1. A ‘National Digital Library’ for children and adolescents will be set up
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on 1 February 2023 that a ‘ National Digital Library for Children and Adolescents ‘ would be set up.‘ will be set up to ensure availability of quality books across different geographies, languages, genres and levels. The Finance Minister has proposed to set up a National Digital Library as part of inclusive growth. The good thing is that the matter of providing the facility of National Digital Library for the children by the government at panchayat and ward level has come to the fore. Digital library is a library in which the collection of books is in digital or electronic format. It can be used through electronic devices and computers. A digital library is also known as an online library, Internet library, digital repository, or digital archive.
2. In the budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman named millets as ‘Shri Anna’
In the budget speech , Nirmala Sitharaman named Millets i.e. coarse grains as Shree Anna . India is at the forefront of programs to popularize Shree Anna. The Indian Millets Research Center will also promote Hyderabad as a center of excellence so that it can excel at the international level as well. The UN has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Several evidences regarding the consumption of Sri Anna during the Indus Valley Civilization suggest that it was one of the first crops to be cultivated in India. It is also called the grain of the poor. Millets are also very good for health. Millets not only provide protein and fiber, but also cure diseases arising in the body of the eater.
3. Allocation amount of Rs 2.41 lakh crore to transform Indian Railways in the general budget of 2023-24
India is becoming the fastest growing economy of the world. India’s economy is estimated to be 6.5 in 2023-24, which is more than any developed country in the world. Probably railways will also play an increased role in this. Keeping this in mind, on January 1, 2023, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a huge allocation of Rs 2.41 lakh crore in the general budget of 2023-24 for the transformation of Indian Railways . This is nine times the outlay provided to the Railways in 2013-14. With the increase in the budget, the pace of development of Indian Railways is going to increase further. In this regard, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has told that now ‘hydrogen trains’ will run in India. Indian Railways will run hydrogen trains on its narrow gauge heritage routes by December 2023.
4. Government of India will set up Agriculture Accelerator Fund
There are more than two thousand agriculture startups in the country. The Government of India is trying to increase this number to 10,000 . Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing 53.89% of India’s GVA. In the Union Budget 2023-24, the Finance Minister allocated Rs 1.25 lakh crore for agriculture . Agriculture was one of the seven major priorities of the budget. During the budget presentation in the Parliament, the Finance Minister announced that the Government of India will set up the Agriculture Accelerator Fund . (Agriculture Accelerator Fund) will be established. This fund will be set up to increase the number of agricultural startups in rural areas. The main objective of this fund is to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions. It will focus only on the farmers and the challenges faced by them. More young entrepreneurs will be encouraged to start agri startups using these funds. Preference will be given to startups focusing on cost effective solutions. Also, preference will be given to technology startups aimed at increasing agricultural production.
5. MISHTI Scheme for mangrove plantation announced
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 5th and 75th budget of the country . He made many announcements during the budget. In the budget speech, he said, as far as possible for the government, it will plant mangrove trees in the coastal areas . These saplings will be planted under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitat and Tangible Income Scheme (MISHTI) . If understood in simple language, the word mangrove means plants and shrubs growing in swamps . Mangrove plants are found in brackish water. these are halophytes Also known as. There are about 80 species of mangrove plants in India. One of their specialty is that they grow in low oxygen soil. Protects from disasters and can play a big role in fighting climate change. They are being promoted in the coastal areas of many countries of the world. Mishti will be implemented by combining CAMPA funds, MGNREGS and other sources. CAMPA Fund stands for Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. This fund was established to increase the afforestation activities in the country. MGNREGS is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. It was launched under the MGNREGA Act of 2005.
6. Sitharaman announces PM PRANAM scheme to push states to promote alternative fertilizers
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech announced that the government will launch a new scheme – PM PRANAM to “encourage” states and union territories to promote balanced use of alternative fertilizers and chemical fertilizers . It stands for PM Program for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth . Under this scheme, the Government of India is planning to promote alternatives to fertilizers. Also, it aims to promote balanced use of chemicals. The main objective of this scheme is to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.
7. Government of India launched “Atmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Program”
To increase the value of horticulture crops and to boost productivity, the Government of India has launched the “ Aatmanirbhar Horticulture Clean Plant Programme ”. The main objective of this program is to make available disease free planting material. have to increase. This will help in improving the value of horticulture crops. The Government of India allocated Rs 2,200 crore for this scheme. Government of India will use only clean horticultural plants in this program. Along with this, the use of clean plants will be promoted. A clean plant means that many things have been tested before the plant is planted. Plants are screened for viruses, bacteria or fungi. And plants infected with these microorganisms are not planted. Economically important plants are kept in the category of clean plants.
8. “Amrit Dharohar” scheme for conservation of wetlands
India has lost 30% of its wetlands in the last three decades . Out of all Mumbai lost maximum wetlands. 71% of wetlands in Mumbai were lost between 1970 and 2014. 57% was lost in Ahmedabad, 56% in Bengaluru, 55% in Hyderabad, 38% in Delhi, and much more in other major cities. The loss of wetlands is mainly due to anthropogenic activities and illegal constructions. In order to increase the optimum use of wetlands in cities and improve their biodiversity, the Government of India has launched Amrit Dharohar Yojana . has started. The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister during his budget speech. The scheme will be implemented in the next three years. The scheme will enhance eco-tourism and carbon stock, and also help local communities in their income generation. Some of them will also be kept under controlled conditions for increased productivity.
9. National Data Governance Policy
During the presentation of the Union Budget 2023 , Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Government of India will launch the National Data Governance Policy . This policy will create the Indian Data Management Office (IDMO) . IDMO will work under the Ministry of IT . This will help in accessing the data coming anonymously. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that a body DigiLocker would be set up for the use of MSMEs, large businesses and charitable trusts. This will help in securely storing documents online and sharing them with various authorities, regulators, banks and other professional bodies as and when required.
10. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 announced
During the Union Budget 2023 , the Finance Minister announced the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0 , under which the youth of the country will be taught and trained in top new-age technologies . For this, 30 Skill India International Centers across the country Will be made This will encourage expansion in businesses and industry and create more jobs for the youth in the times to come. This program will train lakhs of youth in the next three years. The fourth edition of PMKVY will be implemented with industrial partnership. Job training will be given after the completion of the course. Training will also be given under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. New industry courses to be introduced. This includes Artificial Intelligence, Soft Skills, Robotics, Drone Technology, 3D Printing, Internet of Things, Mechatronics etc. During PMKVY 4.0, Government of India will open 30 Skill India International Centres. 47 lakh will be provided with stipend assistance. Skill India digital platform will be launched.
11. Announcement of Mahila Samman Savings Letter Scheme
The scheme was announced by the Finance Minister while presenting the budget in the Parliament. Under this scheme, the Government of India will provide a savings certificate . These certificates will be issued till 2025 . This scheme is for women and girls. They can get a deposit security of two lakh rupees using this certificate . In this, women will get 7.5% interest on savings of 2 lakhs .
12. Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM – VIKAS) launched
Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Kaushal Samman (PM – VIKAS) for Artisans and Craftsmen in Budget 2023 The main objective of this scheme is to improve the condition of craftsmen in the country. The scheme will be inserted into the MSME value chain. This scheme will provide financial assistance to the artisans. Skill and training programs will be organized for traditional and age-old crafts. People will be encouraged to learn the art. Latest technology skills will be imparted during the training programmes. Artisans will be taught to use latest technologies to increase productivity and profit. This will be done without disturbing the traditional practices involved in craft making. The entire program will be integrated with the MSME sector. Government of India will work hard to take arts and crafts to international markets.
13. Income tax slab changed
During the Union Budget presentation, Finance Minister Smt Nirmala Sitharaman announced that people with income up to Rs 7 lakh need not pay taxes . The tax surcharge was reduced from 37% to 25% for taxpayers in the highest tax bracket. The new income tax slabs are as follows:
- Rs 0 to Rs 3 lakh – 0% tax rate.
- Rs 3 lakh to Rs 6 lakh – 5%
- Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9 lakh – 10%
- Rs 9 lakh to Rs 12 lakh – 15%
- Rs 12 lakh to Rs 15 lakh – 20%
- Above Rs 15 lakh – 30%
14. Rs 100 crore allocated for NAMASTE scheme
In the Union Budget 2023 , the Government of India allocated Rs 100 crore for the Namaste scheme ( National Action Plan for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem ) . With this, the Government of India aims to mechanize septic tank cleaning and sewer cleaning in towns and cities. The objective of this scheme is to provide alternative livelihood to the Safai Karamcharis. Furthermore, Namaste will try to bring about a change in their behavior.
16. Lifetime Achievement Honor by the India-UK Achievers Honors to Dr. Manmohan Singh for his contribution in the field of economics and politics
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Honor by the India-UK Achievers Honors for his contribution in the field of economics and politics. The prize giving has been announced. The award was announced at a ceremony in London last week. National Indian Students and Alumni Association (NISAU) UK (UK) will felicitate Dr Singh later in New Delhi. India-UK Achievers by NISAU-UK in partnership with British Council in India and UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) Honors Award has been started. It is given to highlight the achievements of Indian students studying in UK universities. Dr. Manmohan Singh has been given Lifetime Achievement Honors for academic achievements at the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge.
17. FIH President’s Award to VK Pandian for his outstanding contribution to Hockey
At a function held on the eve of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela Final, FIH President Tyeb Ikram presented the FIH President’s Award to Odisha Chief Minister’s Secretary VK Pandian for his outstanding contribution to hockey .
18. Three-day EWG meeting begins in Jodhpur
The first Employment Working Group (EWG) meeting under G20 has started in Jodhpur , Rajasthan . This three-day meeting will be held from 2 to 4 February . This meeting of the Employment Working Group, being held under the G20 chairmanship of India, will discuss labor, employment and social issues related to strong, sustainable, balanced and job-enriched growth for all. More than 70 delegates from about 20 countries and 9 national and international organizations are participating in the meeting of the Employment Working Group. International organizations like ILO, OECD, ISA and Indian institutions like NITI Aayog, MSDE and EPFO will also share their views in this meeting.
19. India welcomes Congo’s entry into the International Solar Alliance
India has welcomed the inclusion of Congo in the International Solar Alliance . The Ministry of External Affairs has said that Ambassador of the Republic of Congo, Raymond Sergibale signed the International Solar Alliance agreement in New Delhi today.
20. Pandurang Kondbarao Pole became the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission approved the appointment
The Election Commission has approved the appointment of Pandurang Kondabarao Pole, Divisional Commissioner , Kashmir, as the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir . According to the order of the Election Commission, Mr. Pole, being the CEO of Jammu and Kashmir, will not hold any additional charge under the state government, but he can remain the nominated secretary in charge of the election department in the state secretariat.
21. Wool Fab – Handloom Haat opened for visitors
A special handloom exhibition of woolen textile products started at Handloom Haat (Janpath) New Delhi . The exhibition will remain open to the public till February 14, 2023. Woolen handloom products made in every nook and corner of India are displayed and put up for sale here. Government of India has launched ‘ Handloom Mark ‘ scheme for quality handloom products produced without harming the environment and ‘ India Handloom Brand ‘ scheme for branding high quality handloom products . The objective is to promote and differentiate the products while highlighting the sustainability and uniqueness of the products.
22. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signs MoU with cities with population of more than 1 million to develop Waste to Wealth Plant
Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Budget for the year 2023-2024 , which listed seven priorities or ‘ Saptarishis ‘ to guide us through Amritkal . Proposed to set up 500 new Waste to Wealth plants under the Gobar-Dhan Yojana to promote circular economy, listed under the green development segment in these priorities . These will include 200 compressed biogas plants, 75 in urban areas, 300 community or cluster-based plants, with a total investment of Rs 10,000 crore . Keeping this vision in mind the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) Smt. Rupa Mishra, Joint Secretary and National Director, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Shri RK Rathi, Executive Director, Engineers India Limited (EIL) in the presence of Ministry Secretary, Shri Manoj Joshi and Vartika Shukla, C&MD , EIL . Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop Two Energy and Bio-methanation projects .
23. Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma inaugurates G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill
Shri Alkesh Kumar Sharma , Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology inaugurated the G20 Cyber Security Exercise and Drill for over 400 domestic and international participants under the G20 Chairmanship of India . Indian Computer Emergency Response Team conducted this cyber security exercise and drill in hybrid mode (physical and virtual) where international participants from more than 12 countries joined through online mode. Domestic participants from various sectors such as Finance, Education, Telecom, Ports & Shipping, Energy and IT/ITeS participated in person as well as in virtual mode.
24. Workshop on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Madhya Pradesh Farm Gate App and participation of women entrepreneurs in agriculture, as part of India’s G-20 presidency
On the occasion of India’s Chairmanship of G-20 , through the theme ‘ One Earth, One Family, One Future ‘, a one-day workshop on Madhya Pradesh Farm Gate App and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) was organized at Noronha Academy of Administration, Bhopal . The event was organized with the aim of encouraging the spirit of global unity and increasing the participation of women entrepreneurs in the field of agriculture. The main objective of this workshop was to promote the participation of women in Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and Madhya Pradesh Farm Gut App.
25. MoU between Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited
MoU signed to enable Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to provide services offered by Common Service Centers in the presence of Union Minister for Home & Cooperation Shri Amit Shah and Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnav Went. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi between Ministry of Cooperation, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology , NABARD and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited .
26. World Wetlands Day: 2 February
On 2 February 2023, ” World Wetland Day ” ie ” World Wetland Day ” is celebrated all over the world. For the first time it was celebrated in 1997 . Wetland means rivers, ponds, puddles and such water areas where water is always or for many months of the year. Wet land is a rich system not only for animals but also for plants where many useful flora and medicinal plants are found in abundance. In fact , on 2 February 1971, the Convention on Wetlands was signed. This convention was signed in the city of ‘ Ramsar ‘ in Iran . ” Ramsar Convention ” to “Convention on Wetland”Known as. The ‘World Wetlands Day’ was celebrated for the first time in 1997. A wetland is a piece of land that is covered with water or that always has water near its surface. Water is present in wetlands throughout the year or most of the year. It also includes floodplains, marshes, ponds and man-made wetlands. If we talk about the wetland sites of India, there are a total of 75 wetland sites which are included in the Ramsar sites . It may be noted that in the last 9 years, about 49 wetlands sites in India have been included in Ramsar sites. At the same time, 13 lakh hectares of land in India comes under Ramsar sites. The largest wetland site in India is the Sundarbans site. The theme of this year’s Wetland Day is It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration.
27. Tollywood director K.Vishwanath passed away at the age of 92
Renowned film director and actor of Tollywood K. Vishwanath passed away. He was 92 years old. Vishwanath was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in the year 2017 . This is the highest award of the Indian film industry. Apart from this, he has been awarded 6 National Filmfare Awards, 8 State Nandi Awards and 10 Filmfare Awards . Of. Vishwanath was born on 19 February 1930 in Repalle, Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh . them art ascetic Was also known by the name of After completing his studies, Vishwanath started his film career as a sound artist at Vauhini Studios, Chennai. Vishwanath directed the last film ‘Subhapradham’ in the year 2010. In
