Current Affairs 14 March 2024 for UPSC And State PSC Exam

Table of Contents

PM-SURAJ

News- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan Evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan’ (PM-SURAJ) national portal, designed to offer credit assistance to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.

About

Objective- PM-SURAJ (Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan Evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan) is designed to support entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society, including Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and sanitation workers, by providing them with credit assistance.
Launch- Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the PM-SURAJ national portal, marking a significant step towards inclusive financial empowerment.
Credit Assistance- The initiative began by sanctioning credit support to one lakh entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, aiming to bolster their business ventures.
Direct Benefit Transfer- The scheme features a system of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), allowing financial assistance to be directly deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Nationwide Participation- The launch event witnessed participation from around three lakh beneficiaries of various government schemes from over 470 districts across India, reflecting its wide-reaching impact.
Empowerment and Inclusion- PM-SURAJ is part of the broader effort to ensure that marginalized communities have access to essential facilities and opportunities, contributing to their social and economic upliftment.
Government Commitment- The scheme underscores the government’s commitment to the development and empowerment of underprivileged segments of society, with a focus on achieving comprehensive development by 2047.
Welfare Measures- It complements other government welfare initiatives aimed at providing free ration, medical treatment, housing, and other essential services to the deprived segments of society.
Funding- The initiative is supported by substantial financial backing, including significant allocations for the welfare of the SC community, reflecting the government’s dedication to these causes.
Future Plans- The government has outlined plans to intensify its efforts towards developing and respecting the deprived classes over the coming years, aiming for a more inclusive and equitable society.

PI() DAY

News- Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th each year to honor the mathematical constant π (pi), which is approximately 3.14159.

About

Annual Celebration: Pi Day is observed on March 14th because the date, 3/14, represents the first three significant digits of π in the month/day format.
Origin: It was founded in 1988 by Larry Shaw, a physicist at the San Francisco Exploratorium, a museum of science, technology, and arts.
Significance of π: π is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, a fundamental constant in mathematics that is irrational and transcendental, meaning it cannot be exactly expressed as a fraction of two integers and does not solve any algebraic equation of finite order.
Activities: Celebrations often include eating pie, discussions about π, pi recitation competitions, and educational events to promote interest in mathematics.
Special Pi Moment: In 2015, Pi Day was particularly significant because the date and time on 3/14/15 at 9:26:53 AM represented the first ten digits of π.
Link to Albert Einstein: Interestingly, Pi Day also coincides with Albert Einstein’s birthday, adding an extra layer of significance to the day for physics enthusiasts.
Global Recognition: While it started in the United States, Pi Day has gained international recognition among math enthusiasts and educators.
Educational Impact: Schools and educational institutions use Pi Day as an opportunity to engage students in fun math-related activities, thereby fostering a love for mathematics.
Legislative Recognition: In 2009, the United States House of Representatives passed a resolution recognizing March 14th as National Pi Day, highlighting its importance in education and its role in promoting math and science literacy.

KIRTI Programme

News- The Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports launched the distinctive Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) programme.

About

Target Audience- Focuses on school children aged between 9 and 18 years.

Nationwide Scope- A scheme with a country-wide reach aiming to uncover talent in every region.

Dual Objectives:

Identifying sporting talent across the nation.
Leveraging sports to combat drug addiction and distractions from electronic gadgets.

Assessment Strategy- Plans to conduct 20 lakh assessments annually via designated Talent Assessment Centres to spot potential talent.

Initial Launch- Successfully initiated at 50 centers in India, evaluating 50,000 applicants in the first phase across 10 sports disciplines such as athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, and football.

Transparency and Technology- Notable for its transparent selection process that utilizes Information Technology.

Use of AI in Talent Identification- Employs data analytics and Artificial Intelligence to forecast the sports potential of aspiring athletes.

About the Khelo India Scheme

Flagship Initiative: The Khelo India Scheme is the central sector scheme of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
Primary Objective: Its main goal is to instill a culture of sports in the country and to achieve sporting excellence on a national and international level.
Harnessing the Power of Sports: The scheme aims to leverage the multifaceted impact of sports to benefit the population at large.
Sports Competitions and Talent Development: This vertical of the Khelo India Scheme focuses on organizing sports competitions at various levels to foster a competitive spirit among athletes.
Talent Identification and Development: A crucial component dedicated to identifying and nurturing athletes from the grassroots to elite levels, aiming to strengthen the sports ecosystem in India.
Comprehensive Approach: The scheme adopts a holistic approach to develop sports across the country, including infrastructure development, community coaching, and support for athletes.

Check More Current Affairs