Current Affairs March 2020 - Regional

1 - Andhra Pradesh ranked first in country for overall implementation of Poshan Abhiyan

Andhra Pradesh has been ranked first in the country for overall implementation of Poshan Abhiyan as per the recent report shared by NITI Aayog. The State has trained all Anganwadi Workers on modules created based on lifecycle approach, i.e first 1000 days of life, with the support of incremental learning Approach (ILA).

Government is implementing Poshan Abhiyan earlier known as National Nutrition Mission, since 18^th December, 2017. The goals of Poshan Abhiyan are to achieve improvement in Nutritioinal status of children from 0-6 years, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers in a time bound manner.

2 - Tamil Nadu topped in Poshan Abhiyan's participants list

Tamil Nadu topped the list of the states in terms of the number of participants in the programme. The Integrated Child Development Scheme has been in force for long in the southern state that has got rejuvenated with the Centre’s Poshan Abhiyaan mission.

3 - Telangana State annual budget for year 2020-21

Telangana State Finance Minister, T Harish Rao presented the annual budget proposals for the year 2020-21, with an expenditure of Rs. 1,82,914.42 in the state Assembly. This includes over 1.38 lakh crore rupees of revenue expenditure and 22,061.18 crore rupees of capital expenditure.

The government projected 33,191 crore rupees of fiscal deficit and announced loan waiver of crop loans up to 25 thousand rupees. This will benefit 5.83 lakh farmers.

4 - Three day Namaste Orchha festival held in Madhya Pradesh

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism organised a three-day 'Namaste Orchha' cultural festival with an aim to make Orchha part of the the 'Golden Circle', due to its close proximity with Delhi. The historic town situated on the banks of Betwa river brings a rich potential of tourism in Madhya Pradesh.

Orchha is a hidden gem of architectural wonders. With a population of only 11,000, the town boasts of a string of palaces, forts and monuments. To beautify Orchha, all the houses of the main road of Orchha have been painted with cream color on the lines of Pink City Jaipur.

5 - Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled budget for year 2020-21

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tabled budget for the year 2020-21. The budget proposed to provide free and dedicated bus services for women and senior citizens in Guwahati under the Bhraman Sarathi scheme. An amount of 2800 crore rupees is earmarked for the Orunodoi scheme under which annually 10 thousand rupees to be given to 27 lakh poor households through DBT.

The government will provide 25 lakh rupees per school to 200 elementary schools on pilot basis for infrastructure development. The budget announced to start 5 new polytechnic institutes, 7 new government colleges and 2 medical college among others.

6 - Student Health Card scheme for school children launched in J&K

Lt. Governor G.C. Murmu launched Student Health Card scheme for student of Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme will ensure regular medical check-ups of school-going children. The Student Health Card scheme aims to ensure good health of school-going children.

Under the Student Health card scheme, regular health checkup facilities will be set up at the school level, which will ensure regular health checkups of school-going children. This would help keep a check on the issue of malnutrition among school-going children.

7 - J&K government adopted nine pronged strategies to realise goal of doubling farmers’ income by 2022

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has adopted following nine pronged strategy to realise the goal of doubling farmers income by 2022 −

Crop diversification and introduction of hybrid seeds.
Expansion of area under vegetable cultivation.
Adoption of robust market-driven agriculture policy.
Promotion of value addition of certain crops.
Assured modern irrigation facilities.
Creation of farm machinery banks at panchayat level.
Promotion of cottage industries.
Efficient use of cultivable wastelands.
Capacity building of farmers with transfer of technology through trainings and exposure visits for farmers.

8 - Chapchar Kut, the biggest and most joyful festival of Mizos, celebrated

The biggest and most joyful festival of Mizos, Chapchar Kut festival, was observed in Mizoram. The Chapchar Kut is also regarded as the most popular spring festival to the people of the state. This festival is a public holiday in the state.

Chapchar Kut is one of three annual festivals of the Mizos celebrated to mark three different stages of the agricultural cycle. The other two are Mim Kut and Pawl Kut, also revived in the last century.

9 - UP CM Yogi Adityanath launched projects worth Rs 2821 cr

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath launched projects worth rupees 2821 crores including country’s biggest multi-level parking in Gautam Buddh Nagar City, Noida. Chief Minister inaugurated a total of 13 projects worth Rs. 1,452 crore while laid foundation stones for 10 projects worth Rs. 1,369 crore.

The total cost of the country’s biggest multi-level parking is Rs. 580 crores. The government is developing Gautam Buddh Nagar City as a smart city.

10 - Chhattisgarh CM presented state budget for 2020-2021

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel presented budget, without any new tax proposals, for fiscal 2020-21. With an outlay of about 95,000 crore rupees, the budget focused on health, education and rural development. Improvement of school education was on the top priority of the government with about 16% of total budget provision. Around 6% of budget allocation was for health sector.

A new scheme, 'Rajiv Gandhi Kisaan Nyay Yojana', was announced to provide good returns to farmers for agricultural products with a provision of Rs. 5,100 crore.

11 - ‘Pension Adalat’ inaugurated in Jammu

The Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘Pension Adalat’ and National Pension System (NPS) Awareness and Grievance Redressal Programme at Jammu. Pension Adalats will help in on-the-spot redressal of pensioners’ grievances, which has given the right of “Ease of Living” to the pensioners. It will help in on-the-spot redressal of pensioners’ grievances.

The Pension Adalats are being convened with the objective of bringing on a common table the aggrieved pensioner, the concerned department, the bank or CGHS representative.

12 - Chilli Festival celebrated in Madhya Pradesh

The two-day unique Chilli Festival was celebrated in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh. Chilli Festival is a big business opportunity for traders, investors and exporters. It helps in fulfilling the Central Government's goal of doubling the income of farmers. Chilli-based cuisine stalls were set up on the occasion.

Thousands of farmers from many districts of the state participated to promote the Nimari brand of chillies. Nimar and Malwa regions are the highest chilli producing regions of the state. The red chillies of these regions are exported to China, Pakistan, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

13 - AAI & Tripura Government signed MoU for construction of equipment hiring centers

Tripura State Government and Airport Authority of India signed a memorandum of understanding for the construction of six equipment hiring centers. The project has been taken as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility scheme.

The equipment hiring centers, equipment related to agriculture, animal husbandry and fisheries will be kept. The types of equipment will be rented out to the needy farmers, Self Help Groups and to any other needy at a minimal cost. The project aims to benefit 6000 families.

14 - Arunachal Pradesh assembly implemented e-Vidhan project

The Arunachal Pradesh Assembly went paperless with the implementation of e-Vidhan, a project under the Digital India programme. The e-Vidhan project will help MLAs to access every information regarding the Assembly, see the list of business and read questions and other documents pertaining to House proceedings through their laptops and tablet computers.

The initiative will help in bringing all the legislatures of the country on a single platform and creating a massive data depository. Paperless Assembly or e-Assembly is a concept involving the use of electronic devices to facilitate House proceedings.

15 - Maharashtra government approved implementation of "happy hour" for auto rickshaws

Maharashtra government has approved the implementation of "happy hour" for autorickshaws as recommended by Khatua panel. A government resolution states that fares will be slashed by 15% between 12 noon and 4 pm. The decision will, however, not be applicable to local taxis and app based taxis.

The panel had said that the new concept will turn lean hours to happy hours, especially for housewives and senior citizens who normally don't have a fixed schedule for their outings.

16 - Poshan Pakhwada celebrated in Nagaland from March 8-22

To celebrate the second anniversary of POSHAN Abhiyaan, Poshan Pakhwada was celebrated in Nagaland from 8^th-22^nd March. The focus area of Poshan Pakhwada 2020 is ‘Men for Nutrition - Increasing Male Engagement in POSHAN Abhiyaan to Improve Nutritional Indicators’.

The key activities included Poshan Melas, rally on nutrition, Prabhat Pheree, session on nutrition at schools, self help group meetings, anaemia camps, growth monitoring of children, home visits of newborn babies by ASHA/AWW, Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition, etc.

17 - Traditional 'Fagli' festival celebrated in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur

The traditional 'Fagli' festival was celebrated in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh with great fervour. The festival is organised to observe the "victory of good over evil".

This festival is celebrated to mark the end of winter or the beginning of spring. It is celebrated in the entire valley on the moonless night or Amavasya. It is also celebrated to receive blessings from Deota(God) for the upcoming harvest season.

18 - AP state government launched “NIGHA” app

The Andhra Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy has launched Nigha app to curb the irregularities in ensuing local body elections. Any person can complain about the irregularities, which they encounter during the campaign through this app.

People can also inform about the distribution of money, gifts, and liquor and about the continuation of the campaign even after the permitted time is over. The identity of the citizens will remain anonymous to ensure privacy and security.

19 - Gujarat ranks first in domestic solar rooftop installations

Gujarat has topped the chart in the country in the area of solar rooftop installations. Gujarat has a total of 261.97 megawatts (MW) of installed rooftop solar capacity as on July 23, 2019. As per the Central government data, total rooftop solar installation in India is 1700.54 MW.

Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have solar rooftop installations at 198.52 MW and 151.62 MW respectively. The State government of Gujarat has adopted a solar rooftop scheme “Surya Gujarat” to cover about eight lakh domestic electricity consumers under the scheme by 2022.

20 - New World Bank Project to benefit over 400,000 farming households in Himachal Pradesh

The Government of India, Government of Himachal Pradesh, and the World Bank signed an $80 million loan agreement to improve water management practices and increase agricultural productivity in selected Gram Panchayats (Village Councils) in Himachal Pradesh. The loan has a final maturity of 14.5 years, including a grace period of five years.

The Integrated Project for Source Sustainability and Climate Resilient Rain-Fed Agriculture will be implemented in 428 Gram Panchayats in 10 districts benefiting over 400,000 smallholder farmers, including women, and pastoral communities.

21 - Manipur announced scheme for welfare of sports persons and artists

Manipur has announced the biggest ever scheme for the welfare of sports persons and artists of the State: ‘Chief Minister’s Akhannaba Sanaroising gi Tengbang (CMAST)’ and Chief Minister Artist Sing gi Tengbang (CMAT)’.

Under the CMAST Scheme, a suitable employment in government services will be provided to sports persons, who have won medals in notified disciplines in selected International Sports events. Also, cash awards for Olympic participants have been enhanced up to Rs. 1 crore. CMAT is designed to encourage the artists in different fields and targeted to cover 4000 artistes in a year.

22 - UP government launched schemes for skill development & employment generation for youths

Uttar Pradesh government has launched three ambitious schemes for skill development and employment generation for youths in the state: Kaushal Satrang, Yuva Hub and apprenticeship scheme. The government also announced to depute ''Arogya Mitras'' at all primary health centres to inform people about government health schemes.

Kaushal Satrang will have seven components which will provide opportunities to the youth. ‘Yuva Hub’ scheme was allocated Rs. 1,200 crore in the state budget It will facilitate setting up of 30,000 startups in state while CM apprenticeship scheme will provide stipend of Rs. 2500 to the youth of state.

23 - Assam government to construct 33 stadiums in state under Uttran scheme

The Assam government plans to construct 33 stadiums in the state under Uttaran scheme. 300 crore rupees will be spent to build the stadiums across the state. 500 playgrounds are being developed at the state to encourage rural talents.

State of the art sports facilities are being set up in Assam. The state government will give 50,000 rupees to one thousand players while 2500 clubs will get a grant of Rs. 75,000.

24 - India’s first digital parcel locker service launched in West Bengal

The Department of Posts, Kolkata (West Bengal circle), has launched free digital parcel locker service in 2 post offices Nabadiganta IT post office of Salt Lake City & post office in New Town's Action Area. Under this service, customers will be able to collect their parcel from the post office according to their convenience.

Postman will now drop the parcels in the Digital Locker Kiosks, placed just outside the post office building and are accessible 24x7. This facility is quite popular in European countries, but is starting for the first time in India. This service has been done for such people of working-class, who do not have to receive any parcel at home.

25 - “Phool Dei” festival celebrated in Uttarakhand

The traditional harvest festival of “Phool Dei” was celebrated in Uttarakhand. It is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra or in mid-March (according to Gregorian calendar). The festival also showcases the inner bonding between the communities who all are residing in the hills.

The festive occasion derives its name from the word 'Dei', which refers to a ceremonial pudding. This festival of flowers is unique to the hill state and has a dimension of colour and love. During the festivity, the young girls pluck the first flowers of the season.

26 - Odisha cancelled annual Chaitra Jatra festival

The Odisha Government cancelled the famous Chaitra Jatra festival due to the threat of Corona Virus. The Chaitra Jatra festival is celebrated in the month of Chaitra during Tuesdays at Tara Tarini hill shrine.

The shrine is located in the Tara Tarini hill on the banks of Rushikulya river. Indian Navy’s sailboat INSV Tarini was named after Tara Tarini hill shrine. The first Indian all-woman crew had circumnavigated the globe in INSV Tarini.

27 - UP Government approved ordinance to recover damage to public, private properties

The UP state government has passed the Uttar Pradesh recovery of damage to public and private property ordinance 2020. It allows to recover damage to public and private properties in any violent protest or demonstration from the miscreants.

The state cabinet also cleared proposal of renovating 23 bus stations on the PPP model and creation of consolidated sinking fund, based on the recommendations by the central finance commission and state accountant general.

28 - Meghalaya Chief Minister presented deficit budget of Rs 1532 crore

Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma presented the budget amounting to 17,375 crore rupees for the year 2020-21 with a fiscal deficit of 1,532 crore rupees, which is around 3.53% of the GDP. The estimated total receipt stood at 17,375 crore rupees of which Revenue receipts stood at 15,353 crore rupees and the total receipts estimated at 15,830 crore rupees excluding borrowings of 1,995 crore rupees.

The budget focused on education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, air and surface connectivity, promoting entrepreneurship, tourism, uplifting rural economy, etc. with a view to take State on the path of development.

29 - ‘Break the Chain’ campaign launched by Kerala state to combat coronavirus

In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus or COVID-19 virus across the state, the Kerala government has launched a mass hand washing campaign named as ‘break the chain’ to combat coronavirus. The campaign aims to break the chain of virus infection and educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

30 - Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath as MP CM for the 4^th time

Shivraj Singh Chouhan took oath as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the fourth time. He was sworn in by Governor Lalji Tandon. Chouhan was sworn in chief minister of Madhya Pradesh thrice earlier in 2005, 2008 and 2013.

Congress had won the December 2018 Assembly elections, after which, the Kamal Nath government came to power. However, after Jyodiraditya Scindia joined BJP and following resignations of 22 Congress MLAs, Nath resigned as chief minister that paved the way for Chouhan to form the government.

31 - Mayiladuthurai to become Tamil Nadu's 38^th district

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy announced that Tamil Nadu’s newest, 38^th district will be formed in Mayiladuthurai. The existing district of Nagapattinam will be bifurcated and Mayiladuthurai will become the headquarters of the new district.

Currently, in Tamil Nadu, there are 37 districts out of which 5 districts were formed in 2019. Mayiladuthurai is located at a distance of 281 kilometres from Chennai. It is home to several temples dating back to the medieval Chola era.

32 - Former J&K CM Chief Minister Omar Abdullah released

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was released after nearly eight months of detention. His release order was issued after charges under the Public Safety Act (PSA) were revoked.

Abdullah had spent 232 days in custody after he was detained on August 5, 2019 under Section 107 of CrPC (security for keeping the peace), and once, he had served the maximum period of detention, was slapped with charges under PSA on February 5.

33 - Highlights of Delhi Budget 2020

The Delhi government presented a budget of Rs. 65,000 crores for the financial year 2020-21. Rs.50 crore is dedicated to tackle the coronavirus epidemic. The education sector received the highest share of allocation of Rs.15,815 crore, which is 24.33% of the total budget.

Rs.7,704 crore to health sector.
Rs.250 crore allocated for the procurement of 2,485 new DTC buses.
Rs.1,720 crore for the development of unauthorised colonies.
Delhi Government will implement Centre's flagship Ayushman Bharat Yojana.

34 - Uttarakhand abolished quota in promotion for government employees

Uttarakhand state government abolished reservation in promotion in the state government jobs. The government employees from the General-OBC category in the state protested, demanding the implementation of the Supreme Court’s decision on the issue. The strike of more than 1.5 lakh general-OBC employees severely affected the work in government offices. The state government also issued orders regarding departmental promotion committee (DPC).

Uttarakhand state government in 2012 decided to fill up state government posts without providing reservation in promotion, after which, the decision was challenged in Uttarakhand high court.

35 - Gujarat Police became 1^st state police to introduce taser guns

The Gujarat Police became the first state Police of India to introduced taser guns. Taser guns ensure public safety and security. Taser guns are sort of electrical weapon that use compressed nitrogen to fire, by sending electricity through two small barbed darts of attached wires thus, causing disrupt voluntary control of muscles and "neuromuscular incapacitation.

Various other countries use taser guns such as UK, Los Angeles and New York Police Department. Taser guns temporarily incapacitate muscles therefore, allowing officers to safely restrain and handle the situation.

36 - Uttar Pradesh government constituted ‘Team-11’ to beat COVID-19

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath constituted 'Team-11' to beat corona virus causing disease COVID-19. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease spread globally, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic.

11 inter-departmental committees consists of over 2 dozen senior government officials working at crucial levels under the CM’s supervision. The Team-11 would be headed by the Chief Minister Yogi Aditya Nath, while each of the 11-committees will be headed by a senior bureaucrat of the state.