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1. The Ministry of Cooperation has highlighted progress on the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan in the cooperative sector, focusing on constructing godowns at Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across India. This plan aims to decentralize storage facilities, processing units, and custom hiring centres to empower PACS. Godowns will be built in 24 States/UTs, improving storage and reducing food wastage. The Pilot Project has already established grain storage godowns at 11 PACS in various states, including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The project has been extended, with over 500 additional PACS identified for godown construction. Subsidies and interest subventions are provided through the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) and the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure Scheme (AMI). PACS are village-level cooperative credit societies, forming the base of a three-tier cooperative credit structure.
2. The President of India paid tributes to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India's first President, on his birth anniversary (3rd December). Born on 3rd December 1884 in Zeradei, Bihar, Prasad was influenced by Gandhi's views on caste and untouchability and led a simple life. He joined the freedom struggle in 1920, was imprisoned during the Salt Satyagraha (1931) and Quit India movement (1942), and became Congress President in 1939 after Subhash Chandra Bose's resignation. He was appointed President of the Constituent Assembly in 1946, leading key committees. Prasad was elected India’s first President in 1950, serving for over 12 years and was re-elected unanimously in 1952 and 1957. He authored works like Satyagraha at Champaran (1922) and India Divided (1946). Awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1962, his legacy remains central to India’s post-independence development.
3. The Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary has recently been designated as a tiger reserve, becoming the 8th in Madhya Pradesh and the 57th in India. Approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), it covers 1,271.4 sq. km, with 763.8 sq. km as core and 507.6 sq. km as buffer. The reserve, near the Vindhya Hills, is home to the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters (a UNESCO site) and a variety of wildlife, including over 40 tigers. It features teak, bamboo, and Saja forests. The tiger reserve designation involves proposals, comprehensive conservation plans, NTCA approval, and official notifications under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The primary aim is to support tiger conservation and sustainable local development. The reserve is subject to continuous monitoring and evaluation to ensure conservation success.
4. The PM-DevINE scheme, launched in the Union Budget 2022-23, aims to promote rapid, holistic development in the North East Region (NER). With a financial outlay of Rs. 6600 crore for 2022-2026, it addresses region-specific needs through the Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (MDoNER). The scheme prioritizes infrastructure development, such as road connectivity, smart water supply, and healthcare projects, benefiting over 1 lakh residents. Key achievements include 35 projects worth Rs. 4857.11 crore, focusing on cancer care, educational infrastructure, and road development. PM-DevINE also emphasizes sustainable livelihoods, especially for youth and women, and aims to bridge regional developmental gaps. It excludes projects involving Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) or individual benefits. The scheme aligns with initiatives like PM GatiShakti and complements other regional development programs.
5. On 7th December 2024, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Eturnagaram forest area in Telangana, originating from a depth of 40 km. The quake was linked to the Godavari fault system, a historically seismic region. Tremors were felt in multiple areas, including Warangal, Bhadrachalam, Khammam, and Vijayawada. India’s seismic activity is divided into four zones: Zone II (low seismic risk), Zone III, Zone IV, and Zone V (high seismic risk). Telangana falls under Zone II, indicating relatively low seismic activity. However, approximately 59% of India’s land area is prone to earthquakes of various intensities.