Bihar Affairs
Bihar finance minister seeks central funds for its sponsored schemes
State finance ministerVijay Kumar Choudhary asked the BJP MLCs to help the state in getting funds for the centrally-sponsored schemes. Choudhary told the Upper House that for such schemes, the Union Government has given them only 36% of its total budgetary allotments in 2022-23, increasing the burden on the state.
Choudhary said the maximum part of the state’s funds was used in carrying out such schemes and projects started by the Centre. He accused the Centre of not giving the proper share. “Be it the name of these schemes or the ratio in which the Centre and state have to bear the burden, all are decided by the central government. However, because of the unavailability of funds from the Centre, the state has to bear the burden and it finds difficulty in implementing its own programmes,” said Choudhary, adding initially the maximum part was supposed to be borne by the Centre, but the ratio kept changing and the burden on the state increased.
Citing the example for 2022-23, Choudhary said the Centre had to give Rs46,019 crore for these schemes, but till February 24, the state had got Rs16,733 crore only, which was 36% of the total amount.
National and International Affairs
Over 1 crore farmers benefitted with ongoing paddy procurement
Over 1 crore farmers have been benefitted with the paddy procurement for KMS 2022-23 (Kharif crop). Around 713 LMT of paddy up to 01.03.2023 procured and the MSP outflow of Rs.146960 crores has been transferred directly into farmers account.
All arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations. Rice delivery against the procured paddy is also in progress and against the paddy procurement of 713 LMT, around 246 LMT rice has been received in the Central Pool upto 01.03.2023. Adequate rice stock is currently available in the Central Pool for meeting the requirements of the country.
Ensure fund for rare diseases, Centre told
Taking up the cudgel on behalf of the patients diagnosed with ultra-rare genetic conditions such as Lysosomal Storage Disorders, 24 Parliamentarians from across party lines have urged the Centre to ensure a sustainable fund to manage certain diseases under the National Policy for Rare Diseases, 2021.
This unending delay on the part of the Centres of Excellence (CoEs) has caused serious concern and anxiety to the patients and their families. Most of these patients are diagnosed with life-threatening rare genetic conditions, including Lysosomal Storage Disorders like Gaucher disease, Pompe disease.
49% of construction workers women: Study
With almost half the construction in India occupied by Women workers, six of such Kolkata-based women said their work acts as a source of Empowerment, enabling financial independence and aspacefor fostering camaraderie. They were speaking at a Womens Day function at a construction site of a residential housing complex.
After <a href="https://exam.pscnotes.com/Agriculture-notes-for-state-psc-exams”>Agriculture, construction is the second largest industry in India, contributing significantly to the economy. Although perceived as a male-dominated industry, a recent ministry of labour and EMPLOYMENT data shows that 49% of construction workers are women. While there is no sexual segregation of labour, women workers feel a sense of comfort and camaraderie working alongside other women.
Reliance Jio second-strongest telecom brand in world, says report
Reliance Jio has climbed up to number two rank up from fifth place last year in a list of the top 10 strongest telecom brands in the world. In this post we will explore the Top 150 most valuable and strongest telecoms operator brands according to Brand Finance 2023 rankings
Brand Finance have developed a comprehensive evaluation process to not only assess the value of brands, but also ascertain their relative strength. Utilizing best-practice ISO 20671 guidelines and up-to-date research collated from an expansive survey spanning 38 countries and 31 sectors with over 150,000 respondents Brand Finance provide crucial insights for businesses looking to make informed decisions about brand performance.
World Wildlife Day 2023
March 3 is known as World Wildlife Day (WWD), marked annually to draw attention to issues of conservation of and Fauna.
In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed March 3 as the UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of protecting the worlds wild animals and Plants. This was as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was signed in 1973 on this day.
March 3 marks the 50th anniversary of CITES establishment. CITES is considered a landmark agreement on conservation that focuses on ensuring the sustainability of endangered species.
UK grappling with vegetable shortages
Unusually cold temperatures in Spain and heavy rain and flooding in Morocco two of the biggest tomato suppliers to the UK have led to poor yields and are cited as the primary cause of the shortage.
In Spain, farmers blame recent freezing temperatures following record heat and dry conditions last year. Heat and drought in Europe last year also are affecting vegetable harvests in other countries, including Germany.
The shortages in Britain and contrasting pictures of full vegetable shelves in supermarkets in mainland Europe led to a degree of Brexit schadenfreude in some EU news outlets. Experts say extra Bureaucracy and costs associated with Brexit have played a part, though they Stress its not a main factor.
Farmers also have complained about the lack of government in the sector and funding to help them cope with painfully high energy bills.