The Suraji Gaon Yojana has brought an unprecedented change and awareness in rural areas of Chhattisgarh, significantly improving the social and economic status of women.
Women from self-help groups have got acquainted with new areas of self-employment. They are equipped with information about various welfare schemes of the government.
Anupa Sahu from a Gauthan in Dhiri village in Rajnandgaon development block said that joining Gauthan proved to be a turning point in her life.
She said that livelihood activities such as vermicompost manufacturing, green-vegetable production and fish farming happen in Gauthan.
Vermicompost, greens vegetables and locally manufactured household products are supplied to nearby Anganwadi centers.
She said there are 10 members in her Jai Maa Angarmoti Women Self Help Group who are collectively working towards financial empowerment.
Many members of this group have bought smart phones with their earnings. Rural women have become adept in running all types of applications including Phone Pay, Google Pay and WhatsApp.
The women in the group earned Rs 2.50 lakh from the sale of vermicompost.
INTERNATIONAL
Dennis Francis elected 78th UNGA president
The 193 UN Member States, elected a veteran diplomat from Trinidad and Tobago, Dennis Francis as the President of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. Francis, who has had a nearly 40-year-career, will take the helm of the UN’s main policy-making body, starting in September. He was elected by acclamation during a ceremony in the iconic General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York. The General Assembly consists of all 193 UN Member States, all of which have an equal vote.
Its duties include appointing the Secretary-General, on the recommendation of the Security Council, and approving the Organisation’s annual budget. Francis said he would prioritise encouraging and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
Green GDP
As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation, the concept of Green GDP has gained significant attention. Green GDP is an economic indicator that takes into account the environmental costs and benefits associated with economic activities, providing a more comprehensive measure of a nation’s economic growth. This article aims to delve into the concept of Green GDP, its significance, and its relevance to India’s sustainable development goals.
Green GDP, also known as environmentally adjusted GDP or genuine progress indicator (GPI), goes beyond conventional GDP calculations by factoring in the costs of environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, and pollution. It aims to provide a more accurate representation of economic growth by accounting for the negative impacts on the environment.
NATIONAL
National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are collaborating on a new initiative called the National Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR). This mission aims to identify and develop emerging technologies in the power sector within and outside of India.
Its goal is to promote indigenous research, development, and demonstration of the latest technologies in the power sector, making India a global manufacturing hub. The funding for this mission will come from the Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises, with additional resources allocated from the Indian government’s budget if necessary
The Maharashtra state cabinet approved the implementation of the gender-inclusive tourism policy called “Aai” in an effort to empower women in the tourism industry. The policy will be implemented through the Directorate of Tourism (DoT) and Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).
To support the policy, a Women Tourism Policy Cell will be established within the DoT. Additionally, women’s bike-taxi services will be launched at specific tourist spots.
To promote women’s day, MTDC will offer a 50% discount on online bookings for women tourists from March 1 to 8 every year.
The corporation will also organize experiential tour packages for different groups of women tourists and provide stalls or space for women self-help groups to sell handicrafts, artifacts, and processed food at MTDC resorts.
3rd Khelo India University Games Concludes in Varanasi
The third edition of the Khelo India University Games concluded at the IIT BHU campus in Varanasi. The closing ceremony was attended by Anurag Singh Thakur, the Union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Nishith Pramanik, the Union Minister of State for Sports, and Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Punjab University emerged as the overall champions once again at the Khelo India University Games, reclaiming their title after missing out in the previous edition.
The Games were hosted in four cities of Uttar Pradesh, namely Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Gautambuddh Nagar, with the Shooting competition taking place in Delhi. Additionally, Water Sports made its debut at the Games, featuring Rowing competitions in Gorakhpur.