20 October 2014 Current Affairs
Joko Widodo Sworn In As Indonesia’s New President
Joko Widodo was sworn in as new President of Indonesia. He succeeded Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who stepped down on 20 October after serving two five-year terms. Joko Widodo began his political career with the PDI-P party when he was elected as the mayor of Solo in 2005. In 2010, he was re-elected as the mayor of Solo for second term with more than 90 percent of the vote. In 2012, he was elected as the governor of Jakarta which made him a contender for presidency.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh Launched ‘Jammu Kashmir Arogya Gram Yojana’
Union Minister Jitendra Singh launched ‘Jammu Kashmir Arogya Gram Yojana’ Organic Farming scheme in Jammu and Kashmir. The scheme aims to encourage farmers in J&K to cultivate scientifically tested and commercially beneficial aromatic and medicinal plants in the state. The scheme is a part of the grand plan of the Government to convert the hilly areas of the country as exclusive zones of high-value organic farm products. The Union Government will initially spend over 25 crore rupees on this scheme.
Union Government To Re-launch Modified Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, decided to re-launch the modified Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme in an effective manner. The implementation of DBT will be made on a mission mode between 10 November 2014 and 1 January 2015 in 54 districts. At Present, the beneficiaries having bank accounts under Aadhaar and the beneficiaries who have bank accounts under the Jan Dhan Yojana will now get subsidy on LPG directly in their accounts.
Union Cabinet Approves Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project
Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Ahmedabad Metro Rail Project Phase-1. Estimated cost of this project is 10773 crore rupees and it will be covering a distance of 35.96 km, which includes two corridors viz. North-South Corridor covering 15.42 km from APMC to Motera Stadium and East-West Corridor covering 20.54 km from Thaltej Gam to Vastral Gam.