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Uttar Pradesh
   
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PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

On September 17, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated SEMICON India 2024 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. This major semiconductor industry event aims to boost India's position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The conference, featuring prominent industry leaders and experts, focuses on advancing semiconductor technology and fostering collaboration among global tech firms. Modi highlighted the event's significance in driving innovation and supporting India's digital economy. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and attract substantial investments, further strengthening India's role in the technology sector.

         The event aims to position India as a global semiconductor hub by fostering industry partnerships and technological advancements.

          The conference is expected to attract international investment and enhance India’s capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing and R&D.

         
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According to RBI study, Gujarat has surpassed Uttar Pradesh as the top investment destination in FY24.

According to the latest RBI study, Gujarat has overtaken Uttar Pradesh as the top investment destination in the fiscal year 2024. The study highlights Gujarat's growing appeal among investors due to its favorable business environment, robust infrastructure, and effective governance. The state's strategic initiatives and policies have significantly enhanced its attractiveness for both domestic and international investments. Uttar Pradesh, which previously held the top position, continues to be a key player but has been edged out by Gujarat's rapid development and investor-friendly reforms. This shift reflects a broader trend of evolving investment dynamics across India.

         Gujarat's industrial growth and improved ease of doing business contribute significantly to its new investment-leading position.

          The shift reflects Gujarat's strategic policy reforms and infrastructure enhancements, making it a preferred choice for investors.

         
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NMCG, IIT (BHU), and Denmark Launch Sustainable Low-Carbon Riverbank (SLCR) Project in Varanasi, UP.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), IIT (BHU), and Denmark have collaborated to launch the Sustainable Low-Carbon Riverbank (SLCR) project in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to develop sustainable and eco-friendly practices for managing riverbanks, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and preserving the natural environment. The project will leverage advanced technology and research to promote green infrastructure and enhance the resilience of river ecosystems. The partnership between these organizations is expected to bring innovative solutions to address environmental challenges and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Ganga River.

         The SLCR project emphasizes community involvement in conserving river ecosystems through awareness and sustainable practices.

          This initiative aligns with India's commitment to combating climate change by integrating low-carbon solutions in river management.

         
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UP CM Yogi Adityanath Announces Myuva Scheme to Empower Youth Entrepreneurs.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the Myuva scheme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs in the state. This initiative seeks to provide financial support, training, and resources to help youth establish and grow their businesses. The Myuva scheme is part of a broader effort to boost economic development and job creation in Uttar Pradesh. By focusing on entrepreneurship, the scheme intends to harness the potential of young people and stimulate innovation across various sectors. This move is expected to create numerous opportunities for the youth, enhancing their role in the state's economic progress.

         The Myuva scheme will offer mentorship and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs. It aims to foster sustainable business practices.

         

         
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Defense Ministry and UPEIDA sign MoU to set up 3 testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uttar Pradesh Expressways Industrial Development Authority (UPEIDA) to establish three advanced testing facilities in Uttar Pradesh. These facilities will be crucial in testing and evaluating various defense-related equipment and technologies. The collaboration aims to enhance the defense capabilities of the country by providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and development. The new facilities will be located along the state's expressways, ensuring easy access and logistics for defense personnel and organizations involved in testing and development activities.

         These facilities will boost local industry by fostering collaboration between defense organizations and regional manufacturers.

          The initiative aligns with the government's 'Make in India' campaign, promoting indigenous defense production.

         
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UP govt presents Rs 12,909 cr supplementary Budget for FY25 in Assembly.

The Uttar Pradesh government has presented a supplementary budget of ₹12,909 crore for the fiscal year 2025 in the Assembly. This supplementary budget aims to address various financial needs and additional expenditures that have arisen during the year. The allocation includes funds for infrastructure development, health services, education, and social welfare programs. The move is expected to bolster economic growth and improve public services across the state. The supplementary budget reflects the government’s commitment to addressing urgent financial requirements and supporting ongoing development projects.

         The supplementary budget includes provisions for upgrading rural infrastructure and enhancing public healthcare facilities across Uttar Pradesh.

          This additional allocation aims to support ongoing development projects and address pressing financial challenges faced by the state.

         
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UP Introduces Upvan Yojna and Heritage Tree Adoption to Improve Green Cover.

The Uttar Pradesh government has launched two new initiatives to enhance green cover in urban areas. The "Upvan Yojna" aims to increase greenery through extensive tree planting and the development of parks. Additionally, the "Heritage Tree Adoption Scheme" encourages citizens to adopt and care for historic trees, preserving their ecological and cultural value. These programs are designed to improve air quality, beautify cities, and promote environmental sustainability. The government's efforts underscore its commitment to creating a greener and healthier living environment for urban residents.

         The Upvan Yojna focuses on creating more green spaces in cities for enhanced urban aesthetics and environment.

          The Heritage Tree Adoption Scheme promotes community involvement in maintaining and preserving historic trees for future generations.

         
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Tata Power launches 'Ghar Ghar Solar' initiative in Uttar Pradesh.

Tata Power Solar Systems Limited launched a transformative rooftop solar initiative aimed at powering every home in Uttar Pradesh (UP) with clean energy on Friday.Starting from Varanasi, the ambitious initiative of 'Ghar Ghar Solar, Tata Power ke Sang' promises substantial financial savings and environmental benefits for residents through state-of-the-art Rooftop Solar Solutions (RTS). Speaking at the launch ceremony in Varanasi, Praveer Sinha, CEO and MD, Tata Power, said, “Our mission at Tata Power Solar is to drive a sustainable energy future.

         The initiative aims to provide significant financial savings and environmental benefits to residents of Uttar Pradesh.

          Varanasi serves as the starting point for the rollout of state-of-the-art Rooftop Solar Solutions (RTS).

         
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Uttar Pradesh govt partners with MakeMyTrip to boost state's tourism sector.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with MakeMyTrip to boost tourism in the state. Under the agreement, MakeMyTrip will serve as a strategic partner, providing insights into consumer trends, tourist preferences, and supply-side information to aid in policy-making. The initiative aims to enhance tourist experiences by leveraging digital platforms to promote various forms of tourism such as eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and spiritual tourism.

         This collaboration aims to improve infrastructure and promote UP's lesser-known destinations globally.

          MakeMyTrip will support skill development programs for locals to enhance hospitality services.

         
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IAS officer Manoj Kumar Singh takes over as Uttar Pradesh chief secretary.

IAS officer Manoj Kumar Singh has taken over as the new Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, replacing his predecessor. The appointment of Manoj Kumar Singh is aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and monitoring key developmental initiatives in the state.

         Manoj Kumar Singh, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has replaced Durga Shankar Mishra, who is a 1984-batch IAS officer of the same cadre.

          Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently shown confidence in Singh throughout his tenure.

         
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GST rate rationalisation panel reconstituted with Bihar Deputy CM Chaudhary as convenor.

The GST Council on Friday made public that Group of Ministers to give recommendation on rate rationalisation has been reconstituted with Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Samrat Chaudhary as new convenor. Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna. The office memorandum, dated February 27 but posted the Council website now, says other members of the reconstituted panel are Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna, Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho, Rajasthan Medical, and Health Services Minister Gajendra Singh. It also includes West Bengal Finance Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, and Kerala Finance Minister K N Balagopal.

         Chaudhary will replace Finance Minister of Uttar Pradesh Suresh Khanna.

          Out of seven members GoM, four are from NDA and three from opposition-ruled States.

         
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U.P. readies world’s 1st conservation centre for Asian King vultures.

Uttar Pradesh will soon have the world’s first conservation and breeding centre for Asian king vulture in Maharajganj. The facility aims to improve the population of the species, which has been listed as critically endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s red list since 2007.

         Uttar Pradesh to open world's first Asian king vulture conservation and breeding centre in Maharajganj to save critically endangered species.

          The centre is named Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Centre, where 24x7 monitoring of the vultures is being done. Among its staff include a scientific officer and a biologist.

         
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Overview of PM Modi's Visit to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from 18th to 19th 2024.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Uttar Pradesh and Bihar on June 18-19. In Varanasi, he will participate in the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan, issuing certificates to over 30,000 women from self-help groups and releasing the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, totaling over Rs 20,000 crore to 9.26 crore farmers. He will also attend the Ganga Aarti and visit Kashi Vishwanath temple. In Bihar, Modi will visit the Nalanda ruins and inaugurate Nalanda University's new campus, a "Net Zero" Green Campus, reflecting a collaboration between India and East Asia Summit countries.

         During the event, the Prime Minister will grant certificates to more than 30,000 women from self-help groups (SHGs) Krishi Sakhis.

          So far, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits of more than Rs. 3.04 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.

         
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DGCA Extended Licence of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport of Ayodhya.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) extended the licence of Maharishi Valmiki International Airport at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. The total duration of the licence of the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is five years now. Meanwhile, he also spoke on the issue of the declining number of tourists in the city and referred to it as a misleading fact. Speaking on the issue of decreased passengers, he asserted, "There has been a misleading advertisement about decreased numbers of passengers. Before the elections, we were operating almost 14-15 flights and the number is the same after the results too. The number of passengers hasn't decreased. Although there is little decrease due to the scorching heat we hope that number will get revived after the elections."

         Airport Director Vinod Kumar has expressed gratitude to the DCGA authorities for extending the licence of the airport.

         

         
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RBI Cancels Purvanchal Cooperative Bank’s Licence.

The Reserve Bank of India cancelled the license of Mumbai based City Cooperative Bank on Wednesday, dashing the hopes of depositors about getting its merger with Cosmos Bank. Last week, the RBI had cancelled the banking license for Purvanchal Co-operative Bank Ltd., located in Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh.

         The RBI has cancelled Purvanchal Co-operative Bank's licence due to insufficient capital and unsustainable financial prospects.

          In case of City Cooperative Bank, it bears recalling that one of the largest urban cooperative banks of India-Cosmos Cooperative Bank had submitted revised amalgamation cum merger proposal to RBI on 5th October 2023 but to no avail.

         
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Pink E-Rickshaw Driver From UP Wins UK's Royal Award, Meets King Charles.

In today’s fast-paced world, individuals are pushing themselves harder than ever to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact, regardless of their background or circumstances. This determination is evident not only in bustling cities but also in remote villages, where people are striving to overcome obstacles and create meaningful change. In an inspiring story, Arti, an 18-year-old e-rickshaw driver from a small village in Uttar Pradesh, received the prestigious Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award in London earlier this week, followed by a meeting with King Charles III.

         For the reception at Buckingham Palace, Arti arrived in a pink rickshaw, showing it as an eco-friendly way to travel and a symbol of a larger movement.

          She also revealed that he paid attention to her speaking about her love for driving her e-rickshaw, which, she claimed, “does not run on polluting diesel or petrol but one that I charge at home every night.”

         
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R. Lakshmi Kanth Rao Appointed as Executive Director of RBI.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed R. Lakshmi Kanth Rao as Executive Director, effective from May 10, 2024. Rao was previously serving as the Chief General Manager-in-Charge in the Department of Regulation.With over three decades of experience within the RBI, overseeing areas such as Regulation of Banks and NBFCs, Supervision of Banks, and Consumer Protection. His extensive background also includes roles such as Banking Ombudsman at RBI Chennai and Regional Director of Uttar Pradesh at Lucknow

         Rao will oversee Deposit Insurance, RTI, and Communication departments as Executive Director.

          He holds a commerce degree, an MBA in Finance, and a Diploma in TIRM.

          Rao is a Certified Associate of the Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF).
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UNICEF India appointed Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new National Ambassador.

UNICEF India appointed Bollywood Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan as its new National Ambassador. She has been associated with Unicef India since 2014, will support the not-for-profit organisation in furthering every child's right to early childhood development, health, education and gender equality. Kareena had earlier served as a Celebrity Advocate for UNICEF India. Besides Kareena, Unicef India has also appointed its first-ever Youth Advocates, who are peer leaders and champions on issues like climate action, mental health, innovations and Girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The four advocates are Gauranshi Sharma from Madhya Pradesh on right to play and disability inclusion; Kartik Verma from Uttar Pradesh on climate action and child rights advocacy; singer Nahid Afrin from Assam on mental health and early childhood development; and Vinisha Umashankar from Tamil Nadu is a budding innovator and STEM pioneer.

         These youth advocates are part of Unicef's global programme and join a cohort of more than 93 youth advocates.

         

         
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The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at air bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.

The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force are planning to jointly deploy MQ-9B Predator drones at air bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh, for upgrading their surveillance capabilities all along the Line of Actual Control with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh. The drone deal, expected to be worth around USD 4 billion is being done at tri services level with the Indian Navy leading the negotiations for it with the American side. The MQ-9B drones require a significant runway length for take off and landing which are available with the Indian Air Force. That is why, the Army dornes are planned to be deployed with the IAF at airbases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur. As per of the drone deal with the US, 31 MQ-9B drones are being acquired of which 15 would be for coverage of the maritime zone and would be deployed by the Indian Navy.

         

         

         
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The Centre has approved renaming 8 Amethi railway stations in Uttar Pradesh.

The Centre has approved renaming 8 Amethi railway stations in Uttar Pradesh. NOC has been issued to rename Fursatganj Railway Station as Tapeshwarnath Dham, Kasimpur Halt as Jais City, Jais City as Guru Gorakhnath Dham, Bani as Swami Paramhans, Misrauli as Maa Kalikan Dham, Nihalgarh as Maharaja Bijli Pasi, and Akbarganj as Maa Kalikan Dham. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a no-objection-certificate (NOC) to approve the change in the names of eight railway stations in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh. Amethi, which is a high-profile Lok Sabha constituency, is currently represented by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Mrs.Smriti Irani. In the 2019 Lok Sabha election, she had defeated Congrees leader Rahul Gandhi. She is again contesting the 2024 Lok Sabha election from Amethi.

         

         

         
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Former Indian wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected the Chairman of the 7 member Athletes' Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).

Former Indian wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav was elected the Chairman of the 7 member Athletes' Commission of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). With Narsingh Yadav's election to this post, the process mandated by the world governing body of sports was completed. A total of eight contenders were in the race for the election of seven seats in the commission. After voting, seven members were elected. Apart from Narsingh Yadav, other members elected to the Athletes Commission are as follows: Sahil (Delhi), Smita A S (Kerala), Bhartiya Bhaghei (Uttar Pradesh), Khushboo S Pawar (Gujarat), Nikki (Haryana), Shweta Dubey (Bengal). Narsingh Yadav, a former Commonwealth Games gold medalist, came into the limelight before the 2016 Olympic Games.

         The UWW is the international governing body for wrestling. It monitors wrestling at the Olympics and World Championships.

          Narsingh Pancham Yadav is an Indian wrestler.

          At the 2010 Commonwealth Games, he won the gold medal in the men's freestyle 74 kg category.
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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signed a MoU to empower tribal and underprivileged youth across India.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) signed a MoU to empower tribal and underprivileged youth across India. The alliance intends to give vocational training to underprivileged people in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Short-term courses with industry-recognized certificates will be offered through the Skill India Digital Hub platform as part of this strategic cooperation. The purpose is to improve employability and provide trained persons with access to both domestic and foreign career prospects, which NSDC foreign will support.

         

         

         
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Tirangi Barfi of Varanasi has been given the status of GI product.

Tirangi Barfi of Varanasi has been given the status of GI product. Besides, another product of Varanasi, Dhalua Murti Metal Casting Craft, has also been included in the GI category. On April 16, 2024, the Geographical Indication (GI) Registry Office based in Chennai has released the list of new products. After this tag, these products of Varanasi will now get a special identity in the world. In this way, a total of 34 products in Banaras region and 75 products in Uttar Pradesh have now received the GI tag. Kashi is also called the most diverse GI city. Apart from this, GI registration has also been issued for Bareilly Zardozi, Cane-Bamboo Craft, Tharu Embroidery, Pilkhuwa Hand-block Print Textile. With this the number of GI products at the state level has now reached 75. There are 58 handicrafts and 17 agricultural and food products. This is the record for most GI tags in the name of any state.

         During the country's independence movement, Tricolor Barfi was invented for intelligence meetings of revolutionaries and exchange of secret information.

          In this, saffron is used for saffron colour, pistachio for green colour and khoya and cashew nuts are used for white colour.

         
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RECPDCL has handed over two project-specific SPVs namely 'Kallam Transco Limited' and 'Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Limited', to Tata Power.

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL) has handed over two project-specific Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) namely 'Kallam Transco Limited' and 'Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Limited' formed for implementation of two power transmission projects. An SPV Kallam Transco Limited has been formed for “Western Region Network Expansion Scheme in Kallam area of Maharashtra”, an Inter State Transmission Project of Ministry of Power, Government of India. The SPV has been handed over to M/s Indigrid 2 Limited & Indigrid 1 Limited (Consortium), the successful bidder. Jalpura Khurja Power Transmission Limited has been formed for “Construction of 400/220 kV, 2×500 MVA GIS substation Metro Depot with associated lines and 400/220 kV, 2×500 MVA GIS substation Jalpura”, an Intra-state project of Government of Uttar Pradesh. The SPV has been handed over to M/s The Tata Power Company Limited, the successful bidder.

         REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited, RECPDCL, a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, has been providing knowledge-based consultancy and expert project implementation services to more than 50 State power distribution companies and Power Departments of States.

         

         
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The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district have been awarded the coveted GI tags.

The sitars and tanpuras of Miraj, a small town in Maharashtra’s Sangli district known for its craftsmanship in making musical instruments, have been awarded the coveted GI tags. These instruments made in Miraj are much in demand among some of the prominent artistes, including those renowned in the field of classical music as well as film industry. The Miraj Musical Instruments Cluster functions as the apex body for both the sitar and tanpura makers in the town. Kathiya Gehu (wheat) from the Bundelkhand region in Uttar Pradesh has received the first GI tag for a farm produce in the area. Kathiya wheat, also known as Durum wheat, is indigenous to the region and is rich in nutrition.

         The GI tag denotes the product comes from a particular geographical area, and often enhances its commercial value.

         

         
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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certification of registration of 4 non-banking finance companies (NBFC) two from Telangana and one each from Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certification of registration of 4 non-banking finance companies (NBFC) two from Telangana and one each from Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. And the entities will not transact the business of a shadow bank, as defined under RBI Act, 1934. Separately, four NBFCs surrendered their registration certificates following a decision to exit from the non-banking finance business. Three NBFCs ceased operations following corporate actions such as amalgamation, dissolution, merger or voluntary strike-off. Those NBFCs whose registration has been cancelled by the Reserve Bank include Kerala- based Nanma Chits and Financiers Ltd, Uttar Pradesh based Kailash Auto Finance Ltd and Chidrupi Financial Services Ltd and Goldline Financial Services Ltd from Telangana.

         Three NBFCs surrendered their registration certificates to RBI as they cease to be a legal entity due to amalgamation/ merger/dissolution/ voluntary strike-off, etc.

         

         
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