The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has directed the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) to investigate the disappearance of 25 tigers from Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR). This decision follows a report indicating that no concrete evidence was found for 11 tigers for over a year and 14 tigers for less than a year. The NTCA aims to determine the cause of the disappearances, considering possibilities like poaching, retaliatory killing, or natural causes. While the forest department claims to have found evidence for 10 of the missing tigers, 15 remain unaccounted for. The investigation is crucial due to concerns about overcrowding and potential threats to tigers from villagers as they venture into unsafe zones. The extended monsoon season has also hindered efforts to locate the missing animals.
08.11.2024
Rajasthan Government Announces Welfare Schemes on First Anniversary
The Rajasthan government has announced a series of welfare schemes and initiatives to be launched on its first anniversary next month. These include the transfer of Rs 150 crore to 1.5 lakh construction workers, Rs 150 crore for 5 lakh children under the Palanhar scheme, scooters for 2,000 differently abled individuals, tablets for 9,000 patwaris, and the creation of 1 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” through economic empowerment programs. The government will also provide assistive materials to 10,000 disabled persons, launch the Agristack portal for farmers, and establish the Rajsakhi portal to support 45 lakh self-help group members. These initiatives aim to promote economic growth, women’s empowerment, and digitalization in the state. The government also highlighted its achievements in development and infrastructure projects, contrasting its agenda with the Congress’s focus on caste politics.
Stubble Burning in Punjab: A Significant Decline in Farm Fires
Punjab has witnessed a significant decrease in farm fire incidents this year, with a 73% drop compared to the same period in 2023. This decline is attributed to concerted efforts by the state government, including strict enforcement of regulations and awareness campaigns. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has played a crucial role in monitoring the situation, leading to suspensions and show-cause notices for officials neglecting their duty in curbing stubble burning. Despite a delayed harvest due to crowded grain markets, the procurement process has been efficient, with 57% of the targeted produce procured. The state government’s focus on promoting alternative methods of crop residue management, along with the threat of legal action, has contributed to the positive change in farmer behavior.
Ollywood’s Journey: A Celebration of Odia Cinema at Bali Yatra
The upcoming Bali Yatra festival in Cuttack will feature a special exhibition dedicated to the history of Odia cinema, showcasing its evolution from its humble beginnings in Cuttack to its current prominence. The exhibition will feature interactive displays, replicas of old theatres, tributes to legendary actors and directors, and showcases of award-winning films. This dedicated pavilion aims to highlight the significant role Ollywood has played in shaping the cultural landscape of Odisha and its contribution to Indian cinema. The exhibition, designed by over 40 artisans, promises an immersive experience for visitors, offering a glimpse into the rich history and legacy of Odia cinema.
PUC Adopts Sailam Village for Outreach Program
Pachhunga University College (PUC) in Aizawl, Mizoram, has adopted Sailam village as part of its Village Adoption and Outreach Programme. This initiative, which began in 2012, aims to provide academic support and community development opportunities to the chosen village. PUC faculty members contribute funding for the program, allowing various departments to conduct village studies and offer assistance. The college has a history of successful interventions in previously adopted villages, including educational opportunities for promising students and educational center visits for residents. Sailam, known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, is home to a bird sanctuary and is linked to the story of Mizo chief Bengkhuaia and the Lushai expedition of 1871-72. This latest adoption marks PUC’s fifth village outreach program, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and academic research.
Meghalaya Approves Building Bylaw Amendments for Industrial Zones
The Meghalaya cabinet has approved amendments to the state’s building byelaws, specifically targeting the regulation of construction in industrial zones. These amendments aim to categorize industrial zones more effectively and ensure the planned and scientific development of new industrial areas, particularly in the expanding Shillong city. The amendments are seen as crucial for managing the growth of industrial zones and ensuring sustainable development. This move follows similar amendments in other states, such as Uttar Pradesh, where the cabinet approved changes to retirement benefits rules, and Kerala, where the government is considering revisions to its Medisep health insurance scheme. These amendments highlight a broader trend of governments across India seeking to refine regulations and address concerns in various sectors.
Madhya Pradesh Raises Women’s Reservation Quota to 35%
In a significant move towards women’s empowerment, the Madhya Pradesh government has increased the reservation quota for women in all state government services to 35%, fulfilling a key poll promise made by the BJP during the 2023 Assembly elections. This decision, made during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, raises the previous quota of 33% by 2%. The increase will be implemented immediately and will be particularly impactful for upcoming major recruitments in various departments, including public health, where 35% of the seats will be reserved for women. This move follows the BJP government’s introduction of the ‘Ladli Bhena Yojana’ last year, demonstrating a continued commitment to empowering women in the state.
INDIA Bloc Unveils “Ek Vote-Seven Guarantees” Manifesto in Jharkhand
The INDIA bloc, comprising the JMM, Congress, RJD, and CPI-ML-L, launched its manifesto for the upcoming Jharkhand assembly elections, promising a slew of benefits to voters, including 10 lakh jobs, a Rs 15 lakh health insurance cover for families, and subsidized ration and gas cylinders. The manifesto, titled “Ek Vote-Seven Guarantees,” aims to counter the BJP’s promises and highlight the alliance’s commitment to social welfare and economic development. The alliance also pledged to increase the minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, hike reservation for Scheduled Tribes, Scheduled Castes, and Other Backward Classes, and establish medical and engineering colleges and industrial parks across the state. The manifesto further promises to implement the 1932 Khatiyan-based residents’ policy, link recruitments to it, and secure religious status for the Sarna code of the tribals. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren criticized the BJP for spreading divisive rhetoric and failing to deliver on its promises, while emphasizing the INDIA bloc’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges.
Congress Dissolves Himachal Pradesh Unit Amidst Factionalism
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has dissolved the entire Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) unit in Himachal Pradesh, along with the district and block units, effective immediately. This decision, aimed at restructuring the party’s Himachal Pradesh unit, comes amidst persistent factionalism within the state Congress. The move follows the recent Rajya Sabha elections where Congress nominee Abhishek Singhvi lost to BJP’s Harsh Mahajan due to cross-voting by several Congress MLAs, highlighting internal discord. The outgoing president of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, Pratibha Singh, who was appointed in 2022, has already joined the Congress Working Committee (CWC). This is the first major change in the PCC since the Congress assumed power in the hill state.
Madhya Pradesh Forms Task Force to Implement Forest Rights and PESA Acts
The Madhya Pradesh government has re-constituted a task force under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) in the state. The apex committee of the task force includes key ministers from the tribal affairs, panchayat and rural development, and forest and environment departments. An executive committee has also been formed, with the Chief Secretary and other senior officials serving as ex-officio members. The task force also includes legal and subject experts, former MLAs, and representatives from the Tribal Advisory Council, ensuring a comprehensive approach to implementing these crucial acts. The principal secretary of the tribal affairs department will act as the ex-officio Member Secretary of the Committee.