Today Current Affairs 20 Jan 2025

By | 20 January 2025

Swachh Survekshan Toolkit Launch

A new toolkit has been unveiled by Manohar Lal Khattar, the Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs for the ninth edition of Swachh Survekshan the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. By encouraging urban cleaning through citizen participation and third-party certification, this edition presents a more straightforward and methodical approach. The Super Swachh League, which honors cities that excel in cleanliness was introduced at the opening event.

Today Current Affairs


About Swachh Survekshan
In 2016, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) launched Swachh Survekshan.
By involving the public it seeks to improve urban cleanliness.
Cities are assessed by the survey using indicators related to sanitation and cleanliness.
Introduction of Super Swachh League
To recognize the best-performing cities, the Super Swachh League was added as a new category.
Cities that have placed in the top three for at least two of the previous three years (2021–2023) are put in a competitive position.

Cities in Super Swachh League (12 Cities)
Very Small Cities (<20,000 population): Panchgani, Patan
Small Cities (20,000–50,000 population): Vita, Sasvad
Medium Cities (50,000–3 Lakh population): Ambikapur, Tirupati, NDMC (New Delhi Municipal Council)
Big Cities (3–10 Lakh population): Noida, Chandigarh
Cities with a population of at least 10 lakh, such as Navi Mumbai, Indore, and Surat
Each category has tailored assessment parameters.
Assessment Criteria
To stay in the Super Swachh League cities must maintain a score of at least 85% to retain their position.
They will also be assessed using other aspirational metrics.
Impact of Swachh Survekshan
The program has promoted responsibility and cooperation between local governments and citizens. It pushes localities to set better standards and seeks to make cleanliness a national priority.
Recognition and Awards
The cleanest cities in each population category will receive awards giving smaller communities the opportunity to be recognized with larger ones like Surat and Indore. For seven years in a row Indore has been the cleanest city.

Telecom Initiatives in India

A number of telecom projects were recently introduced by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia with the goal of improving security and connectivity throughout India. These projects include Intra Circle Roaming at DBN-funded 4G mobile sites the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 and the Sanchar Saathi Mobile App. The government wants to promote a technologically inclusive society and empower residents by providing better access to telecom services.
Sanchar Saathi Mobile App
The goal of the Sanchar Saathi mobile app is to increase telecom security. Managing mobile connections, preventing lost devices, reporting suspected fraud, and confirming the legitimacy of handsets are some of the key functions. With a target audience of more than 90 crore Indian smartphone users, it is accessible on both iOS and Android.
National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0
NBM 2.0 aims to connect 1.7 lakh villages by 2030. It builds on the success of NBM 1.0, which established 8 lakh towers. Objectives include achieving a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps and expanding connectivity to 90% of anchor institutions. All inhabitants will have access to digital technology in the future, according to the mission.
Intra Circle Roaming (ICR)
The ICR initiative allows multiple telecom service providers to share infrastructure at DBN-funded 4G sites. More than 35,400 rural communities now have better access thanks to the partnership of BSNL, Airtel, and Reliance which also lowers operator capital costs and offers seamless 4G services.
Cybersecurity Measures
The Sanchar Saathi initiative has successfully combated cyber fraud, disconnecting 2.75 crore fraudulent connections and securing over 25 lakh lost devices. The International Incoming Spoofed Calls Prevention System has blocked 90% of spoofed calls reducing cyber threats to citizens.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
The projects entail working together with a number of stakeholders, such as telecom service providers, state governments and ministries. The goal of this group effort is to improve the efficacy of the new telecom rules and streamline procedures.

Previous Achievements of NBM 1.0
NBM 1.0, initiated in 2019 expanded optical fibre networks and increased broadband subscribers to 941 million. It resolved Right of Way issues and introduced the “Call Before u Dig” app to protect telecom infrastructure. The goal was to improve access to necessary services and close the digital gap.
Future Vision
The government’s goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 is in line with the programs. Their goal is to build a resilient, sustainable and interconnected India. It is anticipated that the emphasis on innovation and technology will propel socioeconomic development and provide citizens nationwide more influence.

RINL Revival Package Announced

A revitalization package for Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd (RINL), a state-owned steel producer in dire financial straits was recently unveiled by the Indian government. The ₹11,440 crore package aims to restore the company’s operations and safeguard thousands of jobs amid political pressure and economic challenges.
Background of RINL
RINL, also known as Vizag Steel, is located in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It has a production capacity of 7.3 million tonnes per annum. The plant operates three blast furnaces, with two currently in operation. RINL has been struggling financially reporting a negative net worth and debt.
Details of the Revival Package
The revival package includes ₹10,300 crore as equity infusion and ₹1,140 crore as working capital. After ten years the working capital will be converted into non-cumulative preference shares that can be redeemed. This financial support is one of the largest in the recent history of Indian public sector undertakings.
Political Influence and Support
The push for the package was led by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Steel Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy. Their political alliances were crucial in persuading the central government to approve the financial support which was seen as a commitment to the people of Andhra Pradesh.
Impact on Employment
The revival of RINL is expected to protect the jobs of approximately 30,000 to 35,000 workers, including both permanent and contractual staff. The financial support aims to stabilise the company and ensure job security for its employees.
Financial Challenges Faced by RINL
As of March 2024, RINL had a debt exceeding ₹25,000 crore and was defaulting on loan repayments. Current liabilities were higher than current assets indicating severe financial strain. The new capital infusion is intended to address these operational challenges.
Future Prospects
The revival package aims to enhance capacity utilisation to nearly 92.5% over the next 18-24 months. A second tranche of funding may be considered based on RINL’s performance post-infusion. The operationalisation of all three blast furnaces is a key goal of the revival efforts.
Conclusion of Events
The approval of the RINL revival package marks an important step in addressing the challenges faced by the steel manufacturer. The collaboration between state and central government officials marks the importance of political support in reviving struggling public sector enterprises.

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