STATES
Exercise Iron Fist 2016
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted its flagship day-night exercise ‘Iron-fist 2016’ on 18 March at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The day-night exercise demonstrating IAF’s combat and fire power was conducted in the presence of Hon’ble President Shri Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event comprised 6 packages depicting 6 different themes in which more than 180 aircraft, including fighters, transport and helicopters of IAF participated. The event mainly showcased more than 22 types of platforms and Weapons Systems of IAF.
India Signed $35 million Loan Agreement with WB for MP project
India on 19 March signed loan agreement of 35 Million dollars with the world bank for Madhya Pradesh citizen access to responsive services project. The objective of the project is to improve access and quality of public services in the state. The loan has been sanctioned by the World Bank’s concessionary lending arm International Development Association (IDA). The project size is 50 million dollars, of which 35 million dollar will be financed by the World Bank and the remaining amount will be funded out of State Budget.
UP Cabinet Approved Senior Citizen Policy
Uttar Pradesh Government on 14 March approved a policy for senior citizens. Under the policy the state government will set up old age homes and also announced increase in monthly pension by 100 rupees, that is, monthly pension will increase from existing 300 rupees to 400 rupees.
Maharashtra Cabinet Approved Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill
Maharashtra Cabinet on 1 March approved the Maharashtra Prohibition of Social Boycott Bill, 2016. The bill provides for the prohibition of social boycott of a person or group of persons including their family members by an individual or a group like Caste Panchayat. Once the bill is approved by the State legislature, Maharashtra will become the first State in the country to enact a law against social boycott.
Tamil Nadu CM Launches ‘Amma Health ‘ Scheme
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on 1 March launched a host of healthcare initiatives, including master health checkup scheme under the brand ‘Amma’ and unveiled some new government hospital buildings. She launched “Amma Master Health Checkup” and “Amma Women Special Master Health Checkup” Schemes worth Rs.10 crore and inaugurated the “Amma master health checkup” centre at the Government General Hospital in Chennai through video-conferencing from the Secretariat.