The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) bill was passed by the Uttarakhand state assembly on 8 February 2024, the first major legal reform in the state since the Hindu Marriage Act in 1956. The bill establishes an equal legal system for all citizens, regardless of their religious or social background.

Main points of UCC:

• Marriage:

• The minimum age for marriage has been fixed at 18 years.

• Polygamy and child marriage are prohibited.

• A similar procedure has been established for divorce.

• Registered marriage has been made mandatory.

• Heritage:

• The same inheritance laws will apply to all citizens.

• Gender based discrimination will end.

• other provisions:

• The right to religious freedom has been protected.

• Women's rights have been strengthened.

• Live-in relationships are recognised.

Effects of UCC:

• Will promote equality: The UCC will establish a uniform legal system for all citizens, thereby promoting social justice and equality.

• gender equality: UCC will promote gender equality and strengthen women's rights.

• social reform: UCC will promote social reforms and reduce social evils like child marriage, polygamy.

• Economic Development: UCC can promote economic development by economically empowering women and promoting social justice.

Critics of UCC:

• Impact on religious freedom: some people believe​​that the UCC would impact religious freedom.

• Impact on Cultural Diversity: some people believe​​That UCC will reduce cultural diversity.

• Challenges in Implementation: some people believe​​It is believed that there will be many challenges in the implementation of UCC, such as lack of social awareness, lack of legal framework and social resistance.

Example:

• Under UCC, the minimum age for marriage will now be 18 years for all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians.

• Under UCC, women will now have equal property rights as men.

• Under the UCC, there will now be a uniform procedure for divorce, irrespective of religion.

conclusion:

UCC is an important legal reform that will promote social justice, equity and gender equality. It may have some negative effects, but its benefits outweigh. Successful implementation of UCC will require social awareness, political will and legal framework.

Why in discussion?

'PRITHvi VIGyan Scheme' It is an ambitious scheme of the Government of India which has been launched to promote research and development in the field of Earth Sciences. The scheme is being implemented with a total budget of Rs 4797 crore for the period 2021-26. The scheme focuses on the Earth Science System and aims to improve various aspects, which are as follows:

• To record, understand and manage over long periods of time important signals of the Earth system and changes such as the atmosphere, oceans, geography, Himalayas and hard parts of the Earth.

• To develop modeling systems to understand and predict weather, ocean, and climate-related threats and to better understand the science of climate change.

• To explore the Earth's polar and high seas regions, thereby discovering new phenomena and resources.

• To develop technology for exploration and sustainable utilization of marine resources for social use.

• To promote outreach programs through research, education and training.

The scheme aims to establish India as a global leader in Earth system science. This will improve weather and climate predictions, make management of natural disasters more effective, make the use of marine resources sustainable and contribute to efforts to mitigate climate change.

It consists of five sub-schemes:

• ACROSS: Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modeling Observational Systems and Services

• O-SMART: Marine Services, Modeling, Applications, Resources and Technology

• PESER: Polar science and cryosphere research

• SGI: Seismology and Earth Sciences

• Reachout: Research, Education and Training Outreach

Benefits of this scheme:

• Better weather and climate forecasts

• Better management of natural disasters

• sustainable marine resource use

• Contribute to reducing climate change

• Making India a global leader in earth sciences

India has ranked 38th out of 139 countries in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI) Report 2023. This is a significant improvement from 44th position in 2018 and 54th in 2014.

This improvement is due to several factors, including:

• Government Initiatives: The Government of India has taken several initiatives to improve the logistics sector, such as the National Logistics Policy 2022 and digital reforms for ease of doing business.

• Improving infrastructure: India has made major investments in its roads, railways and ports. For example, under the Bharatmala project, the Government of India is constructing more than 10,000 kilometers of national highways.

• Improvement in the quality of logistics services: Logistics service providers in India have become more efficient and competitive. For example, many logistics companies have started using digital tools to track and trace their services.

However, India still faces some challenges, such as:

• High logistics costs: Logistics costs in India are high compared to other countries. This is due to high fuel prices, inadequate infrastructure and lack of skills in the logistics sector.

• Inconvenient infrastructure: Some infrastructure in India, such as roads and railways, is still inadequate. This slows down logistics operations and increases costs.

• Skill shortage in logistics sector: There is a shortage of skilled workers in the logistics sector in India. This reduces the efficiency of logistics operations.

• The Government of India is taking several initiatives to address these challenges. The success of these initiatives is expected to improve India's LPI ranking.

Example:

• The Indian government has taken several initiatives to reduce logistics costs, such as the reduction in Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates and the launch of the e-way bill system.

• The Indian government is also making large investments in improving infrastructure. For example, the Government of India has set a target of connecting all villages with all-weather roads by 2025.

• The Government of India is also taking several initiatives to promote skill development in the logistics sector. For example, the Government of India has launched training programs for the logistics sector through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

conclusion:

India has made significant improvements in logistics performance. However, some challenges are still being faced. The Government of India is taking several initiatives to address these challenges. The success of these initiatives will help in improving India's LPI ranking and making India a more competitive economy.

Microsoft has announced plans to train 20 lakh people in AI in India by 2025. This initiative will help India create a skilled workforce in AI and accelerate the country's economic growth.

Under the plan, Microsoft:

• Will provide AI training programs for different levels:From beginners to advanced.

• Will partner with educational institutions, NGOs and government agencies to:To develop and deliver AI training programs.

• Will provide access to AI tools and resources:So that people can learn and develop AI skills.

Benefits of this initiative:

• Will help India become a global leader in AI:With skilled workforce in AI.

• Will accelerate the economic growth of the country:Through the development and use of AI-enabled solutions.

• Will create employment opportunities:For people with AI skills.

• Will promote inclusion and equality in society:By providing access to AI to everyone.

This initiative is an important opportunity for India: To become a global leader in AI. Microsoft's commitment will help India create a skilled workforce in AI and accelerate the country's economic growth.

Here are some potential challenges:

• Digital Literacy:Everyone will need basic digital skills to participate in AI training programs.

• Internet Connectivity:People will need reliable internet connectivity to access AI training programs.

• employment:It will be important to ensure availability of adequate employment opportunities for people with AI skills.

To overcome these challenges, government, industry and academia will need to work together.

This initiative is an important step for India: Towards becoming a global leader in AI. Microsoft's commitment will help India create a skilled workforce in AI and accelerate the country's economic growth.

Lakhpati Didi Scheme It is an initiative of the Government of India which aims to economically empower rural women and increase their annual income to at least Rs 1 lakh. The scheme encourages women to set up self-employment and provides them with the necessary skills and financial assistance.

Objectives of the scheme:

• To economically empower rural women of India.

• Increasing their annual income to more than Rs 1 lakh.

• To create employment in rural areas through self-employment.

• To make women self-reliant and confident.

Benefits of the scheme:

• Skill Development Training:Women are provided skill development training in various trades and industries, like tailoring, catering, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc.

• financial help:Women are given interest free loans to set up self-employment. The loan amount depends on the type of business.

• Linking to Market:Women are helped to market and sell their products.

• Economic literacy:Women are given information about financial management, budgeting and savings plans.

• Assistance in opening Aadhar Card and Bank Account:Women who do not have an Aadhar card or a bank account are provided assistance in opening an account.

Eligible for the scheme:

• Rural women of India.

• It is mandatory to be a member of Self Help Group (SHG).

• Preference is given to women from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

• The age of the woman should be above 18 years.

How you can apply:

• Contact self-help groups in your area.

• Application for the scheme is made through self-help groups.

• The woman's Aadhar card, ration card, bank account details and self-employment scheme details will have to be submitted along with the application.

conclusion:

Lakhpati Didi Yojana is an important initiative to promote economic development and empowerment of rural women. This scheme helps women to stand on their feet and improve the standard of living of their families and communities.