• 23 Jun 2025

Uttarakhand’s First Yoga Policy

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand Chief Minister launched the state’s first-ever Yoga Policy on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day at Bhararisain, the state’s summer capital.

• The creation of ‘Spiritual Economic Zones’ in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions was also announced.

Key Points

Uttarakhand’s First Yoga Policy:

• About: It aims to develop Uttarakhand as the global capital of yoga and wellness.
  • The policy promotes the vision of ‘Yoga in Every Home, Health for Every Person’, with support from the Central Government.
• Financial Provisions: Under this policy, the establishment of yoga and meditation centres will be eligible for subsidies of up to Rs 20 lakh.
  • Research activities related to yoga and naturopathy will receive grants of up to Rs 10 lakh.
• Implementation Targets: By March 2026, yoga services will be made available at all AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres across the state.
  • By 2030, five new yoga hubs will be developed across the state.
• Spiritual Economic Zones: These zones will be developed as international hubs for Ayurveda, yoga, and spiritual tourism.
  • These zones aim to create new employment opportunities within the state.
  • The initiative is expected to help curb migration from the hill regions by providing livelihood opportunities closer to home.

International Yoga Day

• About: International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about yoga’s benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, and to promote global harmony and peace through its practice.
• Origin & UN Declaration: India proposed the idea at the 69th UN General Assembly in 2014. The UN declared 21st June as the International Day of Yoga.
  • The first celebration took place in 2015 with the theme "Yoga for Harmony and Peace."
  • The theme for 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”.
• Significance of 21st June: The date marks the Summer Solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising light, energy, and spiritual awakening in yogic tradition.
• Global Recognition:
  • UNESCO listed Yoga as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
  •  The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises Yoga as a valuable tool for physical and mental health and included it in its Global Action Plan (2018–30).

Note: India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports classified Yoga as a ‘Priority’ sports discipline in 2015.

Padhai with AI

Why in News?

The AI-based educational programme “Padhai with AI” has brought about a remarkable improvement in the academic results of government schools in the Tonk district, Rajasthan.

Key Points

• About: The programme is called Padhai with AI, which translates to “Study with AI”.
  • The initiative integrates digital learning and artificial intelligence through a dedicated web portal designed for students’ self-paced learning.
  • The web portal offers remedial practice, drill exercises, and personalised learning to help students solve textbook questions, practise similar problems, and strengthen weak areas.
  • Its aim is to help students understand and practise subjects that they find difficult, with a strong focus on mathematics.
• Implementation Strategy: Initiated by the Tonk Collector to address poor maths performance, the AI-based programme was implemented in 351 schools of Tonk District with a three-month action plan for Class 10 targeting the 2025 session.
• Impact and Outcomes: Tonk’s overall pass percentage exceeded the State average, demonstrating the success of the AI-based learning programme.

Other Digital Initiative of Rajasthan for Education

• AI-Enabled Assessments: Rajasthan has shifted from traditional exams to AI-powered, competency-based evaluations aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
  • Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) tests conducted for 26+ lakh students using voice recognition.
  • Common Evaluation Test (CET) standardized for Classes 9–12.
• Infrastructure & Digital Learning Expansion: ₹225 crore allocated for improving school infrastructure.
  • Emphasis on digital classrooms, smart boards, and online learning platforms.
  • Integration of vocational training and career counselling through digital means.
• Skill Development & Career Readiness: Launch of Vishwakarma Skill Institute and Centre for Advanced Skilling and Career Counselling.
  • Modernization of 36 ITIs and establishment of new polytechnic colleges.

Establishment of Shahir Sable Research Centre

Why in News?

The Maharashtra government has announced that it will establish an independent research centre dedicated to studying the state’s experimental arts. 

• This centre will be named after the legendary Marathi folk artist Shahir Krishnarao Sable.

Key Points

• Research Centre:
  • The new research centre will be located at the P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Mumbai.
  • The primary aim of the centre is to facilitate in-depth academic research and systematic study of Maharashtra’s experimental and folk arts.
    • Maharashtra has a rich and diverse legacy of experimental and folk art forms with great historical and cultural value, including Shahiri, Powada, Jagran, Gondhal, Tamasha, Vag Natya, Dashavatari, Bharud, and Keertan.
  • The centre aims to systematically classify, analyse, and academically explore Maharashtra’s experimental arts.
  • It will serve as a valuable resource hub for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD scholars who wish to conduct research in this field.
• Shahir Krishnarao Sable:
  • He was a legendary Marathi folk artist who played a significant role in preserving and promoting Maharashtra’s folk traditions.
  • He is best known for composing the iconic song “Jai Jai Maharashtra Majha”, which was officially declared the state song in 2023.
  • In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1998.
  • He was also an important figure in the Samyukta Maharashtra movement, which advocated for a separate Marathi-speaking state.

Chhattisgarh’s First Government-Led Cold Chain and Irradiation Facility

Why in News?

Dantewada in Chhattisgarh will have the state’s first government-led integrated cold chain and irradiation facility to increase tribal incomes and minimize post-harvest losses.

Key Points

• About the Facility:
  • Location: To be established at Patarras village in Dantewada district, southern Chhattisgarh.
  • Integrated Infrastructure: Includes cold storage, gamma irradiation, processing, and logistics components.
    • Designed to extend shelf life, reduce spoilage, and improve the marketability of forest and horticultural produce.
  • First-of-its-Kind: First government-led cold chain and multi-product irradiation facility in India under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY).
• Implementation and Funding:
  • Agreement signed with the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology for irradiation technology.
  • The entire project is being funded by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) of Dantewada.
• Impacts:
  • Rural Employment: Will generate local employment across the supply chain.
  • Economic Empowerment: Ensures value addition within the region so that more income stays with local tribal communities.
  • Strategic Alignment: Supports regional development plans. Aims to counter left-wing extremism by expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities in Bastar.
  • Focus on Minor Forest Produce (MFP): The region’s key MFP, such as tamarind, mahua, wild mango, millets, and local spices, often suffer 10–20% annual losses due to inadequate storage and preservation facilities.
    • The facility will improve storage and add value to local produce, helping reduce wastage and fetch better market prices. It is expected to directly raise the incomes of forest produce collectors and local farmers.
  • Market Linkages: Raipur, Visakhapatnam, and other key urban centres have been identified as potential markets. 

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)

• About: 
  • The Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters (SAMPADA) was approved in May 2017 and later renamed Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
  • It is a central sector scheme aimed at developing modern infrastructure and efficient supply chains from the farm gate to retail.
  • PMKSY promotes growth in the food processing sector, ensures better prices for farmers, generates rural jobs, reduces agricultural wastage, increases food processing levels, and boosts exports of processed foods.
• Objective: To support agriculture, modernize food processing, and reduce agri-waste.
• Key Components:
  • Mega Food Parks
  • Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
  • Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
  • Creation and Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries.