Government Launches Three Transformative Initiatives for Farmers

20 September 2023

-------------------------------

Government Launches Three Transformative Initiatives for Farmers

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing agriculture in India, the government has announced the launch of three game-changing initiatives. These initiatives, which focus on agri-credit and crop insurance, were unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar. The initiatives are set to amplify financial inclusion, harness technology, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the country.

1. Kisan Rin Portal (KRP): A Digital Leap in Agri-Credit

Developed in collaboration with multiple government departments, the Kisan Rin Portal (KRP) is poised to transform access to credit services under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme. This digital platform provides farmers with a comprehensive view of their data, loan disbursement specifics, interest subvention claims, and facilitates efficient agriculture credit. It promises to simplify and streamline the borrowing process for farmers.

2. Door to Door KCC Campaign: Ensuring Universal Financial Inclusion

The Ghar Ghar Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Abhiyaan is an ambitious campaign that seeks to extend the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme to every farmer in India. With a total of 7.35 Crore operative KCC accounts and a sanctioned limit of 8.85 lakh crores rupees as of March 2023, this campaign aims to ensure that every farmer has unhindered access to credit facilities. It envisions universal financial inclusion, empowering farmers with the financial resources they need.

3. Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) Manual: Data-Driven Insights for Farmers

The Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) initiative is a groundbreaking innovation that leverages advanced weather data analytics. By providing stakeholders with actionable insights on weather patterns, WINDS aims to assist farmers in making informed decisions about their agricultural activities. This data-driven approach will enhance crop management and help farmers mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions.

India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

07 September 2023
-------------------------------
India's first UPI ATM: How will it be different from cardless cash withdrawals

India's first UPI-ATM, a White Label ATM (WLA) by Hitachi Payment Services in collaboration with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was introduced to enable seamless cash withdrawals without the need for physical ATM cards.

This innovation allows customers of certain banks to enjoy QR-based cashless withdrawals. The UPI-ATM, also known as Interoperable Cardless Cash Withdrawal (ICCW), offers a simple process for users of participating banks who use UPI to withdraw cash from compatible ATMs.

Here's how it works:

• Select Withdrawal Amount: Customers choose the desired withdrawal amount when selecting the 'UPI cash withdrawal' option at the ATM.
• Generate QR Code: The ATM screen displays a unique and secure dynamic QR code linked to the selected withdrawal amount.
• Scan QR Code: Users scan this QR code using any UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones.
• Authorize Transaction: To complete the transaction, users input their UPI PIN on their mobile device, authorizing the cash withdrawal.

Key Features of UPI-ATM:

• Compatible with various systems.
• No physical card required for transactions.
• Transaction limit of up to ₹10,000 per transaction, aligned with existing UPI daily limits and issuer bank's UPI-ATM transaction limits.
• Convenient cash withdrawals without the need for an ATM card.
• Allows cash withdrawals from multiple accounts via the UPI app.

How UPI-ATM Differs from Bank's Cardless Cash Withdrawals:

• Current card-less cash withdrawals rely on mobile numbers and OTPs, whereas UPI-ATM utilizes QR-based UPI cash withdrawals.
• UPI-ATM is accessible to UPI users who have a UPI app installed on their Android or iOS smartphones, offering a secure and efficient alternative for cash withdrawals.

Sanchi Achieves Milestone as India's First Solar City

07 September 2023
-------------------------------
Sanchi Achieves Milestone as India's First Solar City

Solar City Inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister

The World Heritage Site Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh's Raisen district has become India's first solar city. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched. It has a capacity of 3 megawatts in Nagauri near Sanchi, which will reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 13,747 tonnes. This is equivalent to more than 2,38,000 trees. Sanchi has become India's first solar city. The production of electricity from coal and other resources causes a negative impact on the environment. The citizens of Sanchi, the Renewable Energy Department, and all scientists have done a commendable task by resorting to solar energy option.

Sanchi's Aspiration: Becoming a Net-Zero City

The resolve to make Sanchi a net-zero city with the help of IIT Kanpur is a commendable step. This city will be an example before the world. It is very important to save the environment. The increasing energy needs have to be met by the use of renewable energy. Soon solar pumps will also help in agriculture

This plant will help Sanchi in annual saving of ₹ 7.68 crore on electricity expenditure. The citizens of Sanchi have adopted an idea of solar in every home. A five-megawatt solar project will be established in Gulgaon soon, which will meet the energy needs of the agricultural sector near Sanchi. About 7,000 citizens in Sanchi have taken a pledge to save electricity by using solar stand lamps, solar study lamps and solar lanterns in their homes. About 63 kilowatt capacity solar plants have been installed on domestic rooftops.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Madhya Pradesh Chief minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan;
• Madhya Pradesh Capital: Bhopal;
• Madhya Pradesh Official fruit: Mango;
• Madhya Pradesh Governor: Mangubhai C. Patel.