Daily Current Affairs 16 August 2023 – IAS Current Affairs
Current Affairs 16 July 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :
Vishwakarma Yojana
Source: PIB
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Overview
- News in Brief
- Vishwakarma Yojana
- About Viswakarma Jayanthi
Why in News?
Speaking from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced the launch of the ‘Vishwakarma Yojana’, in the coming days.
About Vishwakarma Yojana
- The scheme is planned to benefit individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship.
- Weavers, goldsmiths, blacksmiths, laundry workers, barbers, and such families will be empowered through the Vishwakarma Yojana which will begin with an allocation of around 13-15 thousand crore rupees.
- It will be launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti, benefiting individuals skilled in traditional craftsmanship, particularly from the OBC community.
About Viswakarma Jayanthi
- Vishwakarma Jayanti, also known as Vishwakarma Puja.
Image by Lubos Houska from Pixabay - It is a Hindu festival celebrated in India to honor Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect and craftsman.
- It usually falls on September 17th every year according to the Hindu calendar (Date may change according to the lunar calendar and regional traditions).
- Vishwakarma Jayanti is widely observed in states like West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of North India.
- While it’s more popular among laborers and craftsmen, people from different walks of life.
- Also, participate in the celebrations to seek blessings for their endeavors.
Key aspects of Vishwakarma Jayanti
- Worship of Lord Vishwakarma: On this day, artisans, craftsmen, engineers, and people from various professions involved in manufacturing and construction offer prayers to Lord Vishwakarma seeking his blessings for their tools, machinery, and equipment.
- Cultural Events: In some regions, cultural events, competitions, and fairs are organized to celebrate the occasion. These events often showcase the artistic and creative talents of individuals.
- Community Unity: Vishwakarma Jayanti is also a time for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of craftsmanship, innovation, and hard work. It promotes a sense of community among people involved in various professions.
- Industrial Workers and Laborers: The festival holds special significance for laborers and industrial workers who depend on their tools and equipment for their livelihood. It’s a way of acknowledging their contribution to society.
Lakhpati Didis
Source: PIB
GS II: Development processes and the development industry- the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Overview
- News in Brief
- About Lakhpati Didis
Why in News?
Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 77th Independence Day Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has said that the Government is working with Women’s Self Help Groups (SHGs) with the aim of creating 2 crore Lakhpati Didis in villages.
News in Brief
- The PM observed that 10 crore women are today associated with Women’s Self-Help Groups. T
- he Prime Minister spoke about agri-tech and made a pitch for leveraging the potential of science and technology in rural development.
- 15,000 Women’s Self-Help Groups would be given loan and training for operating and repairing drones.
- Drone ki Udaan will be carried out by these Women’s Self-Help Groups.
About Lakhpati Didis
- under the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ scheme, the work of training co-ordinators at the block and district level has been started through the app.
- After the survey work is done, different works will be assigned to different groups of SGH so that their income can be up to one lakh rupees per year.
- Self Help Groups (SHGs), they will be encouraged to take up micro-enterprises with skill development.
- With this, 20,000 new self-help groups will be formed in the state in this financial year so that more and more women can get the benefit of the scheme.
Daily Current Affairs: Click Here