14-15.05.23 Daily [Uttarakhand] UKPSC Current Affairs

In a significant decision, thePushkar Singh Dhami cabinet announced a Scholarship scheme for meritorious students from classes 6 to 12 in state-run schools.

A total of 7,953 students will benefit from the scheme, with a provision of Rs 57 crore earmarked for the project. As per the provisions of the scheme, known as the Mukhyamantri Meghavi Chhatra Protshan Chhatravriti Yojna, 10% of the students from each class will be selected at the block level for the scholarship.

To avail of the benefits of the scheme, students need to achieve a minimum of 70% marks and 75% attendance from classes 6 to 10, and over 80% marks in classes 11 and 12. In case the number of students exceeds 10% of the total strength, the top performers will be selected. Class 6 students will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs 600, class 7 students Rs 700, class 8 students Rs 800, class 9 students Rs 900 and class 10 students Rs 1,000. Students of classes 11 and 12 will receive a scholarship of Rs 1,200 per month.

There are 95 blocks in Uttarakhand, and the scheme is expected to benefit 7,953 students. The cabinet also approved a proposal to allow two-year childcare leave (CCL) for single male government employees. According to the amendments in theUttarakhandService Leave rules, unmarried, widower, or legally divorced single male government employees can now avail 730 days of CCL anytime until the child attains the age of 18. In cases where the child has physical disabilities exceeding 40%, the single male parent can avail the CCL at any time without any age criteria.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has informed that aGreen Hydrogen policywould be formulated to promote the use of green hydrogen and establish the state as a leading hub for its production. Resources, including ample sunlight, water, and wind, make the state an ideal location for generating green hydrogen. The primary objective of the Green Hydrogen Policy is to attract investments in large-scale renewable energy projects, ensuring a consistent and sustainable supply of green electricity for electrolysis.

The chief minister stated that the government is actively encouraging young entrepreneurs to invest in the state and the new green energy policy will include various provisions to facilitate their participation.

By giving leverage to the natural advantages, the state aims to create a favorable Environment for the production of green hydrogen.

Mumbaihas moved up to the sixth rank among 46 global cities in terms of annual price Growth of high-end residential properties, with an appreciation of 5.5%, according to a report by real estate consultantKnight Frank India.

The report, titled Prime Global Cities Index Q1 2023, notes that Bengaluru and New Delhi have also registered an increase in Average annual prices in the first quarter of 2023.

ThePrime Global Cities Indexis a valuation-based index tracking the movement of prime residential prices across 46 cities worldwide, tracking nominal prices in local currency.Dubaiclinched the top position globally in terms of the increase of 44.2% in prime residential properties values.

The formation and promotion ofFarmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)has gained significant attention in recent years, as it holds immense potential to transform the agricultural landscape. FPOs are essentially collective entities formed by farmers, enabling them to join forces, pool Resources, and enhance their bargaining power. Under the central scheme titled Formation and Promotion of 10,000 FPOs, the government has allocated 1,100 FPOs to theNational Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)to bolster the cooperative sector and provide comprehensive support to small farmers.

FPOs serve as a platform for farmers to come together, share knowledge and experiences, and collectively address common challenges. These organizations offer end-to-end Services that encompass various aspects of cultivation, including inputs, technical support, processing, and Marketing. By leveraging economies of scale, FPOs help small producers access better prices, reduce transaction costs, and enhance overall productivity.

TheAsian Investment Bank (AIIB)has recently signed an agreement to create its first Interim Operational Hub inAbu Dhabi Global Market, marking its initial foray into establishing an overseas office. AIIB is a multilateral Development Bank that focuses on financing infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainability. As the host country for COP28 later this year, theUAEhas emphasized the importance of Climate finance, a key concern for nations as they strive to increase their efforts and commitments towards climate action.

The AIIB has established its first Interim Operational Hub in Abu Dhabi Global Market, which will serve as its initial overseas office.

The office will have a strategic location in theMiddle East and the world, and will support the Banks development agenda by financing infrastructure projects that prioritize sustainable economic Growth, particularly in areas where it is most needed.