State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 30 Aug 2025

UP Announces Firecracker Ban in NCR Districts

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh government has declared a complete ban on the manufacturing, storage, sale, and use of firecrackers in the National Capital Region (NCR) districts of the state. 

Key Points

• Coverage: The ban applies to eight districts under the Delhi-NCR region, including Meerut, Ghaziabad, Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Hapur, Baghpat, Shamli, and Muzaffarnagar.
• Legal Framework: The ban is implemented ahead of the festive season, including Dussehra and Diwali, in compliance with a Supreme Court directive to reduce pollution levels in the NCR.
  • The violation will invite imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Section 15 empowers the Central Government to instruct any authority or officer to act for environmental protection.
  • For repeat offenses, an additional fine of Rs 5,000 per day will be imposed until compliance is achieved.
• Objectives of the Ban:
  • Air Pollution Control: The ban is aimed at addressing the annual surge in air pollution during the festive season, particularly caused by the use of firecrackers.
  • Public Health Protection: The measure seeks to protect public health from the harmful effects of air pollution, especially during the high-pollution months.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• The EPA, 1986, was passed by the Parliament in the wake of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive law to protect the environment and public health.  
• EPA enacted under Article 253 of the Constitution (empowers the Parliament to enact laws for implementing international agreements) to fulfill international commitments made at the 1972 Stockholm Conference. 
• The Act empowers the Central Government to prevent, control, and respond to environmental pollution. It allows the Centre to set standards, regulate emissions, shut down polluting industries, and control essential services.  
• Article 48A directs the State to protect the environment, forests, and wildlife, while Article 51A makes it the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment. 

AI-Powered UP Skill Gap Dashboard

Why in News?

The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) has launched an innovative tool called the AI-powered UP Skill Gap Dashboard to enhance employability across the state. 

Key Points

• About: The initiative marks the first time AI is being used to assess district-wise skill needs in Uttar Pradesh, aiding in the creation of livelihood opportunities at the local level.
• Features:
  • AI and Data Analytics Integration: The dashboard employs advanced machine learning algorithms and data analytics to analyze district-specific sectors and employment data.
    • It receives district-wise data for major sectors and industries, as well as trade-specific demands from training partners.
  • District-Specific Skill Assessment: The dashboard helps identify skill gaps in various districts, providing a comprehensive skill assessment.
    • It recommends the necessary training based on the sector-specific growth and employment needs in each district.
• Benefits:
  • District-Level Skill Development: The dashboard offers a scientific analysis of skill needs across districts, indicating areas that require trained manpower.
    • It helps in better allocation of training targets based on local requirements, improving employability within each district.
  • Reduction of Attrition: By ensuring that training is aligned with local job markets, the dashboard helps reduce attrition due to candidates seeking jobs outside their home districts.
  • Involvement of Industries as Training Partners: For the first time, industries have been involved as training partners in the skill development process.
    • More than 45 industries are now actively contributing to industry-specific training efforts.
  • Training Partner Evaluation: Training partners are evaluated based on their past performance in training and placement.
    • The top-performing partners are allocated training targets, ensuring that high-quality training is provided to candidates.
  • AI-Powered Insights for Training Target Allocation: The dashboard uses real-time data scraping and primary research to project sector-wise training targets.
    • It maps the top industries, job roles, and skill gaps in each district, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information for training programs.
  • Integration: The system integrates with a Large Language Model-powered chatbot to provide interactive support for UPSDM.
    • The AI-based tool offers real-time assistance, guiding users through the process and answering queries related to training and employment.