Current Affairs February 2017 - Regional

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News 1 - Meghalaya’s first ever Apparel and Garment Centre inaugurated at Ampati

The Union Textiles Minister, Mrs. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the first ever Apparel and Garment Making Centre in Meghalaya, near Ampati. Union Ministry of Textiles is implementing projects worth Rs. 70 crores in sericulture and weaving sectors for Meghalaya.

The sprawling Apparel and Garment Making Centre, covering an area of 45,000 sq. ft., has been set up at Hatisil near Ampati, at a cost of approximately Rs. 14.26 crores. The foundation stone for this centre was laid in 2015 by the Chief Minister of Meghalaya.

News 2 - Rs. 1,350 crores investment approved in Andhra Pradesh under AMRUT

The Ministry of Urban Development today approved an investment of Rs. 1,350 crores in Andhra Pradesh for improvement of basic urban infrastructure over the next three financial years, under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

The Ministry also approved central assistance of Rs. 405 crores in support of investments in projects for augmenting water supply, sewerage networks, drainage and provision of parks and open spaces in 32 Atal Mission cities in the State. This initiative has been taken to enable the States plan for early planning and execution of basic urban infrastructure projects.

News 3 - The 2017 e-governance awards honored to Rajasthan and Telangana

Computer Society of India – Nihilent eGovernance Awards together honoured Rajasthan and Telangana State Government as Winners of Excellence under the State category, whereas the Award of Recognition was honoured to Odisha and Nagaland states.

The Computer Society of India’s (CSI) Special Interest Group with sponsorship from Nihilent Technologies Awards are given to honor efforts made by states and district administrative in making India digital. Winners are selected among 34 projects from government departments and organizations across the India.

News 4 - Haryana hosted the Surajkund International Crafts Mela

Union Ministries of Tourism, Textiles, Culture and External Affairs in union with Haryana Tourism Corporation and Surajkund Mela Authority, organized 15 day Surajkund International Crafts Mela in Faridabad, Haryana. Haryana was selected as theme state of mela.

The State showcased its handicrafts, handlooms, performing arts, dance forms, cuisine and state tourism specialities to celebrate diversity of culture. Almost 20 countries and all the states of India witnessed events with Egypt as an event partner for 2017. Every year, one such country is selected as event partner and Indian state as theme state.

News 5 - First ever training center for Para Athletes

Sports Minister Vijay Goel laid the foundation stone of Boundary wall of World Class Para athletic Centre for Differently Abled Sportspersons at SAI Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the first ever training centre dedicated for Para athletes in India. A Talent Search Portal is being launched soon to spot the budding sports persons in the country.

The centre is proposed for an estimated budget of over Rs. 50 crores where Para athletes will be trained for various International Competitions including Asian Games, Common Wealth Games and Olympic Games.

News 6 - Maharashtra to become Open Defecation Free by March 2018

The Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Shri Swadhin Kshatriya has conveyed to the Centre that the State will be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) by March 2018. Under the Zila Swachh Bharat Prerak initiative, a Prerak will be provided at district-level in the State.

Maharashtra is not only aiming for ODF achievement, but also aiming to include handwashing, menstrual hygiene, community toilets etc. as part of Swachh Bharat implementation in the State. Multiple cleanliness campaigns – such as Clean Offices, Clean GPs, Clean Schools – are also underway in the State.

News 7 - Health Ministry launched single vaccine for dual protection against measles

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Measles Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in Bengaluru. The campaign against these two diseases will start from five States/UTs (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Goa and Lakshadweep) covering nearly 3.6 crore target children. Following the campaign, Measles-Rubella vaccine will be introduced in routine immunization, replacing the currently given two doses of measles vaccine, at 9-12 months and 16-24 months of age.

News 8 - Assam inaugurated Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana in Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal launched the ‘Chief Minister Samagra Gramya Unnayan Yojana (CMSGUY)’ in Guwahati, with budget outlay of 30,000 crore rupees, to double the farm income in the State, as it was recorded only 0.88 percent increase as against national average of 5.2 per cent. Scheme to begin in 2021-22.

This scheme will prove to be massive investments in rural areas for complete rural transformation in a period of 5 years to stimulate rural productivity.

News 9 - Telangana comes up with India's first social innovation hub

Telangana launched ‘Kakatiya Hub for Social Innovation’ in Nizamabad, which will function like a rural incubator to encourage entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. It will be funded by the Telangana government. The government will make sure that the rural incubator in Telangana will be run exactly in the same as any other high-end incubator like the T-Hub of Hyderabad.

Also, this hub will promote rural and semi urban entrepreneurs. The incubator will be run through Kakatiya Sandbox, a centre that encourage problem-solvers.

News 10 - CESC bagged Bikaner power distribution franchise

In order to expand business opportunity in Rajasthan, CESC Ltd bought franchise for power distribution in Rajasthan's Bikaner,the other two being in Kota and Bharatpur. Bikaner's business opportunity is based on a competitive bidding and distribution agreement for a tenure of 20 years.

The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group's CESC Ltd would be investing Rs 135 crore for 3 years, to make over distribution network and metering. Power distribution in Bikaner suffers from a net loss which CESC will try to recover in two years, spread over 155 sq.km area.

News 11 - First Smart Police Station of Andhra Pradesh inaugurated

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the State’s first Smart Police Station at Nagarampalem in Guntur city. It is equipped with a “custody” room and under watch of CCTV network.

The police station was built at a cost of Rs. 91 lakh. It is one of the two model Smart Police Stations constructed in Guntur as a pilot project. The government has plans to build another 100 Smart Police Stations across the state.

News 12 - The 2^nd edition of International Spice Conference held in Thiruvananthapuram

International Spice Conference held at Thiruvananthapuram representing various states, industry leaders from 40 countries and International Spice Associations representatives who participated in the three-day conference.

The Conference deliberated on effective strategies and innovative technologies to improve the livelihood of spice farmers, address spice industry challenges and food safety concerns among other things. The conference was hosted by the All India Spices Exporters Forum in association with Cochin Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

News 13 - Assam presented a Rs. 2,350 crore Deficit Budget for 2017-18

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma presented the state Budget for the session 2017-18, based on theme “Resurgent Assam” with Rs. 2,349.79 crore deficit Budget. Budget estimated to have a receipt of Rs. 84,732.16 crore under the consolidated fund of the state.

As per the new amendments made, budget merged Plan and Non-Plan expenditures. The budget announced to enhance Other Backward Class reservation in the higher educational institutions from 15% to 29% and offer interest free crop loans for farmers.

News 14 - Arunachal Pradesh becomes the first state to apply for e-Cabinet solution

To ensure more professional way of conducting cabinet meetings, Arunachal Pradesh has come up with e-cabinet solution for the state cabinet members. With this, the cabinet members can go through the cabinet notes before the meeting. Also, business of the Cabinet can be conducted using the e-Cabinet solution.

It will ease decision-making process, provide proper analysis and feedback, keeps relevant information organized, save meetings time span by 2 hours. This will provide a clear overview of each item under discussion to ministers.

News 15 - PNB Housing Finance limited entered an MoU to train construction workers in West Bengal

PNB Housing Finance Limited entered an MOU with CREDAI West Bengal to help skilled labours and train 1000 construction workers in Kolkata and nearby villages. The training cost will be co-funded by West Bengal State Government and PNBHFL.

CREDAI-Bengal would also be constructing skill development centres in Medinipur and Murshidabad, in partnership with its training partner Kushal, Rustomjee Academy for Skills, Ashiana Training Institute and Dr. K.L. Garg Memorial Vocational Training Institute.

News 16 - Gujarat became the first state to establish a cashless system for PDS

Gujarat became the first state in the country to establish cashless distribution of food grain. The state government has successfully installed the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System in 17,250 Fair Price Shops (FPS) much before the target, March 31.

The Gujarat government has partnered with common service centres, a special purpose vehicle of ministry of Electronics and IT by offering 30 digital services through the FPSs. As per the Food ministry, there are over 81 crore beneficiaries under the NSAI in the country.

News 17 - A 3-day National Women’s Parliament conducted in Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly conducted a 3-day National Women’s Parliament in Andhra Pradesh. It was organized on theme ‘Empowering Women — Strengthening Democracy’ to boost women’s confidence, promote social, political and economic women empowerment. Also, to empower young girls with their potential of their field.

The National Women’s Parliament gave away ‘International Woman Icon of the World’ award and 12 best young achievers awards to women of various fields such as politics, arts and culture, sports, education, industry, media, cinema, judiciary and social sector.

News 18 - India’s first floating elementary school inaugurated on Manipur’s Loktak Lake

India's first floating elementary school at Langolsabi Leikai of Champu Khangpok village in Manipur was inaugurated on Loktak lake. It is the largest freshwater lake in the country.

The school aims to provide education to drop outs students, who were rendered homeless due to the recent evacuation of phumdis, also known as “phumshongs”. It was initiated by All Loktak Lake Fishermen’s Union in collaboration with People Resources Development Association.

News 19 - Bill Passed in Karnataka Assembly to allow ‘Kambala’

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 and allowed to conduct "kambala", the traditional buffalo race.

The Bill seeks to exempt kambala and bullockcart racing from the ambit of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960. The race is widely held in the coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Governor Vajubhai R. Vala is likely to refer the Bill to the President for his assent.

News 20 - GNFC township becomes India’s first 100% cashless Township

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers (GNFC) township at Bharuch became the first township in India to become 100% cashless. The township has a population of around 5,000 and floating population of around 10,000 every day.

Residents of the township have embraced various digital mode of payments instead of cash and are making cashless payments at shopping centres, schools, colleges, hospital, stadium, laundry and even at tea stalls.

News 21 - Haryana Government imposed curbs on liquor consumption in public places

The Haryana Government has imposed curbs on liquor consumption at a place which has not been licensed or authorised under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, except at one's dwelling.

Violation of the law would attract a penalty of Rs 5,000 per person for the first offence, R.s 10,000 per person for the second and every subsequent offence. The Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Excise)-cumCollector of the district may refer the case to the court of law, if the offender does not pay the penalty.

News 22 - The International Coin Fair began in Thiruvananthapuram

A three-day International Coin Fair was organized at Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) by the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC).

More than 2,500 coins from around 500 regions were on display. The exhibition also featured collections of Justin Gilbert Lopez, who holds a Guinness world record for the largest coin collection. The coins on display included those from the time of Alexander the Great, to various Mughal emperors, besides Persian, Roman and Islamic coins.

News 23 - Edappadi Palanisamy became the new Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Governor C Vidyasagar Rao appointed Edappadi K Palaniswami as the new Chief Minister of the state. He took over as the 13^th Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

Palanisamy has won the election to the state assembly four times, in 1989, 1991, 2011 and 2016 from the Edapadi constituency. Earlier he has served as Minister for Highways & Minor Ports in the Jayalalithaa and O. Panneerselvam-led ministries of government of the state.

News 24 - City based group in Kerala launched a helpline number for waste management

A city-based group called Thanal in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, has launched a helpline number - 9400147150 to provide technical support to treat organic waste and manage non-biodegradable solid waste.

People can get information and guidance for composting kitchen waste, terrace farming, organic farming, and pest/fungi control by organic means. Thanal is a public interest research, education, advocacy and action group. Its main mission is "gather for all beings".

News 25 - J&K Government launched a e-Prison project

The Jammu and Kashmir Government launched the e-Prison project to enumerate jail inmates in the State. The project is being implemented by J&K e-Governance Agency. The e-Prison Project will digitize 25 district jails, two central jails and one sub-Jail across the State.

The digitalisation of the Prison department is being done to avoid manual recording of jail inmates that would save time. Data of 500 inmates has already been digitized which is available on National Prison Information Portal of Government of India.

News 26 - WB Chief Minister announced Kalimpong as a separate district

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a new district of Kalimpong carved out of Darjeeling. Kalimpong has become West Bengal's 21^st district.

A Rs. 220 crore road link project will connect Kalimpong with Sikkim via the old Silk Route. To address Kalimpong’s water scarcity problem, the government also announced a Rs. 50 crore water supply project by the public health engineering department.

News 27 - MP Government to set up Tourism Board

The Madhya Pradesh Government has decided to constitute MP Tourism Board for expansion of facilities at tourist spots and draw investment in the sector.

The Board would be a non-profit company, to be registered under the Companies Act. The board would work to frame, execute and monitor new policies for inviting investors, increase land bank by selecting appropriate places for increasing tourism projects with the help of private investment.

News 28 - Airbus inked an MoU for setting up centre of excellence in Hyderabad

Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a Centre of Excellence for aerospace skill development in Hyderabad, together with the Telangana government, National Skill Development Corporation India and AEROCAMPUS France. The Centre will come up at Begumpet Airport.

The Centre will offer short-term refresher modules as well as long-term certificate and diploma courses on aircraft manufacturing, logistics, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), ground handling and special aviation processes.

News 29 - Kerala cabinet gave In-Principle approval for Greenfield Airport at Sabarimala

The Kerala cabinet gave in-principle approval for setting up a green-field airport at Sabarimala. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corp. (KSIDC) will conduct a study on the proposed airport.

Sabarimala is known for a hill-top Ayyappa temple which attracts a 50 million plus pilgrims annually between November and January. The two closest airports, at Kochi and Trivandrum, lie 80 kms and 100 kms away respectively.

News 30 - AirAsia signs MoU with Odisha Government for two-ways Direct Flights

Malaysia-based low-cost carrier AirAsia inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government for running direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur. The airline will begin its flight service from the Biju Patnaik International Airport.

To incentivise global flight operations, the Orissa government has announced the complete waiver of VAT (value added tax) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The subsidy would be provided monthly.

News 31 - HAL inked an MoU with CPWD to build a Helicopter facility at Tumakuru, Karnataka

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Aero India 2017 with Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for execution of infrastructure development works at HAL’s new Greenfield helicopter facility at Tumakuru, Karnataka.

The project spread over 615 acres of land allotted by the Karnataka government will house infrastructure for production and testing facilities, self-sufficient manufacturing capabilities of a wide range of helicopters of 3-ton to 12-ton class.

News 32 - Madhya Pradesh: 'Mil Banche’ program held in all Government Schools

In Madhya Pradesh, 'Mil Banche’ program was held in all the Primary and Middle Government Schools. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, his minister colleagues, public representatives and other dignitaries took classes in these schools to motivate children.

More than one lakh 50 thousand persons have got registered for the 'Mil Banche’. The programme was held at a total of 1705 primary and middle government schools in Indore district.

News 33 - Momentum Jharkhand: 209 MoUs signed between different companies

Around 209 MoUs were signed between different companies at the closing day of the Two-day Global Investors Submit - branded as "Momentum Jharkhand " at the Khelgaon venue in Ranchibringing in investment worth Rs 3,39,087 crores rupees in the state. It would also help for creation of direct job for 2,09,176 people.

The maximum number of MoU, out of total 209, were signed in mining sector -which is 121. Next was in the IT and e-governance, with 30 MoU while Urban development and housing was at third with 17 MoU.

News 34 - First Foreign Airline Service started from Srinagar Airport

AirAsia became the first foreign airline ever to start its operations from Srinagar international airport in Jammu and Kashmir. The airline started its operations in Kashmir with the launch of its morning and evening flights daily between Delhi and Srinagar. It is expected to give a boost to the tourism industry in the state.

AirAsia India is a joint venture between the Tata’s and Malaysia’s AirAsia Berhad. The Tata Sons holds 49% while 49% is with AirAsia Investment Ltd.

News 35 - Center announced a grant of Rs. 54 crores to Tripura under the PMKVY

The Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy announced a grant of 54 crore rupees to Tripura under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna, PMKVY while addressing a DigiDhan Mela in Agartala.

The funds would be utilized for various activities of skill developments in Tripura. Multi skilled training centres would be established in each block. The Tripura Government held first position in e-governance program amongst North Eastern states.

News 36 - Gujarat Assembly passed the Aadhaar Bill, 2017

The Gujarat Assembly passed "The Gujarat Aadhaar Bill, 2017" which will empower the state government to use Aadhaar number as the sole identifier for the delivery of various subsidies and benefits in an effective and targeted manner.

It will help create a credible system to authenticate the identity of actual beneficiaries. Two other bills, the Gujarat Panchayats (Amendment) Bill and the Gujarat Town Planning and Urban Development (Amendment) Bill were also passed.

News 37 - Arunachal CM Pema Khandu inaugurated the Composite Regional Centre for Persons with Disabilities

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the Composite Regional Centre for Persons with Disabilities with an aim to create resources and infrastructure required for developing services for persons with disabilities in the state.

The centre is established under the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata of Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India. The Union Government has announced Rs 20 crore for establishment of the centre.

News 38 - 2017 to be observed as the Year of Apple in J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti announced to observe 2017 as ‘Year of Apple’ with an aim to promote the famed Kashmiri apples in domestic and foreign markets.

Ms Mufti launched the High-Density Apple Plantation Scheme in Srinagar and will provide 50% subsidy. These plants have a yield of 5070 metric tonnes per hectare against 10-12 tonnes in case of conventional plants. Jammu and Kashmir is the largest apple producing State in India at 11.2 metric tonnes, which accounts for 71% of national production.

News 39 - Telangana Government inked an MoU with NABARD for a Rs. 874 crore loan

The Telangana Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for a loan of Rs. 874 crore to the Horticulture Development Corporation to cover 3.15 lakh acres under Micro Irrigation scheme for 2016-17 and 2017-18.

The target for the year 2016-17 under the NABARD project is to cover 2.23 lakh acres allotted to all districts in the state and the balance of 89,000 acres would be covered during the next financial year.

News 40 - Microsoft to deploy Azure Stack in Andhra Pradesh

Government of Andhra Pradesh, has entered an MoU with Microsoft to utilise Microsoft Azure Stack for AP Government state data centre. Once deployed, it will be the first of its kind in the world.

As a part of the MoU, Microsoft Azure Stack will be used to migrate live applications currently hosted in Hyderabad State Data Centre (SDC) to Vizag data centre. Microsoft Azure Stack encompasses three key components of the data centre – application, server, and the storage – into one physical box and deliver to the client.

News 41 - National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala

The 3^rd National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) was held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India from 22^nd to 26^th February 2017. It is one of the important biodiversity mega events of India conducted as a biennial event. The congress included an array of programmes including Conference, Exhibition, Capacity building workshops and Children’s Biodiversity Congress.

The focal theme of NBC 2017 was "Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development". It was hosted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.

News 42 - Shurhozelie Liezitsu sworn-in as Nagaland Chief Minister

Shurhozelie Liezitsu has been sworn-in as the 17^th Chief Minister of Nagaland. The 81-year old Naga People's Front Party President succeeded TR Zeliang. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Governor P.B. Acharya in Kohima.

Shurhozelie, has held the office of the Education Minister in state government. He has also authored four novels and several collections of poetry. He is also the first to have been conferred a DLit (honorary) by the Nagaland University in 2003.

News 43 - Punjab prohibits sale of processed, flavored tobacco & nicotine products for 1 year

The Punjab Government has banned the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of gutkha, pan masala, processed/flavoured/scented chewing tobacco and any other food products containing tobacco or nicotine as ingredients for a period of one year.

This ban will continue whether the product is packaged or unpackaged or sold as one or separate products throughout the state. The decision was taken in view of the orders of the Supreme Court.

News 44 - Sikkim became the 22^nd State to join the UDAY Scheme

The Government of India and the State of Sikkim signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), for operational improvement of the State’s Power Distribution Department. With this, the total number of States covered under UDAY has reached twenty-two.

Sikkim would derive an Overall Net Benefit of approximately Rs. 207 crores through UDAY by way of cheaper funds, reduction in AT&C and transmission losses, interventions in energy efficiency, etc. during the period of turnaround. Andhra Pradesh was the first state to join UDAY Scheme.

News 45 - Visa inked an MoU with AP to make Vizag the first 'less cash' city of India

Global payments network Visa inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Andhra Pradesh government to help transform Vishakhapatnam into India's first 'less cash' city to help the city emerge as India's 'Fintech Valley'.

Visa will focus on driving payments digitisation, building talent pool and supporting Fintech start-ups. The AP government also signed a MoU with Thomson Reuters for cooperation in Fintech initiatives in the state.

News 46 - Kerala to launch sex offenders’ registry

Kerala will set up a public registry of sex offenders, a first in the country. The registry will contain all identification details of sex offenders and would be kept in public domain.

The state government is also planning to set up of women police stations at taluk levels and enhance women representation in police to 15 percent. It was announced by Governor P. Sathasivam while speaking on the inaugural day of the budget session.

News 47 - Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd commissions a 15 MW solar plant in Telangana

Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL) commissioned the 15 MW solar plant at Belampally in Telangana. With this development, Tata Power's total installed operating capacity crossed 10, 500 MW mark.

The solar plant has been built over 80 acres of land, and includes an 18-km transmission line. Sale of power from solar plant has been tied up under a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with the Northern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Ltd. at a tariff of Rs. 5.72 per unit.

News 48 - Annual 2-day long Liker & Leh Dosmochey festival began in Ladakh

The annual centuries old two-day long Liker and Leh Dosmochey festival began in Ladakh Region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Dosmochey is the major festival in the Ladakh region during the winter season. Mask dances with different monastic religious musical instruments are the main features of the Dosmochey celebration. Leh Dosmochey, which used to be known as the king of Ladakh’s annual festival, is now organized by the villagers of Leh town.

News 49 - Rajasthan announced as the 2^nd largest crude oil producer

The Governor of Rajasthan, Kalyan Singh announced Rajasthan as the second largest crude oil producer of India, owing to its achievement of production of nearly 90 lakh tones oil annually. Rajasthan state government has been working for the last few years for increasing happiness index in the state.

The Governor highlighted the efforts of Rajasthan government in implementing Bhamashah scheme, Mukhyamantri Jal Swavalamban Abhiyan, decline in child mortality rate, strengthening tourism infrastructure, intra-state air connectivity, etc.

News 50 - MP Chief Minister inaugurated India’s first post office passport SevaKendra

India’s First Post Office Passport Seva Kendra was inaugurated in Vidisha district headquarters of Madhya Pradesh by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The Vidisha’s Post Office Passport Seva Kendra will work as Laghu Passport Seva Kandra.

With this, residents of Vidisha and adjoining districts Raisen, Guna, Ashoknagar, Sagar and Damoh will not need to go Bhopal to get a passport. Laghu passport kendras will also be opened in Jabalpur, Gwalior and Satna of the state.

News 51 - Rajasthan launched a medical project called RAHAT

Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated a medical project Rajasthan Heart Attack Treatment programme (RAHAT), launched by Eternal Heart Care Centre Hospital in Jaipur.

RAHAT program aims to provide people in remote and rural areas with timely treatment during heart attacks. Under the program, the patients facing heart attack would be provided with emergency ambulance service and telemedicine service. The program captures and transmits patient's EKG along with clinical history from remote geographical locations to heart command centre hub.

News 52 - Haryana Government sets up a sex ratio monitoring dashboard in Panipat

The Haryana government has set up an online system called sex ratio monitoring dashboard as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ Scheme to monitor the sex ratio in the Panipat district.

The system will have the data of child sex ratio collected from all villages every month in the district by the state Health and Women and Child Welfare Departments. The sex ratio monitoring dashboard as a pilot project has been developed in association with National Informatics Centre.