Daily current affairs – May 16/2020

GS – 2

National

Sikkim day:

Why it is in news?

• The Sikkim Government celebrates its 45th Statehood Day. Every year Sikkim celebrates its State Day in May 16 as the state came into existence on this day in 1975.

About the day:

• After India became independent in 1947, Sikkim continued to enjoy the protectorate status with the republic of India.
• However, in 1973, anti-royalist riots occurred in the state.
• The monarch was eventually deposed in 1975. A referendum led to the state joining India.
• Sikkim was the 22nd state to join Union of India.
•  Sikkim borders three countries namely China, Bhutan and Nepal.

About State:

• In 2016, Sikkim became the first fully organic state in the India and also in the world. The initiative to achieve this began in 2003.
• About 35% of the state is covered by the Khangchendzonga National Park. The official languages of Sikkim include Nepali, English, Sikkimese and Lepcha.
• The State Animal of Sikkim is Red Panda, state bird is Blood Pheasant, state flower is Noble dendrobium and state tree is Rhododendron.
• The Constitution does not restrict the use of separate symbols. Every state has its own emblems. There are certain laws that make sure the symbols are honoured and not defamed.
•  These acts are Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950 and Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971.
• As of Sikkim has special emblem.

Government policy and intervention

PMUY – 4 years of success:

Why it is in News?

• The Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana was launched in May 2016.
• This app completed four years of its implementation.

About the scheme:

• The scheme has so far helped more than 8 crore families. Around Rs 8,432 crores have been transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) under the scheme.
• In order to mark the success, on May 16, 2020, Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan interacted with 1500 beneficiaries.
• In order to fight COVID-19 and also ease lives of the people of India during lock down, PM Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana.
• Under the scheme, free food grains were provided, farmers were provided with money transfers under PM KISAN Samman Nidhi, money was also transferred to women Jan Dhan Accounts Above all, under the scheme free cylinders were provided.
• Around 2.66 crore free cylinders were already delivered and 3.05 crore free cylinders have been booked.
• Around Rs 5,000 crores were transferred to Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala accounts to obtain free cylinders

Rajiv Gandhi Nyay Yojana:

Why it is in News?

• The Chhattisgarh State Government is to launch the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana.
• The scheme is to be launched on May 21, 2020. The scheme is being launched to commemorate the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Rajiv Gan

About Scheme:

• The scheme will infuse Rs 5,100 crores into the rural economy of the state. This is to be done through Direct Benefit Transfer.
• The provisions for the scheme were made during the State Budget 2020-21.
• Under the scheme, the farmers are to be paid Rs 10,000 per acre for the crops such as sugarcane, corn and paddy.
• The scheme will benefit more than 1.87 million farmers. The funds are to be transferred to the farmers based on the registered and notified areas for oilseeds and pulses.
• These schemes will make the states self-sufficient and will aid in the Vocal for Local that is to be implemented in the country.
• The COVID-19 crisis has very well shown the importance of local produce. This boosts the income of the farmers and also makes the essential goods available in affordable prices.