Uttar Pradesh State PCS

• 27 May 2023

Samarth Abhiyan

Why in News?

On 25 May 2023, Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Giriraj Singh launched 'Samarth Abhiyan' to promote digital transactions in 50,000 gram panchayats under 'Amrit Mahotsav' in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• It is known that the Ministry of Rural Development is running 'Samarth Abhiyan' to promote digital transactions in 50,000 gram panchayats, which started from 1 February 2023 and will continue till 15 August 2023 under the 'Amrit Mahotsav' of Independence.
• The major thrust of 'Samarth Abhiyan' is to promote digital transactions in rural areas with special focus on women.
• On this occasion, the Union Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister informed that the NPA of Self Help Groups (SHGs) which was 9.58% in 2013, has come down to below 2% now.
• On this occasion, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, “In Uttar Pradesh alone, digital transformation has been brought about by BC Sakhis by doing 5 crore 57 lakh transactions. Through this, BC Sakhis have not only provided last mile services to such a huge population with doorstep banking, but they have also helped in saving the resources of the banks by doing smaller size transactions within their premises.”
• The Chief Minister said that there will also be a provision to provide services to every Bank Sakhi in the digital village secretariats being set up by the state government in the villages.
• A compendium of 75 inspirational stories of BC Sakhis was unveiled at the event along with live testimonies & success stories of transformation in their lives by BC Sakhis.
• Apart from this, biometric POS machines were also distributed to the BC Sakhis and appointment letters were handed over to the newly appointed BC Sakhis.
• Around 1000 BC Sakhis from all over India participated in this event. State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) & other stakeholders from across India joined the event through webcast and the event was streamed live on social media.

PM Declares 3rd Khelo India University Games Open

Why in News?

On 25 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the start of Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow through video conferencing.

Key Points:

• The third edition of Khelo India University Games is being organized in Uttar Pradesh from 25 May to 3 June. The closing ceremony of these games will be held in Varanasi on 3 June .
• More than 4750 athletes from over 200 universities across the country are participating in the 3rd KIUG, who will compete in 21 sports categories.
• The mascot of this edition of Khelo India University Games is 'Jeetu', the state animal of Uttar Pradesh, the reindeer.
• It is known that KIUG has started with the group league game of men's and women's Kabaddi on 23 May 2023 at Shaheed Vijay Singh Pathik (SVSP) Stadium, Greater Noida.
• The preliminary rounds & group games of seven other sports- Basketball, Football, Rugby, Tennis, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Mallakhamb also began on 24 May 2023 at three venues in Lucknow.
• Four cities of the state namely Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Noida will host various sports while Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi will host the shooting event.
• The rowing event to be held at Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur will also mark the beginning of water-sports with this KIUG.
• It is known that the Prime Minister has paid a lot of attention to further developing the sports culture in the country and encouraging the youth of the country for sports. Various schemes have been started by the government to support the budding players and efforts have been made to strengthen the sports ecosystem in the country. The organization of Khelo India University Games is another great step in this direction.