General Awareness

GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES - August 2022

Aug 2022

Jan 06, 2024

PM Modi Approves PRITHVI VIGYAN Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 4800 crore for PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) scheme, an overarching initiative comprising five on-going sub-schemes related to earth sciences, at a cost of Rs. 4,797 crore over a five-year period from 2021-26. The Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to club the sub-schemes.
The schemes are "Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services", "Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology", "Polar Science and Cryosphere Research", "Seismology and Geosciences" and "Research, Education, Training and Outreach". The overarching scheme of 'PRITHvi Vigyan' (PRITHVI) will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programmes across different MoES institutes.
The objectives of the overarching "PRITHVI" scheme includes augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record vital signs of the earth system and change, development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards, and understanding the science of climate change.

Jan 04, 2024

Jammu and Kashmir First UT to Implement PM Vishwakarma Yojana

Jammu and Kashmir took a significant step towards empowering its vibrant community of artisans and craftspeople by becoming the first Union Territory (UT) to implement the PM Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY). This initiative, launched by the Central government in September 2023, aims to uplift and recognise the crucial role these skilled individuals play in preserving and enriching India's cultural heritage.
The inauguration ceremony, held virtually, witnessed the participation of Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, and Secretary of the Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The ceremony also saw the commencement of the training program for the first batch of 30 trainees (Viswakarmas) specializing in 'darzi craft'.
Recognition and Certification: The scheme provides formal recognition to artisans and craftspeople through the issuance of PM Vishwakarma certificates and ID cards. This recognition not only validates their skills and expertise but also opens doors to new opportunities and market access.
Financial Support and Incentives: To further empower Viswakarmas, the scheme provides them with a daily stipend of Rs. 500 during training. Additionally, upon successful completion of the program, each trainee receives a free modern toolkit worth Rs. 15,000. This financial support alleviates financial constraints and equips artisans with the necessary tools to kick start their entrepreneurial ventures.

Jan 03, 2024

Rajasthan Seeks Integration of Chiranjeevi Scheme with Ayushman Bharat

The newly elected BJP government in Rajasthan is making strides to merge its state health insurance scheme, Chiranjeevi, with the central Ayushman Bharat programme. This move, pending approval from the Union Health Ministry, aims to create a unified initiative called the Ayushman Bharat Mukhyamantri Chiranjeevi Health Insurance Scheme.
The merged scheme is set to retain the comprehensive coverage of Rs. 25 lakh without any reduction.
The integration aligns with the state government's directive to issue new health cards by January 26, synchronised with national efforts to cover all Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The Chiranjeevi scheme, initially designed to benefit over 1.42 crore families, continues to provide extensive coverage, with final figures awaiting confirmation from the health ministry.

Dec 31, 2023

Patnaik Launches 3rd Phase of Odisha's Health Scheme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the third phase of the state's flagship health scheme – Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY).
With this third phase of expansion, it is estimated that over 1.10 crore families, covering nearly 90% of the population of the state, will be provided health assurance under BSKY.
In this phase of expansion, all rural families of Odisha, except regular government employees and income tax payees who are presently not covered under the BSKY, will be eligible to receive the BSKY Nabin Card.

Dec 30, 2023

J&K Approves Amendments for OBC Reservation in Panchayati Raj Act

The Administrative Council, under the chairmanship of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, approved amendments to be carried out in the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 to incorporate the definition of OBCs in the Act to ensure reservation for them.
The draft J&K Panchayati Raj Act (Amendment) Bill 2023 was initially submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India. Following this, observations raised by the MHA were carefully examined, leading to necessary amendments being incorporated into the revised draft.
Incorporation of OBC Definition: The Amendment bill proposes defining OBCs to ensure their reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Disqualification and Removal Process: The bill outlines the method of disqualification from membership of Halqa Panchayat, as well as the suspension and removal procedures for Sarpanch, Naib-Sarpanch, and Panch by the Government.
Role of State Election Commissioner (SEC): The amendments detail the process for removal and conditions of service of the State Election Commissioner (SEC).
The proposed changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the J&K Panchayati Raj Act, 1989. The focus is on ensuring transparency in the functioning of PRIs, aligning the Act constitutionally, and maintaining consistency with practices in other states where OBC reservation is provided alongside Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Share on

TCY Analytics (View Subscription Plans)

Subscribe to GK Updates

I want to receive

GK Tags

July GK, June GK, May GK, INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, ENVIRONMENT, BUSINESS AND ECONOMY, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, SPORTS, NATIONAL AFFAIRS, DEFENCE, PERSONS IN NEWS, DAYS AND EVENTS, AWARDS AND HONOURS, GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND SCHEMES, GENDER/ HEALTH/ EDUCATION, ART AND CULTURE, BOOKS AND AUTHORS, TOURISM AND HOTEL INDUSTRY AWARENESS, ART AND CULTURE, LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS

Start Discussion

On any topic

Take Tests

Compiled from GK updates

Login

Sign Up

Forgot Password

Download TCY App

Unlock All Services And Enjoy The Premium Benefits

US$ 10

US$ 13

US$ 15

US$ 17

US$ 19

US$ 20

US$ 21

US$ 22

US$ 23

US$ 24

US$ 25

US$ 26