In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, the President of India inaugurated the ‘One District One Product’ Summit. The premise of this initiative is to identify one product from each district to highlight and promote on a broader scale. For example, Agra is recognized for its leather, Ferozabad for glass bangles, Kashganj for Jari and Jardozi, Chitrakoot for wooden toys, and so forth.
The state government of Uttar Pradesh aims to provide employment to 25 lakh people over the next five years with financial assistance of Rs. 25,000 crores. This scheme has the potential to create numerous employment opportunities for young individuals and bolster sustainable development within the state.
Impact on Small, Medium, and Traditional Industries
This initiative stands to significantly improve the growth of small, medium, and traditional industries within districts. Uttar Pradesh contributes around 44% in the total handicraft exports of the country. With industries such as food processing, engineering goods, carpets, readymade clothes, and leather goods earning foreign exchange as well as providing employment, supporters believe this scheme will play an important role in the overall development of Uttar Pradesh.
Repurpose Used Cooking Oil Initiative
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched the Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO) initiative. This aims to collect and convert used cooking oil into bio-diesel. Under the initiative, 64 companies at 101 locations have been identified to collect used cooking oil.
India has the potential to recover 220 crore litres of cooking oil by 2022 and convert it into biodiesel with suitable actions coordinated by FSSAI. Regulations may be introduced to compel businesses using more than 100 litres of oil for frying to record their use and hand over their waste oil to registered collection agencies.
Zero Budget Natural Farming
Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a farming method that allows for the growth and harvesting of plants at zero cost. This method encourages natural growth without using any fertilizers, pesticides, or foreign elements. Both Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh have expressed interest in adopting ZBNF practices, promoting it as an option to maintain food security within the country.
Operation Madad
Initiated by the Southern Naval Command (SNC) in Kochi, Operation “Madad” was launched to assist with disaster relief operations in response to flooding in many areas of Kerala due to heavy rain and dam water release. The SNC is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, responsible for personnel training from basic to advanced stages.
PENCIL Portal
An electronic interface called PENCIL Portal was launched with the aim of creating a child labor-free society. The platform will involve the centre, state, district, governments, civil society, and the general public in achieving this target. It will also play a crucial role in the implementation of the Child Labour Act and the National Child Labour Project (NCLP) Scheme.
