Legislation:

• Bill Passed: Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024.
• Location: Uttar Pradesh State Assembly, Lucknow.

Opposition and Controversy:

• Opposition Reaction:
  • Samajwadi Party MLAs and other opposition members staged a dharna and raised slogans, terming the bill as draconian and anti-people.
  • BJP Lawmakers, Nishad Party, and Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik): Some members of these parties also opposed the bill.

Government’s Defense:

• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna:
  • Assured Relief: Economically weaker sections have been given relief under the bill.
  • Ownership Clarification: Nazul land belongs to the government; people cannot claim ownership but will not be deprived of property if lawfully allotted.
  • Lease Renewals: Those who have deposited money and adhered to lease conditions will have their leases renewed for 30 years.
  • Protection of Rights: Educational institutions will not be removed, and rights of the people will be protected.
  • Public Use: Emphasized that Nazul land will be used for public utility and development rather than being converted to freehold for private use.

Purpose of the Legislation:

• Land Requirement: Due to the urgent need for land for public development activities, the government aims to reclaim Nazul land for public use, avoiding the expensive and time-consuming process of land acquisition.
• Suspension of Previous Policies: The bill suspends earlier policies that allowed conversion of Nazul land into freehold, which led to legal disputes and drained land resources.
• Government’s Interest: The legislation is designed to ensure that Nazul land remains available for public use and development rather than being converted for private ownership.

Key Provisions:

• Lease Renewal for 30 Years: People who comply with the rules can renew their lease for 30 years.
• Option for Refund: Leaseholders can opt for a refund if they do not wish to renew their lease.
• Public Utility: The government will use reclaimed Nazul land for public utility rather than converting it to freehold.

Key Legislation Passed:

• Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Regions Development Authority Bill, 2024:
  • Purpose: To address rapid urbanization and promote regional planning in districts surrounding major cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Meerut, and other significant districts.
  • Action: Establishment of the State Capital Region Development Authority and Regional Development Authorities in other areas of the state.

Additional Bills Passed:

• Payment of Bonus (Uttar Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• The Factories (Uttar Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• The Uttar Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• The Uttar Pradesh Nodal Investment Region for Manufacturing (Nirman) Kshetra Bill, 2024.

Statement by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna:

• Rationale: The economic activities and urbanization in surrounding districts of major cities are growing rapidly, necessitating the creation of regional planning authorities.

Key Announcement:

• New Pension Accounts:
  • Approximately 8 lakh new pension accounts for state government employees have been opened since the Yogi Adityanath government took office in 2017.

Context:

• Historical Background:
  • The New Pension Scheme (NPS) was initially implemented in 2005 during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party (SP) government led by Mulayam Singh Yadav.
  • Despite the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) being in power from 2007 to 2012 and the SP from 2012 to 2017, no new pension accounts were opened during those periods.

Government Actions:

• 2018 Committee Formation:
  • Upon discovering issues with existing pension accounts, a committee was formed in 2018 under the then finance secretary.
• Committee Findings:
  • It was determined that increasing the government's contribution slightly was necessary to ensure that employees receive 50% of their last drawn salary as pension.
  • The government's share in the pension scheme was subsequently increased from 10% to 14%.
  • Contributions from 2005 to 2017 were credited to the newly opened accounts.

Outcome:

• The government's proactive measures have ensured that employees could receive approximately 60% of their money as pension after retirement, provided contributions are made on time and connected to the scheme.

Overview:

• Initiative: The state government has initiated the process to establish 33 Integrated Manufacturing and Logistics Clusters (IMLCs) across 30 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
• 
  

Location and Expressways:

• The IMLCs will be located along five major expressways:
  • Ganga Expressway
  • Bundelkhand Expressway
  • Agra-Lucknow Expressway
  • Gorakhpur Link Expressway
  • Purvanchal Expressway

Key Districts and Areas:

• Ganga Expressway:
  • Clusters in Meerut, Hapur, Amroha, Sambhal, Badaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, Rae Bareli, Pratapgarh, and Prayagraj.
• Bundelkhand Expressway:
  • Clusters in Chitrakoot, Banda, Hamirpur, Mahoba, Jalaun, and Auraiya.
  • Industrial Corridor in Chitrakoot with a defence corridor node.
• Agra-Lucknow Expressway:
  • Additional land for the defence corridor in Agra and Aligarh.
  • Industrial Corridors in Firozabad, Etawah, and Kannauj.
• Gorakhpur Link Expressway:
  • Industrial Corridor on 62.93 hectares in Gorakhpur.
  • Additional corridors covering 143.63 hectares and 230.84 hectares in Ambedkarnagar.
  • 
    

Project Details:

• Total Area: The IMLCs will span a total area of 6,149.30 hectares.
• Environmental and Other Clearances:
  • Various reports will be compiled to secure environmental and forest clearances for all scheduled projects.
  • Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to select a consulting agency to facilitate these developments.
  • 
    

Purpose:

• The IMLCs aim to promote industrial growth and enhance logistics capabilities across the state, particularly in districts strategically located along key expressways.

Overview:

• The Uttar Pradesh urban development department has reported an improvement in air quality across the state under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP).
• Recent data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) shows a significant reduction in PM10 levels across various cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Major Cities (Million Plus Cities):

• Varanasi:
  • Highest improvement with a 68% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 94 µg/m³ (FY 2022-23) to 73.5 µg/m³ (FY 2023-24).
• Meerut:
  • 16.15% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 177 µg/m³ to 149 µg/m³.
• Ghaziabad:
  • 13.55% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 199 µg/m³ to 172 µg/m³.
• Kanpur:
  • 12.71% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 173 µg/m³ to 151 µg/m³.
• Lucknow:
  • 7.96% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 201 µg/m³ to 185 µg/m³.
• Agra:
  • Modest 1.34% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 118 µg/m³ to 116 µg/m³.
• Prayagraj:
  • Slight 0.40% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 125 µg/m³ to 124 µg/m³.

Non-Million Plus Cities:

• Gorakhpur:
  • 60.01% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 278 µg/m³ (FY 2019-20) to 111.17 µg/m³ (FY 2023-24).
• Bareilly:
  • 56.71% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 185 µg/m³ to 80 µg/m³.
• Khurja:
  • 53.76% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 226 µg/m³ to 105 µg/m³.
• Anpara:
  • Slight 2.02% reduction in PM10 levels.
  • PM10 reduced from 169 µg/m³ to 166 µg/m³.
• Rae Bareli and Firozabad:
  • Reported reductions in PM10 levels, but specific percentages were not detailed.
  • 
    

Significance:

• Varanasi and Gorakhpur stand out with the most substantial improvements in air quality, highlighting the effectiveness of the measures implemented under the NCAP.
• Cities like Prayagraj and Anpara showed only slight reductions, indicating the need for further action.

Economic Growth and Investments:

• GSDP Projection:
  • Uttar Pradesh's GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) is estimated at Rs 24.99 lakh crore by the state government, while the union government projects it at Rs 27.51 lakh crore.
• Industrial Growth:
  • Industrial Growth Rate: The state's industrial growth rate is reported at 22.09%.
  • Investment Initiatives:
    • 4,952 proposals involving investments of Rs 1.81 lakh crore have begun commercial operations.
    • These investments have created approximately 37 lakh new job avenues.
    • 
      

Key Discussions in the Legislative Assembly:

• Samsung India Operations:
  • Samajwadi Party Member Ragini Sonkar raised concerns about whether any industrial units, including Samsung India, had shifted operations out of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Minister for Industrial Development Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’:
    • Clarified that no industrial unit has shifted operations from the state.
    • Stated that Samsung India's mobile display unit is still operational in Uttar Pradesh, with the state government providing the promised incentives to all industrial units.
  • Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Suresh Khanna: Supported the statement, mentioning that the issue of Samsung India is being addressed at political and official levels.

Other Legislative Developments:

• Supplementary Questions:
  • SP Member Anil Pradhan raised issues related to MSP, GST on farm products, and waiver of farm loans, beginning with the slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Samvidhan’.
• Political Tensions:
  • Minister for Agriculture Surya Pratap Shahi responded by questioning the SP's alliance with Congress, referencing the Emergency imposed in 1975.
  • Congress Legislature Party Leader Aradhana Mishra ‘Mona’ objected to Shahi's remarks, leading to further exchanges.
  • 
    

Legislation Passed:

• The Uttar Pradesh Appropriation (Supplementary 2024-2025) Bill 2024 was moved by Suresh Khanna and adopted by the assembly through a voice vote.

Economic Achievements:

• Revenue Surplus Status:
  • Uttar Pradesh has achieved revenue surplus status, enabling the state to meet most of its requirements independently.
  • The state has effectively mobilized resources, increasing its share in the national GDP from 6-7% to 9-10%.

State Budget:

• Budget Size:
  • The annual budget for 2024-25 is now Rs 7.5 lakh crore, double the size of the 2015-16 budget.
  • 44% of the funds have been released, with 20% already utilized.
• Supplementary Budget:
  • The supplementary budget includes funding for significant infrastructure projects, including the Ganga Expressway, with the goal of completing its main carriageway by December 2024 ahead of the 2025 Prayagraj Mahakumbh.
  • 
    

Development Initiatives:

• Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT):
  • Rs 70,000 crore has been transferred through DBT across 196 schemes in 11 departments, directly benefiting the underprivileged and ensuring a corruption-free system.
• Economic Growth:
  • UP has become the second-largest economy in the country, moving from a sixth or seventh ranking.
  • The state is on track to become a $1 trillion economy with a comprehensive roadmap focusing on education, health, and skill development.

Infrastructure Development:

• Expressways and Highways:
  • Significant infrastructure projects include:
    • Delhi Meerut Expressway
    • Purvanchal Expressway
    • Bundelkhand Expressway
    • Delhi Agra Expressway
  • Expressway Network: The state has enhanced interstate connectivity through an extensive network of expressways and highways, with ongoing projects like the Ganga Expressway.

Future Roadmap:

• Strategic Planning:
  • A comprehensive roadmap has been prepared, dividing the state's departments into 10 key sectors.
  • Each sector is overseen by a senior minister and monitored by additional chief secretaries and principal secretaries.
  • The government is engaging experts, economists, and stakeholders to ensure targeted growth, with progress being regularly reviewed through the CM's dashboard.

Educational Advancements:

• New Universities:
  • The state has established 14 new universities to promote higher education and contribute to the state's growth.

Credit Deposit (CD) Ratio:

• Increased Employment Opportunities:
  • The state's CD ratio has increased from 44% in 2017 to 60%, reflecting a rise in employment opportunities.

Conclusion:

• The state government is focusing on major advancements in infrastructure, education, health, and skill development as part of its goal to make Uttar Pradesh a leading economy.

Key Event:

• Location: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
• Action Taken: The Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024 was referred to a select committee for further review and consideration, following a day of intense debate and opposition in the legislative council.

Background and Legislative Process:

• Initial Passage:
  • The bill was passed in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday, amid significant uproar and protests from opposition members.
  • Opposition's Viewpoint:
    • The opposition, led by the Samajwadi Party (SP), described the bill as draconian and anti-people, arguing that it would unfairly impact those currently residing on Nazul land, many of whom are from economically weaker sections.
    • Opposition members accused the government of prioritizing development at the cost of vulnerable populations.

Key Concerns Raised:

• Opposition Protests:
  • During the assembly session, SP MLAs disrupted proceedings by rushing into the well of the assembly, raising slogans against the government, and staging a dharna (sit-in) to demand the bill's withdrawal.
• Bipartisan Concerns:
  • Notably, opposition to the bill wasn't limited to the SP; dissent also came from within the ruling coalition.
  • Harshvardhan Bajpai, a BJP MLA from Prayagraj, and an MLA from the NISHAD Party (a BJP ally) also voiced their opposition.
  • Additionally, the Jansatta Dal (Loktantrik), another ally of the BJP, expressed concerns over the bill.
  • 
    

Specific Issues Highlighted by Critics:

• Harshvardhan Bajpai's Arguments:
  • Tenants' Rights: Bajpai emphasized the need to protect the rights of tenants who have resided on Nazul land for over a century. He pointed out that many of these residents are poor, living in small one or two-room dwellings.
  • Historical Context: These residents, often referred to as "Sagar Peshas"—staff of British officers who were given spaces near the officials’ bungalows—have a long-standing presence in these areas.
  • Contradictory Policies: Bajpai criticized the government for the perceived contradiction in its policies, pointing out that while the government is providing houses to the poor under the PM Awas Yojana, it is also moving forward with a bill that could lead to the eviction of poor tenants from Nazul land.

Government's Defense and Reassurances:

• Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna:
  • Clarification on Nazul Land Ownership: Khanna reiterated that under the Constitution, Nazul land belongs to the government and cannot be claimed as private property by individuals. He assured that those who have lawfully been allotted Nazul land and have deposited the required money will have their leases renewed.
  • Relief for Weaker Sections: Khanna assured the assembly that economically weaker sections would receive relief under the bill. He emphasized that the government would consider the concerns raised by the opposition, and that there would be no evictions of weaker sections as a result of the bill.

Vidhan Parishad's Decision:

• Referral to Select Committee:
  • Following the debate and the concerns raised, MLC and BJP UP Chief Bhupendra Chaudhary requested that the bill be referred to a select committee for further consideration. The Vidhan Parishad accepted this request and referred the bill to the committee.

Other Legislative Actions:

• In addition to the Nazul land bill, the Vidhan Parishad passed several other significant bills, including:
  • Uttar Pradesh State Capital Region and Other Regions Development Authority Bill, 2024: This bill aims to establish regional development authorities to manage the rapid urbanization and promote planned growth in the state.
  • Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion (Amendment) Bill, 2024: This amendment is aimed at strengthening existing laws against unlawful religious conversions in the state.
  • Uttar Pradesh Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024: This bill focuses on preventing cheating and other unfair practices in public examinations.

Final Remarks:

• Session Conclusion:
  • After referring the Nazul land bill to the select committee and passing the other bills, the legislative council was adjourned sine die (without assigning a day for a further meeting), bringing the session to a close.

Recent Legislative Developments:

• Bill Passed: On July 31, 2024, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly passed the Uttar Pradesh Nazul Properties (Management and Utilization for Public Purposes) Bill, 2024 amid significant opposition.
• Vidhan Parishad Action: The following day, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) referred the bill to a select committee for further review.
• Bill's Objective: The bill aims to prevent the conversion of Nazul land into private freehold. It stipulates that all Nazul property leased to individuals or organizations will revert to government ownership upon lease expiration, with specific conditions.

What is Nazul Land?

• Historical Background:
  
  • British Colonial Period: During British rule, lands were often confiscated from kings, rulers, Zamindars, Nawabs, and Rajas who opposed the British. These lands were labeled as Nazul land after the British took control.
  • Post-Independence: After independence, these lands, which lacked proper ownership documentation from the former rulers, were marked as Nazul land and became the property of the state governments.
• Usage of Nazul Land:
  
  • Public Purposes: Historically, Nazul land has been used by the government for public purposes such as building schools, hospitals, and Gram Panchayat buildings. In several cities, large tracts of Nazul land have been used for housing societies, typically on a lease basis.
  • Lease Agreements: The government leases Nazul land to various entities for fixed periods, typically ranging from 15 to 99 years. Upon lease expiration, entities can apply to the Revenue Department for renewal, but the government retains the right to renew or cancel the lease and reclaim the land.
• Legal Definition:
  
  • Meaning of Nazul: According to the Legal Glossary published by the Government of India, "Nazul" refers to "Rajbhoomi" or "Government land." It is derived from an Arabic term meaning land annexed to the crown.

Historical Context and Legal Background:

• British Regime: During the British era, immovable properties confiscated from individuals and rulers were classified as Nazul property. These lands were not acquired through purchase or payment but were seized by the British government.
• Post-1857 Developments: After the 1857 revolt, the British government allotted lands to local zamindars, taluqdars, and riyasats. The remaining lands, not allotted, were retained as Nazul land.
• Post-Independence: Following the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, Nazul land continued to be government property. Over time, portions of Nazul land were allotted for public purposes or leased to individuals.
• 
  

Current Issues and Challenges:

• Encroachment: A significant portion of Nazul land has been occupied by alleged land grabbers, leading to a reduction in the availability of such land in urban areas.
• Legislative Intent: The recent bill seeks to address these challenges by reclaiming Nazul land for public use, reducing the need for costly land acquisition for development activities.

Rationale Behind the Bill:

• Purpose of the Bill: According to Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, the bill is designed to make land available for development activities without the need for expensive and time-consuming acquisition processes.
• Provisions for Leaseholders:
  • The bill allows for the renewal of leases for up to 30 years if the leaseholders have adhered to the rules.
  • Leaseholders also have the option to receive a refund if they choose not to renew their lease.
• Protection for Weaker Sections: Khanna assured that economically weaker sections have been provided relief under the bill, ensuring they are not unjustly evicted.

Event:

• Occasion: Response to the Union Cabinet's approval of national high-speed road corridor projects.

Key Details:

• CM Yogi Adityanath's Statement:
  • Praise for PM Narendra Modi:
    • Yogi Adityanath praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership following the Union Cabinet's approval of eight national high-speed road corridor projects.
  • Significance for Uttar Pradesh:
    • Among the approved projects, three are located in Uttar Pradesh:
      • 6-lane Agra-Gwalior corridor
      • 6-lane Kanpur Ring Road
      • 4-lane Ayodhya Ring Road
  • Yogi's Post on X:
    • Yogi expressed his gratitude on social media platform X, acknowledging the transformative impact these projects will have on connectivity and logistics efficiency in the state.
    • He thanked PM Modi for this significant step towards improved infrastructure and development in Uttar Pradesh.

Impact of the Projects:

• Improved Connectivity:
  • These projects are expected to greatly enhance the connectivity within Uttar Pradesh, linking key cities and regions with high-speed road corridors.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • The projects will contribute to the overall infrastructure development in the state, boosting economic growth and easing transportation.
• Economic Benefits:
  • Better connectivity and infrastructure are likely to attract further investments, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.

Financial Details:

• Total Cost:
  • The total value of the eight national high-speed road corridor projects approved by the Union Cabinet is ₹Rs.50,655 crore.

Event and Initiative:

• Location: Uttar Pradesh, with international expos in Bangkok, Paris, Tokyo, and London
• Objective: To showcase Uttar Pradesh’s rich historical and cultural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, and natural beauty in some of the world’s largest travel markets.

Government’s Vision:

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s Vision:
  • The initiative is part of CM Yogi Adityanath's broader vision to promote Uttar Pradesh as a leading tourist destination on the global stage.
  • The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is preparing to make a prominent presence at major international tourism expos.

Key Global Tourism Expos:

• Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in Bangkok, Thailand:
  
  • Dates: August 27-29, 2024
  • The first in the series of expos, where Uttar Pradesh will begin showcasing its tourism potential.
• International and French Travel Market (IFTM) in Paris, France:
  
  • Dates: September 17-19, 2024
  • A major event in Europe where Uttar Pradesh’s cultural and natural attractions will be highlighted.
• Tourism Expo Japan 2024 in Tokyo, Japan:
  
  • Dates: September 26-29, 2024
  • Hosted by the Japan Tourism and Travel Association (JTTA) and Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), this expo will present Uttar Pradesh’s offerings to the Asian market.
• World Travel Market (WTM) in London, UK:
  
  • Dates: November 5-7, 2024
  • One of the largest global tourism events, where Uttar Pradesh will conclude its international showcase for the year.

Exhibition Strategy:

• Stalls and Exhibitions:
  • Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department will set up stalls at all four expos, equipped with facilities for both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) meetings.
  • These stalls will serve as a hub for interactions between tourism officials, service providers, and potential business partners or consumers.
• Goals of Participation:
  • Promote Tourism: To increase awareness of Uttar Pradesh’s tourist attractions among global travelers and tour operators.
  • Brand UP: To build and strengthen Brand Uttar Pradesh in the global tourism market, positioning the state as a top travel destination.
  • Cultural Exchange: Facilitate cultural exchanges and partnerships that can enhance Uttar Pradesh's visibility and appeal on the international stage.

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased Tourism: The state aims to attract more international tourists by showcasing its diverse attractions at these prominent global events.
• Economic Impact: Boosting tourism is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state, including job creation and increased revenue.
• Global Recognition: Establishing Uttar Pradesh as a recognized name in the global tourism industry, drawing attention to its unique cultural and natural heritage.

Project Overview:

• Initiative: Establishment of an environment-friendly cremation ground, Baikunth Dham, in Ayodhya.
• Location: Manjha Barehta, Ayodhya.
• Cost and Area:
  • The facility has been built at a cost of Rs 24.05 crore.
  • It spans an area of 16,170 square meters.

Objective:

• Environmental Protection: The primary goal is to discourage the practice of body immersion in the Saryu River and reduce pollution by providing modern, eco-friendly cremation options.
• Sanctity of the Saryu: The project aims to maintain the sanctity of the Saryu River by minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional cremation practices.

Key Features of Baikunth Dham:

• Electric and Green Cremation Platforms:
  • Two electric pyre platforms designed for eco-friendly cremation.
  • Two green pyre sheds that reduce wood usage, promoting sustainability.
  • 18 traditional pyre sheds for those who prefer conventional rituals.
• Additional Infrastructure:
  • A wooden storage shed for storing wood.
  • A kund for bathing rituals, with a filtration plant to clean the water.
  • Facilities include a toilet block, parking gate, bathing platforms, CC road, 16 ritual pillars, a hall, and shops to support the rituals.
• Gas Crematoriums:
  • Two gas crematoriums have been constructed, funded by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
  • Each gas cremation requires a single LPG cylinder.

Environmental Impact:

• Reduction in Wood Consumption: The facility's design is expected to significantly reduce the consumption of wood traditionally used in cremations.
• Daily Cremations: Ayodhya's existing crematoriums handle over 100 cremations daily, serving not just Ayodhya but also nearby districts. The new facility will help manage this demand while reducing environmental harm.

• Environmental Conservation: The project is anticipated to significantly reduce pollution in the Saryu River and contribute to broader efforts to protect the environment.
• Sustainable Rituals: By offering modern cremation options, the initiative seeks to balance traditional customs with the need for sustainability in post-death rituals.

Overview:

• Location: Dhankutti village, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh
• Participants: 50 Scheduled Caste (SC) women from the village
• Initiative: Ornamental Fish Farming as a means of empowerment and economic independence

Background and Training:

• Workshop by ICAR – NBFGR:
  • The women attended a workshop organized by the Indian Council for Agriculture Research – National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR – NBFGR) in February 2024.
  • The workshop was part of Mission Navshakti, aimed at empowering women through skill development.
  • Training Provided:
    • The women were provided with five pairs of Molly and Guppy fish along with an aquarium.
    • They received detailed instructions on how to maintain and breed the fish.
  • Support Network:
    • A WhatsApp group was created to connect the women with an expert who provided ongoing support and answered their queries.

Success Stories:

• First Sales:
  • Seema and Usha, two women from the group, recently sold 500 fish, marking the first successful business transaction from the initiative.
  • Their success has inspired other women in the village to pursue ornamental fish farming.
• Personal Experiences:
  • Usha Rawat (40 years old):
    • Expressed her joy at earning money through fish rearing, which she never thought was possible.
    • Described how she cares for the fish like her children, starting her day by feeding them.
    • Her success story has inspired many other women in the village and nearby areas to start breeding fish.
  • Padma Devi (35 years old):
    • Constructed a tank in her house to breed fish, involving her children in the process.
    • Mentioned the joy her children feel watching the fish swim, and how they are inspired by her initiative.

Expert Insights and Future Potential:

• Trainer and Aquarist, Indramani Raja:
  
  • Explained that Kerala, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are the leading producers of ornamental fish in India.
  • Highlighted the potential for Uttar Pradesh to become a major center for ornamental fish breeding if more women are empowered through training and support.
  • Mentioned that over 300-400 crore worth of ornamental fish are purchased annually in Uttar Pradesh from these leading states.
• Project Nodal Officer, Poonam Jayant Singh:
  
  • Discussed efforts to implement a hub and spoke model to expand the initiative and help more women become self-sustaining through ornamental fish farming.
  • The aim is to establish a network that can support more women in starting and maintaining their own businesses.

Impact and Future Goals:

• Empowerment: The initiative has provided SC women in Barabanki with a new source of income, enhancing their economic independence and self-esteem.
• Expansion: There are plans to expand the initiative to include more women, potentially positioning Uttar Pradesh as a significant player in the ornamental fish farming industry.
• Community Influence: The success of these women is inspiring others in their community, creating a ripple effect that could lead to broader social and economic benefits.

Key Event:

• Court: Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court
• Judge: Justice Alok Mathur

Judgment Summary:

• Ruling: The court ruled that private unaided schools cannot deny admission to students under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009 on trivial grounds that do not fundamentally affect the eligibility criteria.
• Case Outcome:
  • The respondent, Lucknow Public School, was directed to immediately complete the admission formalities for the petitioner, a four-year-old girl, and allow her to attend classes.
  • The school was also ordered to pay Rs 3000 as compensation to the petitioner within three weeks due to the unnecessary litigation.

Case Background:

• Petitioner: A four-year-old girl, represented by her natural guardian, Shahjahan.
• Issue: Despite being selected and allotted a school under the RTE Act, the petitioner was not admitted or allowed to attend classes by the respondent school.
• Legal Action:
  • After multiple unsuccessful attempts to gain admission, the petitioner filed a writ petition seeking a court order to ensure her admission for the 2024-25 session.

Court’s Observations:

• Global Inequities and Education:
  
  • The court acknowledged the increasing inequities in society due to globalisation and emphasised the importance of education as a tool for social, economic, and political transformation.
  • Education was highlighted as a critical component in social engineering and in building an equitable and just society.
• Government’s Role:
  
  • The court referenced various government initiatives aimed at Universalisation of Elementary Education, focusing on expanding access to quality education and promoting equity by including disadvantaged groups.
• Private Schools' Responsibility:
  
  • The court underlined that private unaided schools have a responsibility to participate in nation-building by providing education to disadvantaged children, as mandated by the RTE Act.
  • The ruling stressed that welfare and beneficial legislation like the RTE Act should be interpreted in favor of disadvantaged individuals and should be complied with substantially.

Significance of the Ruling:

• Affirmative Action:
  • The court's decision reinforces the importance of affirmative action by private unaided schools in providing equal educational opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Compliance with RTE Act:
  • Schools are reminded of their obligation to comply with the RTE Act and cannot use trivial issues as grounds to deny admission to eligible students.
• Nation Building:
  • The ruling emphasises the role of education in nation-building and the need for private institutions to contribute to this process by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education.

Conclusion:

• The court’s ruling is a significant step in ensuring that private unaided schools fulfill their responsibilities under the RTE Act, promoting educational equity and protecting the rights of children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Key Announcement:

• Announced by: Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro)
• Prime Gaganyatri (Astronaut): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
• Backup Gaganyatri: Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
• 
  

Mission Overview:

• Mission Type: India-United States Joint Mission to the International Space Station (ISS)
• Agreement:
  • The mission is part of a collaboration between Isro and NASA as per an agreement signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June 2023.
  • Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC) of Isro has entered into a Space Flight Agreement (SFA) with NASA-identified service provider Axiom Space International for the Axiom-4 mission to the ISS.

Key Details:

• Selection Process:
  
  • The National Mission Assignment Board recommended Group Captains Shubhanshu Shukla and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair as the prime and backup mission pilots for this mission.
  • The final approval to fly to the ISS will be given by the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP).
• Training:
  
  • The selected Gaganyatris will begin their mission training in the first week of August 2024.
• Mission Objectives:
  
  • Scientific Research and Technology Demonstration: The Gaganyatris will conduct selected scientific experiments and technology demonstrations aboard the ISS.
  • Space Outreach Activities: They will also participate in outreach activities to engage with the public and share their experiences.
  • Strategic Impact: The mission is expected to benefit the Indian Human Space Programme and strengthen human spaceflight cooperation between Isro and NASA.

Background of the Astronauts:

• Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla:
  • Birthplace: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
  • Date of Birth: October 10, 1985
  • Age: 38 years
  • Education: Alumnus of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla.
  • Military Career:
    • Commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on June 17, 2006.
    • Has around 2,000 hours of flying experience and is a fighter combat leader and test pilot.
    • Experienced in flying various aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk.
• Gaganyaan Mission:
  • Shukla and Nair are among the four IAF fighter pilots selected for India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, scheduled for next year.
  • The selection of these pilots was kept confidential until it was revealed by Prime Minister Modi on February 27, 2024.

Training and Experience:

• The four astronauts, including Shukla and Nair, were hand-picked from the elite Air Force Test Pilot School, which is part of the Bengaluru-based Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE).
• They have undergone specialized training in Russia as part of their preparation for the Gaganyaan mission.

Upcoming Mission:

• Launch Date: While no official date has been announced, reports suggest that the joint Isro-NASA mission could launch later this year.

Recognition:

• The four astronauts were awarded the Antriksh Yatri Pankh at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in February, acknowledging their selection and preparation for India's space missions.

Key Event:

• Location: Multiple districts across Uttar Pradesh
• Investigating Agency: Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (UP ATS)
• Main Issue: Issuance of fake birth certificates using the government’s Civil Registration System (CRS) portal without proper address and other beneficiary details.

Recent Developments:

• Arrests:
  • UP ATS arrested six individuals from different districts in Uttar Pradesh who were involved in generating fake birth, caste, and economically weaker section (EWS) certificates.
  • These individuals operated Jan Suvidha Kendras (Public Convenience Centres) and Cyber Cafes.

Details of the Scam:

• Network Operation:
  
  • The arrested individuals were part of a wider network connected through social media platforms and WhatsApp groups. They shared desired information (e.g., date of birth, name, address) to generate fake certificates.
  • The network included previously arrested individuals: Zeeshan and his father Rizwan from Rae Bareli, along with Salon block Village Development Officer (VDO) Vijay Singh Yadav.
  • Vijay Singh Yadav’s ID and password were used to access the CRS portal to issue these fake certificates, which were then shared within the group as PDFs.
  • Payments for these services were made online after the certificates were generated.
• Initial Exposure of the Scam:
  
  • The scam came to light in July 2024 when the National Investigation Agency (NIA) red-flagged certain certificates issued in Salon block of Rae Bareli district after discovering them with some individuals, including Bangladeshi nationals.
  • An FIR was lodged on July 17, 2024, leading to the arrest of Zeeshan, Rizwan, and a minor involved in the scam.
  • They were charged under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including cheating, forgery, and using forged documents.
• Scale of the Fraud:
  
  • The FIR reported that 19,184 fake birth certificates were issued using addresses in four villages: Lahurepur, Gadi Islamnagar, Noorudinpur, and Gopalpur Anantpur.

Ongoing Investigation:

• The ATS continues to investigate the network, with further arrests expected as the fraudulent activities are suspected to extend to other districts.

Significance:

• Public Trust and Security: The exposure of this network underscores significant security concerns regarding the misuse of government systems. The scam has implications for public trust in government services and the potential for abuse in accessing government schemes.
• Legal Consequences: The accused face serious charges, reflecting the gravity of the offense in manipulating government systems and issuing fraudulent documents.

• Context: Recent Supreme Court ruling on sub-classification of SCs/STs and OBCs

Background:

• Rajnath Singh’s Policy in 2001:
  • As the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh in 2001, Rajnath Singh proposed a "quota within quota" policy aimed at sub-classifying Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
  • The policy was seen as a strategic move to divide the homogenous groups of OBCs and Dalits, who largely supported opposition parties like the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
  • 
    

Formation of Social Justice Committee:

• Committee Formation: On June 28, 2001, Singh formed a three-member Social Justice Committee headed by Hukum Singh (then Parliamentary Affairs Minister).
• Objective: The committee was tasked with examining existing government schemes and programs for the welfare of SCs, STs, and OBCs and making recommendations for sub-classification within these groups.

Committee’s Findings and Recommendations:

• Findings:
  
  • The committee discovered that certain castes, notably Yadavs (among OBCs) and Jatavs (among SCs), were disproportionately benefiting from the reservation system, leaving poorer castes deprived.
  • In higher education and government jobs, Yadavs and Jatavs held a significant share of the reserved seats.
• Recommendations:
  
  • Sub-classification of OBCs and SCs to ensure fair distribution of reservation benefits.
  • SC Reservation: 10% for Jatavs and 11% for the remaining 65 SC castes.
  • OBC Sub-division:
    • 5% quota for Yadavs/Ahirs
    • 9% quota for eight OBC castes (including Kurmi, Jat, Gujar, etc.)
    • 14% quota for 70 extremely backward OBC castes.

Political Fallout and Implementation:

• Implementation: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the recommendations in September 2001, and the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (Reservation for SCs, STs, and OBCs) (Amendment Ordinance 2001) was accepted by the Governor.
• Supreme Court Stay: The policy was implemented in October 2001 but was stayed by the Supreme Court in December 2001.
• Mayawati’s Repeal: When Mayawati became the Chief Minister in 2002, she scrapped the "quota within quota" policy with the support of BJP ministers, leading to further political embarrassment for Rajnath Singh.

Impact on Elections:

• 2002 Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections: The policy did not yield electoral success for the BJP, which won only 88 out of 403 seats. Mayawati's BSP formed a coalition government with the BJP after a brief spell of President’s rule.

Supreme Court’s Recent Ruling:

• Vindication: After 23 years, a recent Supreme Court ruling has supported the concept of sub-classification within SCs, STs, and OBCs, essentially validating the core idea behind Rajnath Singh's 2001 policy.
• Political Implications: The ruling may prompt the BJP to reconsider Singh’s approach as part of its strategy, especially after the party's loss in the 2024 Uttar Pradesh elections due to the consolidation of backward and Dalit votes in favor of the opposition.

Historical Context:

• Previous Efforts: The idea of sub-classifying backward castes is not new. In 1975, then UP Chief Minister HN Bahuguna also constituted a committee to study backward classes, which recommended 17% reservation for the most backward castes.

Conclusion:

• The Supreme Court’s recent ruling provides a form of political vindication for Rajnath Singh, whose "quota within quota" policy, though controversial and unsuccessful in the short term, now appears prescient in light of the Court's stance on sub-classification for ensuring social justice.   (SOURCE: HT)

• Eight higher educational institutions from Uttar Pradesh secured a position among the top 100 in the overall category of the Ninth National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.
• These institutions have maintained their ranking for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

• The institutions include five central, two private, and one state-run institution.

• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) and King George’s Medical University (KGMU), both based in Lucknow, are among the top 100.
• Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur (IIT-K) and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) retained their 5th and 11th positions, respectively.

• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) climbed three spots from 19th last year to 16th this year.
• Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) (IIT-BHU) moved up from 31st rank to 30th rank this year, though it remains below its best 29th rank in 2022.
• Amity University, Gautam Buddha Nagar, improved its ranking from 57th last year to 49th this year.

• BBAU showed steady progress for the second consecutive year, jumping from 69th rank last year to 58th rank this year.

• Eight higher educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh secured a position among the top 100 in the Ninth National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024.
• These institutions have consistently ranked in the top 100 for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024).

• IIT-Kanpur retained its 5th position.
• Banaras Hindu University (BHU) maintained its 11th position.
• Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) climbed from 19th to 16th place this year.
• Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) (IIT-BHU) improved its ranking from 31st to 30th.
• Amity University, Gautam Buddha Nagar moved up from 57th to 49th.
• Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU) jumped from 69th to 58th.
• King George’s Medical University (KGMU) ranked 88th, showing a decline for the fourth consecutive year.
• Shiv Nadar University, Gautam Buddha Nagar retained its 95th rank.

• KGMU experienced a ranking decline for four years, from 60th in 2021 to 88th in 2024.
• BBAU's steady progress in rankings is attributed to the collective efforts of the university, focusing on teaching, learning, research, and outreach.

• Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) secured the 6th rank in the medical category, improving from 7th place last year.
• SGPGIMS increased its overall score to 70.07 and received full marks in key parameters such as Faculty Student Ratio (FSR), University Examination Metrics (GUE), and Facilities for Physically Challenged Students (PCS).
• The institute's success reflects its outstanding infrastructure and administrative efficiency.

• Institutions were ranked under 16 categories, including overall, university, colleges, research institutions, engineering, management, pharmacy, law, medical, and more.
• New categories introduced this year include state universities, skills universities, and open universities.
• Evaluation was based on five parameters: teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception.

• UP 112, the UP Police Integrated Emergency Response Centre, launched the ‘Ek Pahal’ campaign on Monday.
• The campaign aims to sensitize the public to their social responsibility of reporting incidents such as accidents, crimes, domestic violence, and abuse of the elderly or children.

• Encourage people to report incidents rather than just walking away.
• Promote community policing by urging citizens to immediately call the emergency helpline 112.
• UP 112 will appreciate and felicitate those who act as first responders in a crisis.

• The campaign was launched by Director General of Police (DGP) Prashant Kumar at an event held at police headquarters.
• DGP emphasized that alert citizens contribute to creating a safe and secure environment.
• He highlighted that UP 112 has been effective in improving the law-and-order situation by responding promptly to emergency calls and being the first responders at accident or crime scenes.

• The UP Police, with a strength of over 3.5 lakh civil police personnel, is among the world’s largest civil police forces.
• Police Response Vehicles (PRV) of UP 112 have successfully reduced the response time to around 9-10 minutes.

• ADG Neera Rawat stressed that individual sensitivity and empathy can help prevent crimes, save lives, and curb abuses.
• She encouraged citizens to make a single call to UP 112 to address various issues, ensuring that caller identity will be kept confidential.

• Over 5 crore children and teenagers in Uttar Pradesh, which has a population of approximately 20 crore, have not updated their Aadhaar biometrics.
• Biometric updates include fingerprints and iris scans as required by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

• Many teenagers are encountering problems while filling forms for competitive exams like the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and while availing welfare schemes due to outdated biometrics.

• 2.5 crore children have not updated their biometrics after reaching the required age.
• Another 2.5 crore individuals, above the age of 15, have not updated their biometrics even after becoming adults, based on data from 2010 to July 2024.

• Approximately 200 teenagers visit Aadhaar centres daily to update their biometrics.
• Example: A person who was four years old in 2010 and has now turned 18 would have reached adulthood without completing the required biometric updates.

• Children under five are registered for Aadhaar using photographs and their parents' biometrics.
• Between the ages of 5 and 7, children must revisit Aadhaar centres for free biometric updates within a specific time frame.

• The department is contacting schools and coaching institutes to spread awareness about the need for biometric updates.
• Individuals registered with mobile numbers for Aadhaar are being contacted to update their cards at the nearest centres.

• The official website to locate the nearest Aadhaar centre is https://bhuvan-app3.nrsc.gov.in/aadhaar/.
• For issues or if centres are charging more than Rs 100 for updates, individuals can contact the helpline number 1947.

• In India, for every four people, only one has been issued an Aadhaar card.
• In Uttar Pradesh, it's 1 in 5 people.

• Prashant Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of biometrics updates for those in the 5-15 age group.
• He noted that this measure would help prevent issues when availing welfare schemes and filling exam forms.

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to expedite the availability of pure drinking water in all villages under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Emphasized the need for proper pipeline installation and adequate measures for operation and maintenance of the ‘Har Ghar Nal’ project.

• High-quality materials must be used for all works under the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Stolen or damaged taps should be promptly replaced to ensure continuous access to clean water.
• The CM highlighted the importance of training plumbers to ensure clean water access for every household.

• Officials informed that arrangements are being made to provide pure drinking water to over 2.63 crore households in Uttar Pradesh.
• The project has a total cost of Rs 1.60 lakh crore, with an additional Rs 4,500 crore allocated annually for the system's operation and maintenance.

• Access to pure drinking water is crucial for health and will help prevent various diseases.
• The scheme aims to relieve people from issues like digestive problems, urinary issues, jaundice, kidney stones, and kidney failure.

• The CM stressed the need to raise awareness among villagers about the Jal Jeevan Mission.
• He called for a detailed action plan to be made in collaboration with gram pradhans and to involve officers and public representatives in spreading awareness.

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed officials from the irrigation and water resources department to prevent any damage in Ayodhya due to the increased silt flow in the Saryu River.
• Proposed the construction of a dam to mitigate future risks, in consultation with IIT experts.
• Directed the launch of desilting and channelization of rivers in the Terai region.

• The CM reviewed the progress of the Ken-Betwa link project, a joint effort between Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and the Government of India.
• The project aims to provide irrigation to 2.51 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, benefiting the districts of Banda, Mahoba, Jhansi, and Lalitpur.
• Includes the construction of a 21 km link channel in Uttar Pradesh, requiring 271 hectares of land acquisition.
• The executive engineer of the Ken-Betwa link canal construction block 2 has been appointed as the nodal officer.

• Instructed the inclusion of Hamirpur district in the project's benefits.
• Urged officials to expedite the desilting of dams on a priority basis.
• Emphasized the need for a rubber dam near the Taj in Agra.

• Gautam Buddh Nagar Police Commissionerate, established in 2020, has been awarded the ISO 9001:2015 certification.
• The certification was granted for delivering exceptional police services aligned with international standards, implementing an efficient problem-resolution system, and maintaining excellent administrative management.

• The police commissioner’s offices in Sector 108 and Surajpur received the ISO certification.
• This recognition makes Gautam Buddh Nagar the first among the seven police commissionerates in Uttar Pradesh to achieve this distinction.

• The police commissionerate system was introduced in 2019 in seven cities: Lucknow, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Agra.
• Royal Impact Certification Limited evaluated various services of the commissionerate and awarded the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification.

• The Allahabad High Court observed that the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 aims to guarantee religious freedom to all, reflecting India’s social harmony and secular spirit.
• The court emphasized that the Act is designed to sustain the spirit of secularism in India.

• The court made these observations while rejecting the bail application of Ajeem, who was accused of forcing a girl to convert to Islam and sexually exploiting her.
• Ajeem was charged under sections 323/504/506 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3/5(1) of the UP Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2021 at Kotwali police station in Budaun district.

• Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal noted that while the Constitution guarantees religious freedom, this right does not extend to a collective right to proselytize.
• The court underscored that religious freedom is a right that belongs equally to both the person converting and the individual being converted.

• The informant-girl alleged that she was coerced into converting to Islam and was sexually exploited by the applicant.
• She also claimed she was forced to witness animal sacrifice on Bakrid and to cook and eat non-vegetarian food, which was against her will.
• The court noted that the petitioner could not prove compliance with Section 8 of the 2021 Act, which requires an application to be filed to facilitate conversion before marriage.

• Based on the evidence and statements recorded, the court found a prima facie contravention of Sections 3 and 8 of the 2021 Act.
• Consequently, the court rejected the bail application of the applicant.

• Lucknow played a significant role in India's freedom struggle, with contributions from both gallant women and literary figures.

1. Begum Hazrat Mahal
   
   • Wife of the last ruler of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah.
   • Led the siege of 1857, crowned her son Birjis Qadr as the ruler of Awadh.
   • Ruled as regent for 10 months, confined colonial forces to the Residency.
   • After defeat, she sought political asylum in Nepal.

1. Uda Devi
   
   • Played a key role during the Battle of Sikander Bagh in 1857.
   • Disguised as a soldier, she hid in a tree and shot dead 36 British officers before being killed.

1. Shivrani Devi
   
   • Wife of the famous writer Premchand.
   • Actively participated in the freedom struggle, arrested for picketing shops selling foreign goods in 1930.
   • Inspired by Swarup Rani Nehru, mother of Jawaharlal Nehru.

1. Durga Bhabhi (Durgavati Devi)
   
   • Wife of freedom fighter Bhagwati Charan Vohra.
   • Founded Lucknow Montessori School in 1940.
   • Posed as Bhagat Singh’s wife to help him escape after the killing of Saunders.

1. Premchand
   
   • Renowned for stories around the freedom struggle like “Julus,” “Ahuti,” and “Shatranj ke Khiladi.”
   • His wife’s arrest left him with regret that he wasn’t arrested himself.
   • Presided over the first meeting of the Progressive Writers’ Association in 1936.

1. Yashpal
   
   • After release from Lahore Jail in 1938, he settled in Lucknow.
   • Founded two magazines – “Viplav” in Hindi and “Baghi” in Urdu.
   • Both magazines were banned by the British government.

1. Nawal Kishore Press
   
   • Known for printing various books, this press was an important institution supporting the freedom struggle in the early to mid-20th century.

• Agra Police Commissionerate introduced a new digital system called the Commissionerate Courts Monitoring System (CCMS), marking a first in Uttar Pradesh.
• The system allows both citizens and police officials to easily access information about pending cases and upcoming hearing dates in real-time.

• Provides digital documentation, helping to prevent false surety bonds and monitor preventive actions at police stations.
• Designed to resolve problems faced by police officials and citizens, reducing the need for multiple court visits to get updates on cases.
• The system enhances efficiency and transparency within commissionerate courts.

• The system may be launched in six other police commissionerates across the state after receiving approval from the UP Police leadership.

• Agra Police Commissioner J Ravinder Goud announced that the portal was officially launched on Wednesday.
• The public will be able to access the portal for court dates, case status, and other information starting from Independence Day (Thursday).

• The portal aims to provide relief to thousands of people involved in over 11,000 pending cases affecting more than 55,000 people in the Agra Police Commissionerate.
• Courts within the commissionerate, including those of ACP, ADCP, DCP, and the commissioner of police, handle cases under different sections of the old CrPC and the new criminal law BNSS.

• The digital system will provide citizens with the freedom from multiple court visits and the ability to get updates online.
• The portal is expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of the commissionerate courts.

• Uttar Pradesh is establishing nine solar parks with a total capacity of 3840 MW.
• Out of this, 528 MW of electricity production has already commenced, marking a significant stride in the field of renewable energy.

• U.P. stands fifth in the country in solar energy, following Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh.
• The state has attracted large-scale investments for solar park development, especially in Bundelkhand and other regions.

• The initiatives in U.P. include:
  • Establishment of solar parks.
  • Installation of rooftop solar panels on houses.
  • Creation of solar cities.
  • Providing solar-powered electricity to agricultural farms.
  • Development of pump storage and biomass energy production.

• Uttar Pradesh ranks second in the country in biomass energy production, further showcasing its leadership in renewable energy efforts.

Key Highlights:

• Yogi Adityanath has set a new record by serving as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh for 7 years and 149 days, the longest continuous tenure in the state's history.
• He assumed office on March 19, 2017, as the 21st Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and has remained in the position since then.

Comparison with Previous Chief Ministers:

• Dr. Sampurnanand of the Congress held the CM position for 5 years and 345 days from December 28, 1954, to December 6, 1960.
• Mulayam Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party served as CM for 6 years and 274 days across three terms.
• Mayawati, who served as CM four times, held office for 7 years and 16 days across her terms.
• Akhilesh Yadav served as CM for 5 years and 4 days.

Second Term and Other Milestones:

• Yogi was sworn in for a second consecutive term after the BJP's victory in the 2022 assembly elections.
• He broke a 37-year-old record set by Narayan Dutt Tiwari by taking the oath for the second time in 2022.
• Yogi is the first CM to hoist the national flag on Independence Day eight consecutive times in Uttar Pradesh.
• He was also the first CM to visit Noida in recent years, defying superstitions that a visit to Noida would result in losing the CM’s position.

Siddharth Vishwakarma's Journey:

• Siddharth Vishwakarma from Varanasi has been selected to represent India in the Davis Cup, becoming the fifth player from Uttar Pradesh to achieve this honor after 84 years.
• At age seven, Siddharth battled severe brain fever. A local doctor advised his parents to engage him in sports, leading his uncle, Rajesh Mishra, to introduce him to tennis.
• Siddharth began his tennis journey at Prabhu Narain Club in Varanasi under Anil Chauhan and later joined Ratan Sharma at the Winners Tennis Academy in Noida.

Career Highlights:

• Currently ranked No. 4 in India with a world ranking of 591, Siddharth has seen a significant rise in his career over the last three years.
• He was a runner-up in 25K events in Mumbai (2023) and Ethiopia (2024), and won the national championship in 2018 and 2023.
• His biggest achievement came at the 2023 Goa National Games, where he won gold in the individual event and bronze in both doubles and team events.

Upcoming Davis Cup:

• The Indian men’s tennis team will face Sweden in the Davis Cup 2024 World Group I tie on September 14 and 15 in Stockholm.
• Other team members include Sumit Nagal, Ramkumar Ramanathan, N Sriram Balaji, and Niki Kaliyanda Poonacha, with Aryan Shah as the reserve player.

Historical Context:

• The last player from Uttar Pradesh to represent India in the Davis Cup was Malihabad’s Ghaus Mohammad in 1940. Other players from U.P. who played between 1930 and 1939 include Edward Vivian Bobb (Agra), Deep Narain Kapoor (Allahabad), and Yudhistir Singh (Moradabad).

Coaching and Support:

• Siddharth credits his success to Ratan Sharma, who supported him after he almost quit tennis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Ratan Sharma praised Siddharth's potential, believing he could represent India in Grand Slam events in the future.

Recognition:

• JS Kaul, former treasurer of the Uttar Pradesh Tennis Association, expressed pride in Siddharth's selection, recalling the tennis legacy of Allahabad and Ghaus Mohammad.

Key Highlights:

• The Chief Minister Tourism Fellowship Program has been launched by the Uttar Pradesh state tourism department to provide youth with a unique opportunity to work on government projects and gain experience.

Objectives of the Fellowship:

• The main objective is to offer researchers the chance to supervise and monitor various schemes of the tourism department.
• The program will focus on the comprehensive development of ecological sites, evaluation of schemes, and framework preparation for organizing fairs and festivals to meet future tourism needs.

Role of Participants:

• Researchers will work under the supervision of district magistrates, divisional commissioners, and officials from the tourism department.
• Their responsibilities will include gathering data on pilgrims and tourists, and addressing complaints of tourists to improve their experience.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Graduates up to the age of 40 years are eligible to apply for the program until August 31.
• Applicants must have a graduation or higher educational qualification with at least 60% marks from recognized institutions or universities.
• Applications can be submitted through the department’s website: uptourism.gov.in.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preference will be given to candidates with relevant work experience and degrees or diplomas in fields such as BBA, MA, MPhil, PhD, Tourism and Travel Management, MBA-Hospitality Tourism and Travel, and PG Diploma-Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, Tourism, and Archaeology.

This fellowship program offers a valuable opportunity for young professionals to contribute to the development of Uttar Pradesh's tourism sector while gaining hands-on experience in government project implementation.

Tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

• On the sixth death anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid tribute at the statue of Vajpayee at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow.
• Adityanath highlighted Vajpayee's contributions to modern India and his role in removing political instability.

Legacy of Good Governance:

• Yogi Adityanath praised Vajpayee for providing a model of good governance, infrastructure, and rural development through the Antyodaya programmes initiated during his tenure.
• Vajpayee, born on December 25, 1924, had an unblemished public life spanning nearly six decades.

Vajpayee's Political Journey:

• Vajpayee began his public life under the guidance of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.
• Elected as an MP from Balrampur (now Shravasti) in 1957, he served 10 terms in the Lok Sabha and twice in the Rajya Sabha, with five terms representing Lucknow.

Respect and Admiration:

• Referred to as an “ajaatshatru” (a person without enemies), Vajpayee was universally respected in Indian politics.
• His memories, poems, and the values he upheld continue to inspire the nation.

Recognition and Honours:

• The nation honored Vajpayee with the title of Bharat Ratna for his contributions to establishing India as a global superpower.

Leaders Present:

• The event was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, state BJP president Bhupendra Chaudhary, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Dinesh Sharma, and other senior BJP leaders.

Key Announcements:

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that Lalit Upadhyay and Rajkumar Pal, who were part of India's Paris Olympics bronze medal-winning hockey team, will each receive Rs 1 crore from the Uttar Pradesh government.
• Additionally, all players from the state who participated in the Paris Olympics will be given Rs 10 lakh each at an upcoming event in Lucknow.
• Rajkumar Pal will also be appointed as Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Event Details:

• The announcements were made during a gathering of players at Meghbaran Singh Stadium in Karampur, Ghazipur district.
• The CM also felicitated Upadhyay and Pal during the event. Lalit Upadhyay hails from Varanasi, while Rajkumar Pal is from Ghazipur.

Remarks on Indian Hockey:

• Yogi Adityanath expressed optimism about the revival of Indian hockey, stating that the golden days of the sport are set to return.

Project Overview:

• The Yogi Adityanath government is set to launch the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprises Ecosystem Strengthening (UP AGREES) project.
• The project aims to boost farmers’ income, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote agri-based industries across Uttar Pradesh.

Key Details:

• The blueprint for the project has been finalized, and World Bank support has been secured.
• The project will be implemented in 21 districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and seven districts of Bundelkhand.

Project Structure:

• The project is structured into four key components:
  1. Enhancing agricultural productivity.
  2. Establishing agro clusters.
  3. Strengthening digital and financial ecosystems.
  4. Focusing on project management, knowledge, and learning.

Current Agricultural Landscape:

• Uttar Pradesh has 165.70 lakh hectares of cultivable land, leading the nation in this regard.
• Western Uttar Pradesh contributes 50 percent to the state’s agricultural output, while eastern Uttar Pradesh contributes 28 percent and Bundelkhand only 5.5 percent.
• The project aims to address the disparity in agricultural productivity across different regions of the state.

Project Impact:

• The six-year project will involve an investment of Rs 4,000 crore.
• The World Bank will provide a loan of Rs 2,737 crore, while the state government will contribute Rs 1,166 crore.
• The loan has a 35-year repayment period with an interest rate of 1.23 percent and a seven-year moratorium.
• The project will directly benefit 10 lakh farmers, with 30 percent of them being women.
• 10,000 women producer groups will be integrated into the project.
• 500 farmers will be sent abroad to learn about advanced agricultural techniques.

Target Areas:

• The project focuses on 24 of the 50 districts most vulnerable to climate change, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in these regions.

Key Highlights:

• The Yogi Adityanath government announced substantial progress towards making Uttar Pradesh a trillion-dollar economy, with significant growth across various sectors.

GSDP Growth:

• Uttar Pradesh’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) increased to over ₹25.48 lakh crore in 2023-24, up from ₹22.84 lakh crore in 2022-23.
• Growth has been seen in primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors:
  • Primary sector: Grew to ₹6.27 lakh crore from ₹5.51 lakh crore.
  • Secondary sector: Expanded to ₹6.17 lakh crore from ₹5.58 lakh crore.
  • Tertiary sector: Increased to ₹10.79 lakh crore from ₹10 lakh crore.

Sector-Wise Performance:

• Agriculture, forestry, and fishing: Expanded to ₹59.75 lakh crore from ₹52.97 lakh crore.
• Mining and excavation: Rose to approximately ₹30,000 crore from ₹22,000 crore.
• Construction: Increased to ₹2.79 lakh crore from ₹2.63 lakh crore.
• Transport, storage, and communication: Grew to ₹1.98 lakh crore from ₹1.81 lakh crore.
• Real estate and business services: Expanded from ₹3 lakh crore to over ₹3.29 lakh crore in 2023-24.

Broader Sector Growth:

• The state's development extends to other sectors, including manufacturing, energy, trade, repair, hotels and restaurants, financial services, public administration, education, and health, all contributing to the overall economic progress.

Key Points:

• Objective: Revolutionize Uttar Pradesh’s agriculture sector by upgrading and establishing new agricultural clusters.
• Focus: Dedicated clusters for a diverse range of fruits and crops.
• Notable Clusters:
  
  • Malihabadi: Dussehri mangoes
  • Saharanpur: Chaunsa mangoes, jaggery
  • Varanasi: Langra mangoes
  • Gorakhpur and Basti: Gawarjeet
  • Ayodhya: Jaggery
  • Pratapgarh: Gooseberry (amla)
  • Siddharthnagar: Kala Namak rice
  • Kushinagar: Bananas
• Market Impact: As clusters gain recognition, market opportunities for these products are expanding.
• Expected Outcome: Boost in agricultural productivity and market accessibility for specialized crops.

Key Points:

• Meeting: Australian High Commissioner Philip Green met with CM Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow to discuss potential investments in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Australia's Interest:
  
  • Australia expressed keen interest in supporting agricultural advancements in Uttar Pradesh.
  • Australian companies are eager to explore opportunities in the state's agriculture and food processing sectors.
• Bilateral Relations:
  
  • Green highlighted the long-standing bilateral relations between India and Australia.
  • Uttar Pradesh holds potential to enhance these ties further.
• Agricultural Strength of Uttar Pradesh:
  
  • The CM emphasized that Uttar Pradesh produces 20% of the nation's food grains despite having only 12% of India's agricultural land.
  • 85% of the state's agricultural land is irrigated, with ongoing efforts to expand irrigation.
• Opportunities for Collaboration:
  
  • The CM mentioned that Uttar Pradesh's farmers are diligent and innovative, and access to Australia’s agricultural technology would benefit the agriculture, horticulture, dairy, and food processing sectors.
  • Australia can play a significant role in boosting Uttar Pradesh’s dairy sector.

This collaboration could significantly strengthen ties between Uttar Pradesh and Australia, particularly in the areas of agriculture, food processing, and dairy.

Key Directives Issued by UP Government:

• Objective: Strengthen the security of women working in offices and health institutions across Uttar Pradesh.
• Emergency Protocol: An effective emergency reaction protocol must be implemented to ensure robust security for women at the workplace and during transit from office to home, especially at night.
• Security Audits & Training: Regular security audits and self-defense training must be conducted, along with spreading legal awareness and information about women helplines.

1. Workplace Safety:
   
   • Internal Complaint Committees should be constituted for implementing the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.
   • Strict action will be taken against any sexual harassment including physical contact, advances, sexually colored remarks, etc.

1. Night Duty Safety:
   
   • Employers must ensure reliable transportation for women during night shifts (10 PM - 6 AM).
   • In case of emergencies, UP112 PRV will provide escort services.
   • The district police will gather information on women working night shifts and identify night hotspots for enhanced safety measures.

1. Sector-Specific Protection:
   
   • Action under UP Medicare Services Act, 2013 and Epidemic Disease Act, 2020 will be enforced to protect medical personnel and property.
   • Legal protection will be provided to doctors under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971.

• Employers must install CCTV cameras, access control systems, and provide separate restrooms for women.
• Regular police patrolling will be conducted at identified hotspots.
• Women should be made aware of helplines including:
  • UP112
  • Women Powerline 1090
  • Women Helpline 181
  • Safe City App
  • Smart City SOS App
  • CM Helpline

These directives are aimed at ensuring comprehensive safety measures for women in the workplace and during transit, with strict monitoring and enforcement to prevent harassment and violence.

Key Points:

• Ambitious Target: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath aims to double maize production in Uttar Pradesh by 2027, setting a goal to increase output to 27.30 lakh metric tonnes.
• Current Maize Production:
  
  • Presently, maize production stands at 21.16 lakh metric tonnes, covering approximately 8.30 lakh hectares.
  • Maize is the third major food crop in the state, following paddy and wheat.
• Quick Maize Development Scheme:
  
  • To achieve this target, the state launched the Quick Maize Development Scheme with a financial allocation of Rs 27.68 crore for 2023/2024.
  • The scheme focuses on advanced maize farming techniques and improving production efficiency.
• Support from Indian Maize Institute:
  
  • The Indian Maize Institute, affiliated with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, is actively assisting the state government in enhancing maize cultivation.
• Maize’s Nutritional and Economic Importance:
  
  • Maize, often called the “queen of grains”, is rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a key crop in combating malnutrition.
  • Its versatility also plays a significant role in ethanol production, further boosting its importance in agriculture.
• Goal and Expert Opinion:
  
  • The state aims to achieve the goal through increased yield per hectare and expanding cultivation area.
  • Experts believe that advanced farming techniques could increase maize yields to as high as 100 quintals per hectare.

This initiative is expected to significantly improve agricultural productivity and contribute to the state's broader economic and nutritional goals.

Key Points:

• Scrutiny of 10 Lakh Farmers:
  
  • 10 lakh farmers in Uttar Pradesh are currently under scrutiny to verify their eligibility for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.
  • Another 10 lakh farmers have already been found receiving financial aid in violation of norms and are being asked to return the money.
• Voluntary Refunds:
  
  • Several farmers have voluntarily returned the funds after realizing they did not meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
  • 29,000 farmers have returned a total of Rs 29 crore due to ineligibility.
• Verification Drive:
  
  • This verification drive follows the Centre’s directive to the Uttar Pradesh government to cross-check the eligibility of farmers.
  • Farmers who are financially well-off, government employees, or income tax payers are not eligible for the scheme.
• Scheme Overview:
  
  • Launched in February 2019, the PM-Kisan scheme provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three instalments of Rs 2,000 each.
  • 2.14 crore farmers are registered under the scheme, with 2.9 crore having received the 17th instalment.
• Ongoing Registration and Verifications:
  
  • Over 96,000 fresh applications are currently pending under the scheme, and Aadhar validation and e-KYC processes are ongoing.

Key Announcement:

• The Uttar Pradesh government will distribute Rs 1,000 crore in incentives to various industrial units on August 30, as part of its commitment to attract investment and promote industrial growth.

Programme Details:

• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will oversee the distribution at Lok Bhawan, signaling the state's dedication to fulfilling promises made under various industrial investment policies.

Incentive Policies:

• Incentives are provided under the:
  • Uttar Pradesh Infrastructure and Industrial Investment Policy 2012
  • Uttar Pradesh Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2017
  • Uttar Pradesh Investment and Employment Promotion Policy 2022

Incentive Structure:

• The amount of incentive varies based on the region and scale of the investment:
  • Eastern UP and Bundelkhand: 300% incentive on eligible capital investment.
  • West UP and Central UP: 100% and 200% incentives respectively.

Beneficiaries:

• Major companies like Samsung India and LG are expected to benefit, with Letters of Comfort (LOC) also likely to be issued to some firms.

Overall Impact:

• The total incentive distribution may reach Rs 1,300 crore, amid concerns that industrial units were shifting operations due to delayed incentive payments.
• Over the past year, Letters of Comfort were issued to 20 major industrial units, categorized as:
  • Super Mega (₹Rs.500 cr - ₹Rs.3,000 cr investment): 7 units.
  • Mega (₹Rs.200 cr - ₹Rs.500 cr investment): 6 units.
  • Large (₹Rs.50 cr - ₹Rs.200 cr investment): 7 units.

This initiative highlights the government's efforts to encourage industrial growth and employment in the state, addressing investor concerns and promoting economic development.

Key Points:

• Research by BSIP (Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences), Lucknow, can aid in protecting the endangered Indian wild ass, which was once widespread in Pakistan and western India.
• The Asiatic Wild Ass (Equus hemionus khur), found mainly in the Rann of Kutch, plays a crucial role in the local ecology, aiding in seed dispersal, vegetation growth, and habitat creation for other species.
• The wild ass is important for:
  
  • Maintaining food chain balance by regulating predator populations.
  • Nutrient distribution and soil enrichment through grazing and dung deposition.
• The species, known for being one of the fastest animals in India, is primarily found in the Little Rann of Kutch and parts of the Greater Rann.

Key Findings from Research:

• Dietary Patterns:
  
  • Research identified the wild ass's diet primarily consisting of grass, bathua, and legumes.
  • Tree pollen from species like vilayati keekar, babool, and Somlata indicates the region's vegetation and climate.
• Migration and Struggles:
  
  • The wild ass engages in local migration in search of food, especially during pre- and post-monsoon periods.
  • Challenges include climate change and human encroachment, forcing the species to move long distances and into human-dominated landscapes.

Additional Insights:

• Stable carbon isotope data from dung samples has provided insights into herbivore grazing patterns, with potential implications for understanding ancient ecosystems.
• The research can also help differentiate between domesticated and wild herbivores, shedding light on pastoralism in early human civilization in the region.

This research is a first-of-its-kind study that not only highlights the ecological importance of the Indian wild ass but also offers insights into climate change impacts, human-animal interactions, and historical ecology.

Key Announcement:

• The Yogi Adityanath government is planning to develop five major cities in Uttar Pradesh as hubs for Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES).

Designated IT Cities:

1. Gautam Buddha Nagar:
   
   • To be developed as an IT and ITES hub.

1. Lucknow:
   
   • Focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

1. Kanpur:
   
   • Centre for drones and robotics.

1. Varanasi:
   
   • Hub for engineering research and development.

1. Prayagraj:
   
   • Another hub for engineering research and development.

Government Initiatives:

• The government is considering granting industry status to the IT sector, which will allow IT units to access electricity at industrial tariffs.
• A state-level IT and ITES advisory committee is under consideration to promote Uttar Pradesh as a ‘brand of IT hub’.
  
  • This committee will collaborate with industry and academic stakeholders to develop strategies for the IT sector.
• Plans include establishing a land bank for IT and ITES sectors and enhancing infrastructure for IT cities and IT parks.
• A strategy is being devised to attract investors from sectors like AI, drones, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to invest in Uttar Pradesh’s IT industry.

This initiative marks a significant step towards boosting the IT ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing its role as a key player in emerging technologies like AI, drones, and robotics.

Key Highlights:

• Jamunaha development block in Shravasti district secured the top position in the overall quarterly Delta ranking (January-March 2024) under the Aspirational Development Block Program, as announced by NITI Aayog.
• Sandila in Hardoi district ranked first in Zone 2 North India, while Jagdishpur block in Amethi district claimed the second spot.
• These rankings were released through NITI Aayog’s social media channels, based on the blocks' performance in quarterly key performance indicators (KPIs), which form a core part of the program’s strategy.
• Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Jamunaha, Sandila, and Jagdishpur blocks for their remarkable performance in the Delta rankings.
• The CM had previously directed that top-performing blocks in both overall and thematic rankings be rewarded, emphasizing the importance of progress in the state’s aspirational development blocks.

Key Points:

• After the successful implementation of a rooftop solar plant at its Kanpur headquarters, the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) is expanding its green energy initiatives to other industrial zones.
• Initiatives Include:
  
  • Installation of rooftop solar plants on public facilities such as administrative buildings, civic centres, common facility centres (CFCs), transit hostels, common effluent treatment plants (CETPs), and regional managers’ offices within industrial areas.
  • Development of solar pathways along green belts, providing off-grid lighting solutions and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of parks and surrounding paths in industrial zones.
• Survey Findings:
  
  • A survey conducted with the help of the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) identified 53 key locations with a total electrical load of 2,000 kW for the green energy expansion.
• Environmental and Financial Benefits:
  
  • UPSIDA CEO Mayur Maheshwari highlighted that the state government will install solar rooftop plants in line with the Union government’s Solar Energy Policy 2022.
  • UPSIDA's Kanpur headquarters has saved ₹Rs.27.35 lakh in electricity bills due to its solar rooftop plant, with an estimated savings of ₹Rs.1,104 lakh over the next 23 years.

This expansion will significantly contribute to environmental sustainability, energy savings, and the beautification of industrial areas in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• The Uttar Pradesh government is promoting solar energy as a sustainable alternative to address increasing electricity consumption and rising prices.
• Nine solar parks with a total capacity of 3,710 MW are under development. So far, three solar parks with a capacity of 435 MW have been commissioned.
• The remaining six parks are in progress, with bidding underway and land allocation finalized for all nine parks, ensuring their swift development.
• The solar parks are being established in several cities, including:
  
  • Bundelkhand region: Jhansi, Lalitpur, Chitrakoot, and Jalaun.
  • Other cities: Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Mirzapur, and Prayagraj.
• Current Solar Parks:
  
  • Solar parks of 365 MW and 65 MW capacity have already begun production.
• Upcoming Solar Parks:
  
  • 600 MW in Jhansi and Lalitpur.
  • 800 MW in Chitrakoot.
  • 1,200 MW in Jalaun.
  • 75 MW in Kanpur Dehat.
  • 35 MW in Kanpur Nagar.

This push towards renewable energy demonstrates Uttar Pradesh's commitment to meeting its energy demands sustainably through solar power and attracting significant investments in the solar energy sector.

Key Details:

• Event: The second edition of the U.P. International Trade Show will be held in Greater Noida from September 25 to 29.
• Participants: Progressive farmers and agricultural companies from Uttar Pradesh will showcase their work.
  
  • The trade show will feature agricultural equipment manufacturers, seed and chemical producers, and farmer producer organisations (FPOs).
• Agriculture Department's Role:
  
  • The agriculture department will have a significant presence with a 1,000 sq meter area allotted for showcasing products.
  • Over two dozen FPOs will participate, including:
    • 3 FPOs from Bulandshahr.
    • 2 FPOs each from Bahraich, Mirzapur, and Shravasti.
    • 1 FPO each from other districts like Ballia, Banda, Basti, Chandauli, Gorakhpur, and others.
• Collaboration:
  
  • The additional director of agriculture, seeds, and fields has been designated as the nodal officer to coordinate with seed-producing companies.
  • IIT Kanpur will collaborate in facilitating new agricultural technologies and related startups through its dedicated wing.

This event will provide an essential platform for farmers and agricultural firms to showcase innovations, products, and technologies, fostering growth and collaboration in the agriculture sector.

Key Highlights:

• Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL) is planning to enhance energy management by setting up large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• UPPCL has invited bids for developers to establish 1,200 MW of storage capacity, divided into four 300 MW BESS at designated load centers, under the Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model.
• Objective: The BESS will store energy from renewable sources like solar and wind and release it during peak and off-peak hours to balance supply and demand.

Technology & Approach:

• Lithium-ion batteries are the leading technology for large-scale storage solutions, similar to those used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.
• UPPCL aims to set up Standalone BESS with a storage capacity of 1,200 MWh (300 MW x 4 hours). Developers will enter into Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreements (BESPA) with UPPCL.

Challenges & Solutions:

• Integrating increasing renewable energy (RE) capacity with the existing infrastructure remains a challenge, but BESS can help optimize the generation mix and improve the utilization of the transmission network.
• Energy storage is a crucial component for better transmission network utilization and reducing the network infrastructure footprint.

Government Policies & Subsidies:

• Under the UPNEDA Solar Policy 2022, a state subsidy of Rs 2.50 crore per megawatt will be provided for solar projects with a 4-hour battery storage system of 5 megawatts or more.
• The BESS projects are expected to be commissioned within 18 months after the contracts are awarded.

This initiative marks a significant step toward improving energy management, balancing renewable energy usage, and optimizing infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

• Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU) in Varanasi is set to allow students from foreign universities to study and conduct research on rare manuscripts preserved in the Saraswati Bhawan Library.
• Objective: The initiative, led by SSU Vice Chancellor Prof Bihari Lal Sharma, aims to spread ancient Indian knowledge across the globe. Research will focus on Vedanta, religion, philosophy, grammar, astrology, and even agriculture and mechanics.

Global Interest:

• Scholars from renowned institutions, such as Harvard University, have contacted SSU to research manuscripts related to grammar and Vedanta.
• Foreign students from various fields, including Sanskrit, engineering, and agriculture, have expressed interest in studying these manuscripts.

Manuscripts Collection:

• The Saraswati Bhawan Library houses over 97,000 rare manuscripts, some over 100 years old. Each manuscript is highly exclusive and of significant historical and academic value.
• Librarian Prof Rajnath stated that research students must provide an approval letter detailing their objective and study guide. Photocopies of the manuscripts will be made available for specific research subjects.

Access and Fees:

• Foreign research scholars will be required to pay a fee for access to the manuscripts. This initiative not only promotes knowledge sharing but also benefits SSU by generating revenue.

The university’s decision will further global academic collaboration and promote the study of ancient Indian texts, contributing to the wider dissemination of India’s rich heritage.

Key Highlights:

• Salkhan Fossil Park, located in Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, is home to some of the oldest fossils on Earth, dating back over 3.5 billion years, providing evidence of the beginning of life on the planet.

Discovery and Transformation:

• The park’s significance was unknown to locals like Gulab Singh, who grazed cattle on the barren land during his childhood. In the mid-80s, geologists and officials began studying the area, uncovering its fossil treasures.
• By 2002, the efforts of officials like District Magistrate Bhagwan Shankar and Divisional Forest Officer Sunil Dubey helped shape the area into a fossil park, covering 25 hectares of hilly terrain.
• Infrastructure, such as a guard room, a cemented gazebo, and benches, was added to preserve the fossils, with fencing protecting the fossil-rich patches of the hill.

Fossils and Geological Importance:

• The park displays stromatolites, bioidentical structures created by cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that lived on the seafloor, as explained by the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• These stromatolites are of immense importance to geologists like Prof Vaibhav Srivastava from BHU, as they may help pinpoint the exact time of the origin of life on Earth.

Tourism and UNESCO World Heritage Efforts:

• The number of visitors to the park has grown steadily, from 10-15 people daily to 50-100 people daily.
• The UP tourism department is actively working to include Salkhan Fossil Park in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites by 2026. A report is being prepared, with the final dossier expected to be submitted by 2025.

The park, once a hidden treasure, is now gaining international attention, not only for its scientific significance but also as a potential UNESCO heritage site, showcasing the origins of life on Earth.

Key Decisions:

1. Double Grid Power Supply for Data Centres:
   
   • The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved a proposal for double grid power supply to ensure uninterrupted electricity to data centre parks.
   • The IT and electronics department will bear the cost of the cheaper grid, while the respective data centre park will bear the cost of the second grid.
   • The policy amendment aims to boost investment in data centre parks and help make the state and country self-reliant in data storage.

1. Data Centre Policy Progress:
   
   • Under the 2021 data centre policy, the target was to set up eight ultramodern data centres with an investment of Rs 30,000 crore.
   • The state government achieved its targets five years ahead of schedule, leading to the expansion of double grid power supply to the first eight data centre parks.

Customised Package for Ultra Mega Industrial Units:

• The state cabinet approved a customised incentive package for ultra mega category industrial units (investment over Rs 3,000 crore) on a case-by-case basis.
• Avaada Electro Private Limited will benefit from this, with a proposed investment of Rs 11,399 crore for a 5 giga water solar power plant across Greater Noida and Hathras.
• The project will create 4,500 jobs and will be implemented in two stages.

Water Supply Scheme in Rural Areas:

• A new policy for the maintenance of piped water supply schemes in rural areas was approved, with funding from the state budget and Uttar Pradesh State Finance Commission.
• The state will incur a cost of Rs 4,485 crore for the operation and maintenance, including Rs 1,553 crore for power supply.
• To reduce costs, solar power projects will be installed to manage the power supply for the water schemes.

These decisions are poised to enhance Uttar Pradesh’s data storage capacity, industrial growth, and infrastructure development, supporting both technological advancements and rural water management.

Key Points:

• BJP MP Jagdambika Pal, chairperson of the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) examining the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, affirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding Waqf properties.
• Pal stated that the Bill aims to protect orphans, widows, and the unemployed, emphasizing that the government is engaging in ongoing consultations with major Muslim organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB).
• The Muslim community presented a 20-point memorandum highlighting concerns over the proposed amendments, particularly objecting to the increased powers granted to district collectors, the inclusion of non-Muslim zones in Waqf Boards, and the shift from elections to nominations for board members.

Community Reactions:

• Muslim scholars expressed concern that these changes violate constitutional rights regarding religious freedom and minority protection.
• The meeting included prominent scholars like Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, Maulana Jafar Masood Nadvi, and Maulana Saif Abbas Naqvi, who provided detailed objections and recommendations to safeguard the Waqf Tribunal and protect Waqf properties.

Government Response:

• Pal assured that all objections and proposals would be thoroughly reviewed, indicating the government's intent to ensure the final amendments are equitable and protective of Waqf interests.
• Further consultations are planned in September to gather diverse viewpoints on the proposed amendments, and suggestions have been made for an online portal to facilitate input from the Muslim community across India.

The ongoing dialogue highlights the government's effort to balance community concerns while ensuring that the Waqf (Amendment) Bill benefits vulnerable groups.

Key Highlights:

• Eight athletes from Uttar Pradesh are set to represent India at the Paris Paralympics 2024.
• The athletes include:
  
  • IAS officer Suhas L Yathiraj
  • Simran
  • Preeti Pal
  • Ajit Singh
  • Praveen Kumar
  • Deepesh Kumar
  • Sakshi Kasana
• Kavindra Chaudhary, president of the UP Para Sports Association, expressed confidence in the athletes, stating they will deliver their best performances and bring home medals.
• Ashish Khandelwal, CMD of BL Agro Group and the team leader, highlighted the hard work of the para athletes and noted that their success would be a matter of pride for Uttar Pradesh and promote the importance of supporting para sports.
• D Malik, newly appointed chairperson of UP Para Sports Association, and other officials emphasized the growing strength of the state in para sports, with high expectations from the whole country.

This marks a significant moment for Uttar Pradesh's para athletes as they prepare to compete on the global stage at the Paralympics.

Key Details:

• The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) will lease its tourist bungalows to private entrepreneurs for 30 years to improve facilities for both domestic and international tourists.
• The lease term will be divided into two parts: an initial 15 years extendable by another 15 years upon mutual agreement, with the process conducted through e-bidding.
• The lease agreement includes a 5% annual increase in the lease amount.
  
  • 50% of the lease proceeds will be allocated to UPSTDC as handling charges, while the rest will go to the government treasury.
• The decision comes after previous attempts to lease these bungalows for five years since 1998 failed to attract interest from private entrepreneurs.
• Out of 87 tourist bungalows under UPSTDC, only those that are running at a loss or on the verge of closure will be offered for lease, including bungalows in Badaun, Jhansi, Agra, Ghazipur, and Garh Mukteshwar.
• Tourism Minister Jaivir Singh highlighted the increasing number of tourists visiting the state, which underscores the importance of improving these facilities.

This move aims to revitalize the state’s tourism infrastructure by encouraging private investment while ensuring the sustainability of underperforming tourist bungalows.

Key Updates:

• Scholarship Enhancement: The Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved an increase in scholarships for students in government Sanskrit schools and colleges.
• Scholarship Details:
  
  • Prathma Level (Classes 6-8):
    • Classes 6-7: ₹50 per month
    • Class 8: ₹75 per month
  • Poorv-Madhyama (Classes 9-10): ₹100 per month
  • Uttar Madhyama (Classes 11-12): ₹150 per month
  • Shastri (Undergraduate): ₹200 per month
  • Acharya (Postgraduate): ₹250 per month
• Coverage:
  
  • Scholarships will be provided to all Sanskrit students in government institutions across the state.
  • 517 Sanskrit schools are present, with a total of 121,573 students enrolled.
• Objective:
  
  • The increase aims to support students and encourage the continuation of Sanskrit studies.

The initiative reflects the state's commitment to supporting Sanskrit education and providing financial assistance to students in this field.

Summary:

• Union Minister's Visit: Union Minister of State for Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, and Education, Jayant Chaudhary, conducted a review meeting with Uttar Pradesh’s basic education department officials in Lucknow on Tuesday.
• Review Meeting Highlights:
  
  • Schemes Discussed: Chaudhary reviewed the PM Shri and PM Nutrition schemes and recommended enhancing their effectiveness through initiatives like school feasts.
  • Commendation: He praised the state’s progress in education through various programs:
    • Operation Kayakalp
    • Project Alankar
    • Project Praveen
    • CM Composite Schools in 57 districts
    • CM Abhyudaya Schools in all 75 districts
• Additional Requests: Officials requested an increase in the honorarium for cooks.
• Site Visits:
  
  • Chaudhary visited the Vidya Review Centre and observed its operations.
  • At PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya in Gomti Nagar, he toured an exhibition of student models, planted saplings, and emphasized environmental cleanliness.
• Cultural Engagement: Chaudhary attended a cultural event at the school before heading to the secretariat.

The minister's visit highlighted Uttar Pradesh's educational advancements and encouraged further improvements and community engagement.

Overview:

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new digital media policy aimed at enhancing engagement through social media influencers and content creators. This policy, approved by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, includes financial incentives for those promoting government schemes and achievements.

Key Highlights:

• Payment Structure:
  
  • YouTube:
    • Videos: Up to ₹8 lakh per month for top categories.
    • Shorts/Podcasts: Payments range from ₹4 lakh to ₹7 lakh based on category.
  • X, Facebook, Instagram:
    • Maximum payments of ₹5 lakh (X), ₹4 lakh (Facebook), ₹3 lakh (Instagram) for top categories.
• Empanelment Requirements:
  
  • Applicants must be operational for at least two years.
  • Submission of a six-month analytics report and affidavits declaring no criminal cases.
  • Compliance with IT Act and non-promotion of objectionable content.
• Category Breakdown:
  
  • Facebook, X, Instagram: Categories based on follower/subscriber count and minimum content requirements.
  • YouTube: Categories based on subscriber count with specific video posting requirements.
• Policy Provisions:
  
  • Payments are contingent on adherence to policy guidelines.
  • Objectionable content or violations may lead to payment cessation and potential legal action.
  • The policy includes provisions for annual increases in lease payments and transparency in advertisement issuance.

Political Reactions:

• Opposition Criticism:
  
  • Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav accused the policy of favoritism and likened it to a form of bribe.
  • Concerns were raised about the timing of the policy in light of recent electoral results and its potential impact on public perception.
• Government Justification:
  
  • Officials argue that the policy is a strategic move to leverage the growing reach of digital media, especially among millennials and those residing abroad.

Registration and Compliance:

• Registration Criteria: Entities must meet specific follower/subscriber thresholds and content posting requirements.
• Cancellation Conditions: Empanelment may be canceled for non-compliance or objectionable content.

The new policy aims to boost digital outreach and enhance public engagement with government initiatives, while also setting strict guidelines to ensure content quality and adherence to legal standards.

Overview:

The Uttar Pradesh government has received significant interest in developing cargo terminals, with 16 proposals for investment in 14 districts. However, there is a notable lack of proposals for inland waterways and trucker parks, prompting calls for increased incentives in these areas.

Key Points:

• Cargo Terminals:
  
  • Proposals Received: 16 investment proposals for cargo terminals near railway tracks in 14 districts.
  • Investor Details:
    • Avani Paridhi Mining and Minerals Ltd: Proposed terminals in Sultanpur, Shahjahanpur, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Sitapur, Ayodhya, Meerut, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Varanasi, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Lucknow, and Agra.
    • Other Company: Proposed a terminal in Moradabad under the Gati Shakti Scheme.
• Incentives for Cargo Terminals:
  
  • Land Availability: On a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) basis for 30 years.
  • Cost Coverage: State government will bear the cost of loop-line development.
• Challenges:
  
  • Inland Waterways: No investment proposals received for berthing terminals and operating inland vessels.
  • Truckers' Parks: Lack of proposals for developing truck lay bays and parking spaces on national and state highways.
• Reasons for Lack of Interest:
  
  • Capital Subsidies: Insufficient capital subsidies and incentives may be deterring investment in inland waterways and truckers' parks.
• Policy Goals:
  
  • Integrated Logistics Ecosystem: Aims to connect different transport modes to reduce logistics costs and time.
  • Business Efficiency: Enhances competitiveness and provides a business-friendly trade and investment environment.

Recommendations:

• Increase Incentives: To attract investment in inland waterways and truckers' parks, the government should consider offering additional capital subsidies and other incentives.
• Enhanced Promotion: Greater promotion and outreach efforts may also help in garnering interest from potential investors in these underdeveloped sectors.

The Uttar Pradesh government's logistics policy seeks to build an integrated system to boost efficiency and competitiveness, but success in achieving a balanced development across all transport sectors will require addressing the current gaps in investment and incentives.

Overview:

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new digital media policy aimed at empaneling social media influencers and content creators to promote government schemes and achievements. The policy, which expands the scope of existing media advertisement policies, has stirred political debate.

Key Points:

• Policy Details:
  
  • Payment Structure:
    • YouTube:
      • Videos: Up to Rs 8 lakh per month.
      • Shorts and Podcasts: Rs 7 lakh, Rs 6 lakh, and Rs 4 lakh based on category.
    • Other Platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram):
      • Maximum payments: Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, Rs 3 lakh, and Rs 2 lakh based on category.
  • Empanelment Requirements:
    • Experience: Minimum of two years of activity.
    • Documents Required: Analytics report for the past six months, affidavits declaring no criminal cases, and correct information.
    • Verification: Likely involves police verification.
  • Content Guidelines:
    • Content must adhere to the IT Act.
    • Restrictions include no content that is vulgar, obscene, anti-national, or harmful to society.
    • Payment can be stopped if content violates guidelines.
• Policy Goals:
  
  • Transparency: Aims to transparently reach out to people via digital media.
  • Enhanced Reach: Utilizes digital platforms to promote government schemes and achievements, especially to the diaspora.
• Political Reactions:
  
  • Opposition Views:
    • Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party): Criticized the policy as a form of bribery aimed at creating favorable content.
    • Political Context: The policy is seen as a response to the BJP's poor performance in recent Lok Sabha elections.
  • Government Defense:
    • Officials argue the policy is designed to address the large number of Uttar Pradesh residents living outside the state or abroad.

Policy Implementation:

• Category Classification:
  
  • Influencers and content creators are categorized based on followers or subscribers, affecting their potential earnings.
  • Content is classified into short/reel (less than 90 seconds) and video (more than 90 seconds).
• Registration Criteria:
  
  • Entities must have been operational for at least two years.
  • Must submit digital media analytics and affidavits during the registration process.

Recommendations:

• Monitoring and Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to content guidelines to prevent misuse.
• Incentives Review: Regularly assess and adjust payment structures to maintain fairness and effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Consider engaging with critics to address concerns and refine the policy if necessary.

The policy is a significant step towards leveraging digital media for government communication but faces challenges in balancing transparency, effectiveness, and political implications.

Overview:

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will distribute incentives amounting to approximately ₹1,300 crore to over two dozen industrial units in Uttar Pradesh. This event, held at Lok Bhavan, aims to reinforce the state government's commitment to attracting and supporting industrial investment.

Key Details:

• Incentives Distribution:
  
  • Total Amount: ₹1,300 crore
  • Recipients: Over 20 industrial units
  • Occasion: Special programme at Lok Bhavan
• Letters of Comfort:
  
  • Total Value: ₹10,715 crore
  • Recipients: 28 companies
• Historical Context:
  
  • Previous Policies:
    • Uttar Pradesh Infrastructure and Industrial Investment Policy-2012 (Akhilesh Yadav)
    • Uttar Pradesh Industrial Investment and Employment Promotion Policy-2017 (Yogi Adityanath)
    • Uttar Pradesh Investment and Employment Promotion Policy-2022 (Yogi Adityanath 2.0)
• Government’s Position:
  
  • Commitment: Reinforces the state’s dedication to honoring promises made to attract investment.
  • Response to Criticism: Addresses opposition claims regarding delayed disbursement and potential shifts of major companies like Samsung India.
• Investment Policies:
  
  • Eastern U.P. and Bundelkhand: Up to 300% of eligible capital investment as incentives.
  • Western U.P. and Central U.P.: 100% and 200% of eligible investment as incentives, respectively.