic help,
   1. Lost and found complaint,
   1. Permission for various activities like procession, character certificate etc.
2. A pilot project of the e-FIR has been successfully conducted in Ghaziabad region.

Other News:

1. Additionally, the UP police will train 100 fresh commandos including a fresh batch of women police force for anti-terror combat.
2. A special police operations team (SPOTs) will be further inducted for combating terror like incidents in various metro cities like- Lucknow, Meerut, Allahabd, Kanpur etc.

‘Krishna Kutir’: Home for widows inaugurated in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

On 31^st August 2018, Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Adityanath Yogi inaugurated ‘Krishna Kutir’, a home for widows, at an event at Vrindavan, in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Krishna Kutir is a special home that will offer shelter and protection to 1000 helpless widows. It has been set up by the Ministry of Women & Child Development under the Ministry’s Swadhar Greh scheme.
2. Krishna Kutir is the largest facility of its kind so far, to be developed by a government organization.
3. It has been constructed on 1.4 hectare of land at a total cost of 57.48 Crores through National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC).
4. It was designed in consultation with Helpage India. It is old age friendly and also has a skill cum training centre.
5. Its construction was funded by Central Government. It will be managed by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
6. A park will be set up near the home on an area of 4 acres that has been allocated by the district administration. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi had launched the construction Krishna Kutir in 2016.

Piyush Goyal, along with CM Yogi launched official website and app for Kumbh Mela 2019

On September 5, 2018, Rail Minister Piyush Goyal along with Chief Minister of UP Yogi Adityanath launched the official website and app for Kumbh Mela, 2019 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

1. These will help pilgrims and tourists to attend the Kumbh which will be held on the banks of Sangam in 15^th January 2019.

The website is: www.kumbh.gov.in . It will provide details about location, trains,

accessibility, weather and accommodations.

1. The railway Minister directed officials to use 100 racks of different trains for promotion of Brand Kumbh.

Sushma Swaraj & Yogi Adityanath inaugurate website for 15^th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019

On 15^th September 2018, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the website for the 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) 2019 that will be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

1. As the website has been launched, the online registration for participation in PBD Convention 2019 has started. Uttar Pradesh government is the partner state for the convention.
2. The website is available at: https://pbdindia.gov.in/en
3. Keeping in mind the people who will be attending the Kumbh Mela and Republic Day, the date for the PBD 2019 has been shifted from January 9 to January 21 to 23, 2019.
4. PBD is usually celebrated on January 9 every year, that commemorates Mahatma Gandhi’s return from South Africa on 9^thJanuary, 1915.
5. Theme for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 is: ‘Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India’.
6. Uttar Pradesh Government will also organise the State PBD 2019 on 21 January, 2019.
7. Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind. Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will be the Chief Guest of the Convention.

Amethi’s Pindara Thakur village went digital from September 1

On September 1, 2018, Pindara Thakur village in Amethi,Uttarpradesh was made fully digital under Digital India Programme of the Union government.

1. It will have access to 206 government services digitally.
2. It was linked with Wi Fi Chaupal and use of 2 GB free data for 15 days has been made available.
3. Union Minister of Textiles Mrs. Smriti Irani inaugurated the ‘Digital India Banking Service’ at the head post office of Amethi.

Hazratganj Chauraha of Lucknow to be renamed as Atal Chowk after former PM

On September 9, 2018, the Lucknow Municipal Corporation in its meeting decided to rename the Hazratganj Chauraha-the city’s biggest intersection, as ‘Atal Chowk’ after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

1. It is also referred as ‘the heart of the city’.
2. Along with this a memorial for the late veteran leader would also be made named: “Atal Smriti Upvan”.

It will house his statue along with his 51 poems, speeches and other memorabilia.

PM Modi’s 2-day visit to Varanasi

On September 17, 2018, PM Narendra Modi went on a 2-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

Objective:

Development of Varanasi to make it the gateway to Eastern India.

Key Points:

On September 17, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Varanasi on the occasion of his 68^th birthday.

1. He interacted with children of a primary school, aided by non-profit organisation “Room to Read“.
2. He also interacted with students of Kashi Vidyapeeth.
3. A coffee-table book titled “Narendra Modi: A Charismatic & Visionary Statesman” written by BJP president Amit Shah was released.
4. Union Ministers Prakash Javadekar and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi released a book ‘The Making Of A Legend’.

On September 18, 2018, PM Narendra Modi visited the Banaras Hindu University.

1. He announced to develop BHU as the medical hub of eastern India.
2. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of various development projects worth 557 crore rupees.
3. The projects are:

The expansion of the Babatpur-Shivpur road,

• Ring Road phase I,
  • Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for Puraani Kashi,
  • An Atal Incubation Centre at BHU and
  • The Regional Ophthalmology Centre at BHU.

PM Narendra Modi’s 1-day visit to Gujarat

On September 30, 2018, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi went on a 1-day visit to Gujarat. He was received by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani at the airport.

Highlights:

• His visit consisted of inaugurating various projects at Anand, Anjar, and Rajkot.
  • Apart from this, 140 delegates from 60 countries are visiting Punsari village in Sabarkantha

district for implementation of various government projects including the Mahatma Gandhi Swachhata Mission.

• The Punsari village has unique facilities like:
  • Internal free of cost bus service, own website, clean and mineral containing drinking water supply through own RO plant, zero tax dues, cctv network and digital library.
  • The delegation is also scheduled to visit Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad and Gandhi Kutir in Gandhinagar during its day-long visit.

His Visit to Anand:

On September 30, 2018, PM Modi reached Anand and development projects worth over Rs. 1100 crore were inaugurated.

i .He inaugurated the following relating to the dairy, food processing, agriculture and energy sectors:

• Modern food processing facilities, a RTUF( Ready to use Therapeutic Food Plant) chocolate plant of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), owner of the Amul brand, at Mogar in Anand,
• Anand Agricultural University’s Incubation Centre cum Centre of Excellence in Food Processing,
• Solar Cooperative Society at Mujhkuva village at Anand,
• He also lay the Foundation Stone for the expansion of Amul manufacturing facilities at Anand and Khatraj.
• He addressed that under Sardar Patel’s leadership and guidance, the first housing society was formed in the country in Gujarat’s Ahmedabad in 1927 and was named Pritam Nagar (after Pritam Rai Desai).

His Visit to Anjar, Kutch district:

On September 30, 2018, PM Modi visited Anjar, Kutch and development projects worth Rs. 6000 crore were inaugurated.

1. He inaugurated 3 LNG terminal in the state of Gujarat.
2. Here, he inaugurated the following:
   1. Greenfield Mundra LNG terminal,
   1. The Anjar-Mundra Pipeline Projectand
   1. The Palanpur-Pali-Barmer pipeline project,
   1. The Bhimasar-Anjar—Bhuj National Highway,
   1. Transmission Office and sub-station at Anjar.
3. He addressed the gathering in Anjar and discussed about Gujarat’s tourism sector and electrification of villages.

His Visit to Rajkot:

On September 30, 2018, PM Modi visited Rajkot.

• He inaugurated the Mahatma Gandhi Museum set up at the Alfred High School in Rajkot to spread awareness about Gandhian culture, values and philosophy.

 

• He unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of a public housing project of 624 houses.
  • He also witnessed the e-Gruh Pravesh of 240 beneficiary families.

Other News:

The foreign delegates are in India to participate in the Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention being held in New Delhi.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – October 2018

Cabinet approved creation of one post of Director each for new AIIMS at Rae Bareli, Gorakhpur, Bathinda, Guwahati, Bilaspur and Deoghar

On October 24, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the creation of post of Director for each new AIMS.

• The number post of Director will be 1 and would have the basic pay of Rs. 2,25,000/- (fixed) plus NPA but not exceeding Rs.2,37,500/- each.
  • This will be applied for the news AIIMS coming up at Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), Bathinda (Punjab), Guwahati (Assam), Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh) and Deoghar (Jharkhand).
  • The Director will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute and will be in-charge of overall administration.

Cabinet approved the New Railway Line between Bahraich and Khalilabad, Uttar Pradesh

On October 24, 2018, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved new Railway

• Line between Bahraich and Khalilabad.
  • This will be via Bhinga, Shravasti, Balrampur, Utraula, Domariyaganj, Mehdawal, Bansi.
  • The total length of the new Broad Gauge line will be 240.26 kilometers.
  • The total estimated cost of the project is Rs. 4939.78 crore.
  • It would be completed by 2024-25 and will lie in North Eastern Railway.
  • Four districts falling in this project length i.e. Bahraich, Balrampur, Shravasti and Siddharth Nagar are among the 115 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog.

46th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair Autumn-2018 inaugurated by MoS for Textile Ajay Tamta

On October 14, 2018, Union Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta, inaugurated

the 46^th edition of world’s largest IHGF-Delhi Fair at India Expo Centre & Mart at Greater Noida.The fair will remain open till 18th October, 2018.

1. It would be participated by over 3200 exhibitors and overseas buyers from over 110 countries.

1. He announced the creation of a portal of Government and handicrafts exporters to provide more assistance to the artisans for healthcare and education of their children.

1. He urged the exporters to participate and prepare for the Ambiente 2019 to be held in Frankfurt, Germany, where India will be the partner-country.

PM Modi inaugurated the 36th Indian Carpets Expo in Varanasi

On October 21, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 36^th Indian Carpets Expo at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

1. Since Varanasi, Bhadohi and Mirzapur–cities in Uttar Pradesh– were important centres of the carpet industry, it would augment the efforts of the handicrafts and small and medium industries.
2. This is also a part of the ‘Made in India’ initiative.
3. India is today the biggest producer of carpets, and has about 35 per cent of the global market share.

About the expo:

i. The Expo will be held for 5-days from October 21-24^th 2018 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. ii.Manufacturers & Exporters from main carpet producing areas like Bhadohi, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, Panipat and Srinagar etc. will be participating in the event showcasing their handmade carpets, rugs and other floor-coverings in the Expo.

iii. It was started in the year 2000 and is a biannual fair.

PM Modi inaugurated Krishi Kumbha 2018 in Lucknow

On October 27, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three-day long Krishi Kumbh 2018 in Lucknow through video conferencing.With an Objective to enable technology driven solution to farmers and double their income.

1. Krishi Kumbh is having:
   1. Haryana and Jharkhand as partner states and
   1. Japan and Israel as partner countries.
2. Under this, the Government is providing 50 to 80 per cent discount on machineries to stop farmers from stubble burning.
3. In addition to setting up of solar pumps in farms sectors across the country, Rice Research Centre will be set up in Varanasi.
4. He also called upon agriculture scientists and experts to use this event to find technology- related solution so that farmers and environment both are benefited.

4-day 4th India International Science Festival inaugurated by President Kovind in Lucknow, UP

On October 5, 2018, President Ramnath Kovind formally inaugurated the 4-

day 4^th India International Science Festival (IISF) 2018 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh for the first time.

1. The theme of this year’s festival is Science for Transformation.

This Festival aims to apply science and technology for transformation of the country and

 

enable positive change for social and economic progress.

1. It features 23 special events, and is being attended by about 10000 delegates.
2. A “science village” was set up at National Botanical Garden in Lucknow for interaction of science with common people.

Other News:

1. Apart from this, Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated Young Scientists Conference, Mega Science, Technology & Industry Expo and Global Indian Science & Technology Stakeholders’ Meet (GIST).
2. It would provide a platform to young scientists, entrepreneurs and researchers to present their innovative ideas.
3. Some of them were:
   1. Work on biosensors for detection of lung cancerby esearcher Ruchika Shandilya from National Institute for Research,
   1. Early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes,
   1. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles using leaf extracts, etc.
4. On the sidelines a discussion on ‘Women Empowerment and Child Development’ at the National Social Organisations and Institutions Meet (NSOIM) was also held.

Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the Foundation Stone for various developmental projects in Uttar Pradesh

On October 9, 2018, Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari laid foundation stone for various development projects at Basti in Uttar Pradesh.

1. This project undertakes development work of 354 km stretch of Ghagra river under the Sagarmala Programme of Ministry of Shipping.
2. In 2016, the waterway from Manjhighat at Ganga-Gaghra river confluence to Faizabad/Ayodhya along Gaghra River was declared as NW-40.
3. It will provide major transportation boost for cargo and passenger movement and envisages terminal at 5 locations – Ayodhya, Mahirpur (Tanda/Kalwari), Dohrighat, Tortipar and Manjhighat.

1. Phase –I of the project with project cost of Rs. 11.6 Cr has been initiated by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under Ministry of Shipping.
2. It is scheduled to be completed by 2019-20.

Other News:

1. He also laid the foundation stone for widening and improvement of Rs 1224 crore worth of National Highways works in Uttar Pradesh.
2. The projects includes:

• Widening and improvement of Ramjanaki Marg(NH-227A) from Ayodhya Cantt to Rampur (55 km) at a cost of Rs 315 crore,

 

• 35 km from Rampur to Sikriganjat a cost of Rs 250 crore,
  • 14km long Basti Ring Road Phase 1 which is to be constructed at a cost of Rs 450 crore and
  • Widening and improvement of the 35 km long Badhni -Shoratganj sectionof NH-730 at Rs. 200 crore.

Government sanctions 5 new battalions of Rapid Action Force (RAF)

Five new battalions of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were sanctioned by the central government in January 2018 and their new bases have been sanctioned now.

1. The 5 new Rapid Action Force (RAF) battalions will be based in:
   1. Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh
   1. Jaipur in Rajasthan
   1. Mangalore in Karnataka
   1. Hajipur in Bihar
   1. Nuh in Haryana
2. With the new additions, the total number of RAF battalions in India will increase to 15.
3. Varanasi will be the 4^th base of RAF in Uttar Pradesh. Three other bases are in Meerut, Allahabad and Aligarh.
4. Land acquisition for the new bases are in process. The existing battalions will start functioning from their permanent locations soon.

About Rapid Action Force (RAF):

• Part of the Central Reserve Police Force
• Raised and made fully operational in – October 1992

UP cabinet renamed Allahabad as Prayagraj

On October 15, 2018, Uttar Pradesh cabinet decided to change the name of Allahabad city to Prayagraj.

1. It was announced by the state Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh.
2. It was renamed after proposal to do so ahead of 2019 Kumbh Mela during Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s trip to Allahabad.

Man-animal conflict a ‘State Declared Disaster’: UP government

On October 17, 2018, in a first-of-its-kind move, the Uttar Pradesh government made the man- animal conflict a ‘State Declared Disaster’.With an Objective to help reduce retaliatory killings.

1. These incidents would be under the ambit of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
2. According to the provisions of the order, a compensatory amount of Rs.5 lakh would be given to family of deceased if the victim of the animal attack dies.
3. The disbursement of compensation for injury would be in accordance to SDRF guidelines.

1. It also states that the amount of Rs 1 lakh per death would be arranged by the state forest department from its own budget to the Revenue Department.

 

• It ensures that the amount must be paid within 24 hours of the incident RTGS and the production of the post-mortem examination report of the victim would be made available.
• It urges creating awareness, police support in conflict prone areas.

Other News:

For the first time, lion and wild boar have been added to the list of wild animals which includes tiger, leopard, Indian wolf, hyena, crocodile, elephant and rhinoceros as predators.

India’s first container movement on inland waterways to move 16 PEPSICO containers from Kolkata to Varanasi

On October 29, 2018, as part of the country’s first container movement on inland vessel post- independence in the Inland Waterways sector, the IWAI would transport a PepsiCo India cargo from Kolkata to Varanasi on river Ganga (National Waterway-1).

1. PepsiCo (India) will move 16 containers – equivalent to 16 truckloads in the vessel MV RN Tagore which will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days.
2. MV RN Tagore will make its return journey with fertilizers belonging to IFFCO that will be procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad.
3. The vessel will be flagged off by Secretary (Shipping), Govt. of India, Shri Gopal Krishna along with Chairman, IWAI, Shri Pravir Pandey.
4. Additionally, IWAI would hand over the operation and management of its terminals in Kolkata to M/s Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt Ltd. (SAPEL) on a supply, operate and maintain (SOM) model.

Other News:

1. The government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under JMVP from Haldia to Varanasi (1390 Km) with the help of World Bank at a cost of Rs 5369 crore.
2. This would provide commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT.

International Conference on Women’s Health, Wellness and Empowerment in Kanpur On 6^th October 2018, International Conference on Women’s Health, Wellness and Empowerment was held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

1. The conference was organised by the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India and the Kanpur Obstetric and Gynaecological Society.
2. Theme of the conference was: “Give her wings and let her soar.” President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the conference.
3. He also addressed a seminar organised by the Talent Development Council, Kanpur. He unveiled a statue of the late freedom fighter Shyamlal Parshad in Kanpur.

Justice Govind Mathur appointed as acting Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court On 23^rd October 2018, Justice Govind Mathur was appointed as the acting chief justice of the Allahabad High Court.

 

 Justice Govind Mathur replaces Chief Justice D B Bhosale, who retired recently.

1. Initially, Justice Govind Mathur practiced in the Rajasthan High Court. Later he became a judge. In November 2017, he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court.
2. He has also worked as the standing counsel for the University of Rajasthan, Indian Oil Corporation and Water and Power Consultancy Services, New Delhi.

Kanpur University’s former Vice Chancellor Sarvagya Singh Katiyar passed away

On 9^th October 2018, Kanpur University’s former Vice Chancellor Sarvagya Singh Katiyar died after he allegedly consumed poison to commit suicide as he had been suffering from depression following his wife’s death.

1. Sarvagya Singh Katiyar was 86 years old. He had received Padma Shri in 2003 and Padma Bhushan in 2009.
2. The scientist was vice chancellor of Kanpur’s Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University from 1994 to 2007.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – November 2018

UP cabinet approved renaming of Faizabad as Ayodhya

On November 13, 2018, the Uttar Pradesh government presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath approved renaming of Faizabad and Allahabad divisions as Ayodhya and Prayagraj respectively.

1. Prayagraj division will comprise Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Fatehpur and Pratapgarh districts, while Ayodhya division will include Ayodhya, Ambedkarnagar, Sultanpur, Amethi and Barabanki districts.
2. Earlier, the government renamed the Mughalsarai Railway station, another historic spot, as Deen Dayal Upadhyaya junction.
3. Furthermore, in August 2018, the UP government had sent a request to the Centre to rename the airports in Agra, Bareilly and Kanpur.

Background:

The Centre has given consent to the renaming of at least 25 towns and villages across India in the past 1 year.

PM in Varanasi, dedicates projects worth over Rs. 2400 crores

On November 12, 2018, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.

1. During his visit, he dedicated, inaugurated or laid the foundation stone of projects worth Rs. 2413 crore.
2. The following lists of projects inaugurated:
   1. An inland port in Varanasi on the Ganga River connecting Uttar Pradesh holy city and Haldia in West Bengal for navigation of large vessels, worth Rs. 5,369.18 crore, with aid from World Bank.
   1. Construction of Multimodal Terminal on the River Ganga at Ramnagar,
   1. Varanasi Ring Road Phase 1,
   1. Construction for four laning of Babatpur-Varanasi Section of NH-56.
3. He also pointed out that projects worth Rs. 23,000 crore have been approved under Namaami Gange so far.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath launched Month-long Nari Sashaktikaran Sankalp Abhiyan or Women Empowerment campaign in Lucknow

On November 20, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched month-long Nari Sashaktikaran Sankalp Abhiyan or Women Empowerment campaign in Lucknow.

1. It is aimed to empower women in the state through various programmes including education, self-employment, health, cleanliness, nutrition.
2. For the awareness of the campaign, women officers and female staff of the state government will go door-to-door in villages to educate women about the schemes.

UP govt in partnership with Japan to develop ‘food value chain’

On October 30, 2018, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet presided over by UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath cleared a proposal for the development of ‘Food Value Chain’ in the state.

1. The ‘Food Value Chain’ will be developed by:UP government and Japan’s agriculture, forestry and fisheries department.
2. Under the agreement, in the first five years, Japanese companies will invest in agri-related and food-related industries.

Other cabinet approvals:

1. The Cabinet also decided to purchase 3,174 metric tonnes of sugar for devotees going to 2019 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
2. To boost one district, one product, common facility centres will be established in districts. The centres will have testing laboratories and design centres.
3. It gave its approval for construction of Queen Ho memorial in Ayodhya, which will incur a cost of Rs 24 crores.
4. It also gave its approval to amend UP Motor Vehicles Manual, 1998. According to this:

4-wheeler taxis to have a sky-blue strip on them,

 

• CNG three-wheelers should be green in colour,

• Electric vehicles should be white and

• The bike taxis cannot be painted maroon, black or red.

Faizabad to be known as Ayodhya: Yogi Adityanath

On November 7, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram.

1. The Faizabad district comprises the twin towns of Faizabad and Ayodhya on the banks of the river Saryu.
2. He also announced a medical college that would be named after Lord Ram’s father in the epic Ramayana, Raja Dashrath. An airport in Ayodhya will be named after Lord Ram.

Lucknow’s Ekana Cricket Stadium renamed after late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee

On November 7, 2018, UP Governor Ram Naik approved renaming of Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow in the memory of late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

1. As per the proposal, the Ekana International Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was renamed as the “Bharat Ratan Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium“. It has a seating capacity of around 50,000.
2. It was renamed as a token of acknowledgement towards the late Vajpayee, who represented Lucknow in the parliament for five consecutive times between 1991 and 2009.
3. This change was done ahead of the India-West Indies T20I international match that will be hosted at the venue for the first time.
4. This is the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series between India and West Indies.

India’s First Elephant Hospital unveiled in Mathura, UP

On November 17, 2018, India’s first specialized hospital for elephants was unveiled at Churmura village in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

1. It is located close to the elephant conservation and care centre of Wildlife SOS.
2. The medical centre offers the following:

wireless digital X-ray, laser treatment, dental X-ray, thermal imaging, ultrasonography, hydrotherapy and quarantine facilities, medical hoist for lifting elephants,

1. It also has an observation deck which will allow veterinary students to observe elephant’s behavior.

NMCG approved 10 composite Sewerage Projects in Agra worth Rs. 1573.28 Crore to help reduce pollution in Yamuna

On November 21, 2018, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) approved 10 sewerage projects worth Rs 1573.28 crore to address Yamuna’s pollution issues in Agra.

1. The decision was taken by the Executive Committee (EC) of the National Mission for Clean

 

Ganga (NMCG) for the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh.

1. This consists of:
   1. The project for Rehabilitation / Renovation of Agra Sewerage Scheme (Interception & Diversion Works) at a total cost of Rs. 857.26 crore including O&M cost for 15 years.
   1. Interception & Diversion works (I&D) and Sewage Treatment Plant at Kasganj at a cost of Rs. 76.73 crore including O&M cost for 15 years.
   1. Interception & Diversion works (I&D) and Sewage Treatment Plant at Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh were approved by EC at a total project cost of Rs.64.76 plus O&M costs for 15 years.
   1. Projects worth Rs. 328.52 crore in Chhapra, Fatuha, Bakhtiyarpur and Khagaria in Bihar.
   1. Fatuha I&D and STP Project has been approved at a total cost of Rs.35.49 Crore.
   1. Bakhtiyarpur I&D and STP Project was approved at a total cost of Rs.35.88 Crore.
   1. Khagaria I&D and STP Project has been approved at a total project cost of Rs. 21 Crore including of 15 years O&M.
   1. I&D works including pumping stations and STPs under Burdwan Municipality, in West- Bengal has been approved at a total project cost of Rs.234.31 crores.
   1. Sewerage scheme for Zone-II and III of Paonta Town, Himachal Pradesh was approved at a total project cost of Rs.11.57 crore.

Carpet city Bhadohi gets ‘export excellence’ tag; to benefit artisans, boost shipments On 21st November 2018, Bhadohi district of Uttar Pradesh, which is known for its hand-woven carpets around the world, was granted the export ‘excellence tag’ for the product category ‘Carpets and other floor Coverings’ by the the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the commerce ministry.

1. The carpet makers of the city will now get financial assistance from the central government to procure modern machines, improve export infrastructure, and organize fairs and exhibitions in different parts of the world to attract global buyers under the ‘Towns of Export Excellence’ tag.
2. The towns which produces goods worth Rs 750 crore or more gets this tag based on potential for growth in exports, whereas the towns producing items in hand-loom, handicraft, agriculture and fisheries sector, can obtain this tag if their produce limit crosses Rs 150 crore.
3. Bhadohi,which is near the river Ganges will be the 37th town in the country to get this status. iv.Currently, the share of India’s hand-woven carpets in the world is 30 per cent and the target is to increase the share to 50 per cent by 2022.

UN selects Noida, Greater Noida to participate in Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative

On 25^th November, 2018 the United Nations selected Noida and Greater Noida, twin cities in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh,adjoining NewDelhi to participate in its Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative in the “University City” category ahead of Mumbai and

 

Bengaluru which were also under UN’s consideration for the initiative, as the only invitee from India.

Objective:

The initiative aims to create 25 model cities across the world in five categories that will be fully compliant with the sustainable development goals by 2025.

Key points:

1. The twin cities have been formally invited to participate in the showcase ‘Race to Sustainability’ among 25 global cities which will be competing with elite university cities such as Cambridge, Palo Alto and Heidelberg.
2. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted in September 2015, by the UN General Assembly.
3. The UN Global Sustainability Index Institute (UNGSII) is the executing agency for Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative.

Yogi Adityanath gave nod for construction of 221-meter tall Ram statue in Ayodhya

On November 26, 2018, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled the finalized details for the construction of a 221-metre long statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

1. The height of the Ram statue would be 151 metres, its overhead umbrella would be 20 metres while the pedestal would be 50 metres.
2. The combined height of the structure would thus be 221 metres, making it the world’s tallest statue.
3. The statue will be made of bronze and will house a “modern museum” which will have history of Ayodhya and the entire “Ikshvaku Vansh” right from King Manu to the present status of “Ram Janmabhoomi”.

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

 

Justice Govind Mathur takes oath as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court

On 14^th November 2018, Justice Govind Mathur was sworn in as the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court.

1. He was administered the oath by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. In 2004, Justice Govind Mathur was appointed as a judge in the Rajasthan High Court.
2. In 2017, he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. He worked as University of Rajasthan’s standing counsel.
3. He also worked for Indian Oil Corporation, Water and Power Consultancy Services, New Delhi and the National Council for Teacher’s Education.

Uttar Pradesh Current Affairs – December 2018

UP cabinet approves setting up of Bundelkhand, Poorvanchal development boards On 24^th December 2018, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet, presided over by the chief minister Yogi Adityanath, gave its nod to constitute a Bundelkhand Development Board (BDB) and

a Poorvanchal Development Board (PDB). Key Points:

1. The development boards for Bundelkhand and Poorvanchal will be headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath or someone nominated by him.
2. Besides Chairman, the board will include two deputy-chairmen, two experts, 12 official members and 11 non-government members and their tenure would be for a period of three years.
3. The cabinet also approved the setting up of the UP Traders Welfare Board to address the problems faced by traders in the state with regards to the GST.
4. The cabinet also gave its nod to a proposal of giving 25 per cent discount to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on the purchase of land for establishing a Rs 2,300-crore software development unit in Noida which would employ 30,000 people.
5. The cabinet also approved the proposal for grant of “exceptional pension” to police personnel who slip into a coma as a result of serious injuries suffered during discharging their duties.

IWAI announced Kolkata-Patna as India’s second Container Cargo sector and Ministry of Shipping approves Rs 156 Crore Freight Village in Varanasi

On 6^th December 2018, Ministry of shipping had approved Rs 156 Crore Freight Village in Varanasi adjoining Inland Waterways Terminal at River Ganga. Apart from that After the Success of container cargo being shipped form Kolkata to Varanasi,Inland Waterways Authority of India(IWAI) Kolkata-Patna has become India’s Second Inland Water Transport(IWT) origin destination pair for containerized cargo movement on National Waterway-1.

Key Points

1. Ministry of Shipping is developing 1390 km National Waterway – 1 on River Ganga under Jal

Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) from Haldia to Varanasi with the assistance of World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5369 Crore.

1. The Varanasi Freight Village is a designated area where facilities for various modes of transportation, distribution of goods and other logistics operations will be available in a synchronized manner on a large scale.
2. Bihar Capital Patna will witness a new landmark in India’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector with 16 TEUs of Container Cargo from food giants PepsiCo India and Emami Agrotech Ltd reaching Gaighat IWT terminal from Kolkata on river Ganga.

UP to establish Umbrella University named after former PM late Atal Bihari Vajpayee On December 12, 2018, the Uttar Pradesh Government announced creation of an umbrella university named after former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

1. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Lucknow.
2. The University would be the controlling authority of all the medical and dental colleges and nursing institutions in the state.
3. This would help in bringing transparency in entrance and examination system and would enhance quality of medical education.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated over 150 projects in Lucknow

On December 25, 2018, on the eve of the 94th Birth Anniversary of the Former Prime Minister Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh

inaugurated 158 Development Projects in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

1. He also laid the foundation stone for 418 projects, making it a total of 576 projects worth ₹161 crores.
2. He also announced that foundation stone of two more flyovers will be laid by February 2019. This project would have 104 km long, 8 lane road across Lucknow to minimize traffic congestion problems.

Overview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s one day long Visit to Uttar Pradesh

On 16^th December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Rae Bareli for the first time where he launched various development projects and Allahabad which is recently renamed

to Prayagraj to review the preparation of Kumbh Mela. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath also visited Rae Bareli on 13^th December to oversee preparations of Prime Minister’s one day visit.

PM launches development projects in Rae Bareli

On 16^th December 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited traditional seat of Former Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and laid foundation stone for various projects.

• Shri Narendra Modi Visited Modern Coach Factory in Uttar Pradesh where he flagged off the 900^th Coach and a Humsafar Rake.

 

• Prime Minister said that the Projects that were dedicated, inaugurated or for which foundation stone has been laid are cumulatively worth Rs. 1000 crore.
  • As per Prime Minister, Government is trying to make Rae Bareli a Global Hub of Rail Coach manufacturing.

PM at Prayagraj inaugurates new Airport Complex, Integrated Command and Control Centre for Kumbh Mela

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Prayagraj after Rae Bareli to review the preparation of Kumbh Mela. He also visited Swachh Kumbh Exhibition.PM inaugurated ‘Swachch Kumbh’ Model on the banks of Sangam,where the ‘Ganga Puja’ is to be performed.
  • Prime Minister inaugurated a new Airport Complex, an Integrated Command and Control Centre for the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj.
  • Prime Minister said in a gathering that his government is making every effort to showcase India’s glorious past and vibrant future at the Ardh-Kumbh.

Inauguration of 175 Km of Sewerage Network in Prayagraj

1. PM Modi inaugurated 175 km of sewerage network under National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) which will reduce 7.8 crore litres of sewage falling into river Ganga each day.
2. The Project was inaugurated in the Presence of Uttar Pradesh Governor Shri Ram Naik, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.
3. Prime Minister also laid foundation stone for two more projects under One City-One Operator Scheme with the sanctioned cost of Rs. 767.59 Crore.
4. Rs 904 Crore has been allotted for Rehabilitation and Operations & Maintenance of 6 existing Sewage Treatment plants (STP) of capacity 254 MLD.

Kumbh Mela

• Kumbh Mela is The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • It is the largest peaceful gathering of people in the world. Four Fairs namely Prayag Kumbh Mela, Haridwar Kumbh Mela, Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhasthaand Ujjain Simhastha are recognized as the Kumbh Meal.
  • At any Given Place, Kumbh Mela is held once in 12 years.

PNB Rupay Card: special card for Kumbh Mela launched by PNB and UP government

On December 23, 2018, State-owned Punjab National Bank (PNB) in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh government launched a special card called PNB Rupay card, for Kumbh Mela 2019.

1. It is aimed to create a model for digitization at this edition of Kumbh Mela for convenient and hassle-free transactions for the participating 12 crore devotees.
2. This product can be used even in absence of internet.

Four Day 1^st International conference on bears held in Agra, UP

On December 3, 2018, a four day 1st International Conference on Bears commenced in Agra,

 

Uttar Pradesh. It concluded on December 6, 2018.

Objective:

To share knowledge on principles of welfare of bears and other wild animals in zoos, sanctuaries and rescue centres.

Key Points:

1. It was organized by Wildlife SOS, a conservation non-profit organisation in collaboration with Bear Care Group from the US and Canada.
2. The conference focused on bear care, wildlife conservation and human wildlife conflict mitigation.
3. More than 80 delegates from 11 countries participated in the conference.
4. The international delegates have came from the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Demark, the Netherlands, Vietnam etc.

SHINYUU Maitri 18: First 5-day India, Japan air exercise commenced in Agra, Uttar Pradesh

On December 3, 2018, the first bilateral air exercise 5-day “SHINYUU Maitri-18” commenced at the Air Force station in Agra in northern state of Uttar Pradesh.It would conclude on 7th December,2018.

1. The theme of the exercise is: ‘Joint mobility and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) on transport aircraft’.
2. It would be attended by:

The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) from Japan’s side and

Indian Air Force (IAF) from the Indian side.

1. The JASDF’s ‘C2′ aircraft is participating along with IAFs ‘AN-32’ and ‘C-17’.

Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik won gold in Tata Motors Senior National Championship On 1^st December 2018, Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik won the Gold medals in 57 kg and 62 kg category respectively at the second day of Tata Motors Senior Womens National Championship hosted by Uttar Pradesh.

Railways topped the event with 188 points whereas Haryana with 186 points and Delhi with 93 points settled for 2^nd and 3^rd spot respectively.