These current affairs are written in a easy to remember format and are useful for competitive exams like - UPSC Civil Services, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPPSC, State PSCs and other competitive examinations.
11th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC)
The MGC initiative comprising six countries - India, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam was launched in 2000 to boost cooperation in a range of areas including connectivity, tourism and culture.
Greater Mekong region
The vast region spans six countries: China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.This is the rice bowl of Asia and at its heart lays the Mekong River. The river runs through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Art & Culture
Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP)
Government is implementing Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Padhati (BPKP) as a sub scheme of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) since 2020-21 for the promotion of traditional indigenous practices.
The scheme mainly emphasizes on exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs and promotes on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching.
Use of cow dung-urine formulations; plant-based preparations and time to time working of soil for aeration.
Under BPKP, financial assistance of Rs 12200/ha for 3 years is provided for cluster formation, capacity building and continuous hand holding by trained personnel, certification and residue analysis.
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) was launched in 2015 as an extended component of Soil Health Management (SHM) under the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA).The funding pattern under the scheme is in the ratio of 60:40 by the Central and State Governments, it is 90:10 for North Eastern and the Himalayan States.
Science & Tech
Jal Shakti Abhiyan-II (JSA-II)
The "Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch The Rain" campaign was launched by the Hon'ble Prime Minister on 22 March 2021, the World Water Day with the theme Catch the Rain - Where it Falls When it Falls.
This is taken up as a continuation of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan campaign of 2019 which covered 256 water stressed districts in the country.
It covers creation of new and maintenance of old Rainwater harvesting structures; revival of traditional rainwater harvesting structures like stepwells etc.
Enumeration, geo-tagging, making inventory of water bodies, reuse and recharge of bore wells; watershed development, intensive afforestation preparation of scientific water conservation plans and setting up of Jal Shakti Kendras.
Gov. Schemes
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
The indicative target for PMMVY was 51.70 lakh beneficiaries per annum, however, more than 64.35 lakhs beneficiaries were enrolled under PMMVY during the financial year 2020-21.
The scheme covers all Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW&LM), excluding PW&LM who are in regular employment with the Central Government or the State Governments or Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) or those who are in receipt of similar benefits under any law for the time being in force.
Read More: Pradhan MantriMatruVandanaYojana (PMMVY)
Gov. Schemes
Kaman Aman Setu (bridge of peace)
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Zuha, India and Pakistan Armies held a Flag meeting and exchanged sweets at Kaman Aman Setu, Uri.
Kaman Aman Setu (bridge of peace), connects Kashmir Valley with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
Note: Maitri Setu is a bridge between India and Bangladesh.
Defence
What is "SMILE Scheme" ?
MILE is a central sector scheme launched by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for comprehensive rehabilitation of persons engaged in the act of Begging.
Focus of the scheme is on rehabilitation, provision of medical facilities, counseling, basic documentation, education, skill development, economic linkages etc.
Pilot projects initiated on Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons engaged in the act of Begging in ten cities namely Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Patna and Ahmadabad.
The scheme would be implemented with the support of State/UT Governments/Local Urban Bodies, Voluntary Organizations, Community Based Organizations (CBOs) , institutions and others.
Scheme provides for the use of the existing shelter homes available with the State/UT Governments and Urban local bodies for rehabilitation of the persons engaged in the act of Begging.
New dedicated shelter homes are to be set up by the implementing agencies.
Gov. Schemes
"Historic Urban Landscape" project
In Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior and Orchha cities have been selected by UNESCO under "Historic Urban Landscape Project".
The project was started in the year 2011, for the inclusive and well-planned development of fast-growing historical cities while preserving the culture and heritage.
Six cities of South Asia, including Ajmer and Varanasi in India are already involved in this project. Orchha and Gwalior have been included as the 7th and 8th cities.
The development and management plan of these cities will be prepared by UNESCO.
The cities will be jointly developed by UNESCO, Government of India and Madhya Pradesh by focusing on their historical and cultural improvement.
Social Issues
"Adarsh Smarak" scheme
Three monuments of Andhra Pradesh namely Monuments at Nagarjunakonda, District Guntur, Budhhist Remains at Salihundam, District Srikakulam, and Veerabhadra Temple at Lepakshi in District Anantapuram have been identified as Adarsh Smarak
The scheme was launched in 2014 by Ministry of Culture, for providing improved visitor amenities, especially for the physically challenged.
A total of 100 Monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) are being developed and maintained as Adarsh Monuments under the scheme.
The civic amenities are being augmented at these sites.
The objective of the scheme is:
1) To make monument visitor friendly. 2) To upgrade/provide washrooms, drinking water, signages, cafeteria, and wi-fi facility. 3) To provide interpretation and audio-video centers. 4) To streamline wastewater and garbage disposal and a rainwater harvesting system. 5) To make the monument accessible to differently-abled. 6) To implement Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Gov. Schemes