State PCS CA Consolidation (Madhya Pradesh) July 2024 - MPPSC (Madhya Pradesh) PDF Download (2025)

Rs 450 Gas Cylinders to Ladli Behna Beneficiaries

Why in News?

Ladli Behna scheme

The Madhya Pradesh government has announced that beneficiaries of the Ladli Behna scheme will receive gas cylinders at a subsidized rate of Rs 450 throughout the year.

Key Points

Scheme Background: The Ladli Behna scheme was initially launched by former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Beneficiaries: This subsidy is aimed at women beneficiaries, particularly those under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).
Additional Support: Beneficiaries will receive Rs 250 for the Rakhi festival.
Central Government Support: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas stated that the central government provides a targeted subsidy of Rs 200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for PMUY beneficiaries, applicable for up to 12 refills per year.
Increased Subsidy: The Centre increased the targeted subsidy to Rs. 300 per 14.2 Kg LPG cylinder for all PMUY beneficiaries.

What is Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)?

About: The ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’ (PMUY) is a flagship scheme introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MOPNG) with the objective of making clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, available to rural and deprived households. These households were previously using traditional cooking fuels like firewood, coal, and cow-dung cakes. The usage of traditional cooking fuels had harmful effects on the health of rural women and also posed environmental risks.

Objectives: The main objectives of PMUY include:

Empowering women and safeguarding their health.
Reducing the number of deaths in India caused by unclean cooking fuel.
Preventing young children from suffering from acute respiratory illnesses due to indoor air pollution resulting from the burning of fossil fuels.

Tomb of Shah Jahan's Daughter-in-law Declared Not Waqf Property by High Court

Overview

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has ruled that three ancient monuments in Burhanpur, including the tomb of Begum Bilqis, daughter-in-law of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, are not Waqf property.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) argued that these sites are protected under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
The court agreed with the ASI, stating that the monuments are ancient and protected, and criticized the M.P. Waqf Board for misclassifying them.

Details of the Monuments

Shah Shuja Monument

This monument contains the tomb of Begum Bilqis, who was the wife of Shah Shuja, the son of Shah Jahan.
Begum Bilqis was buried in Burhanpur after dying during childbirth.
The tomb, also known as Kharbuza Mahal, is characterized by its dome and is built on a raised, fluted circular plinth.
It is constructed of stone, plastered with shell mortar, and decorated with paintings.

Tomb of Nadir Shah

This is a large tomb situated on a raised platform and supported by eight archways.
Inside the tomb, there are three graves.

Bibi Sahiba’s Masjid

Also known as Bibi ki Masjid, this mosque was completed around 1529 by Queen Begum Rokeya, the daughter of Muẓaffar Shah II, the Sultan of Gujarat.

Cheetahs in Gandhinagar Sanctuary

Cheetahs

Gandhinagar

Recently, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh announced that cheetahs would be released soon in the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary located in the Mandsaur district.

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:

Established in 1974, the sanctuary spans the districts of Mandsaur and Neemuch in western Madhya Pradesh, bordering Rajasthan.
The Chambal River divides the sanctuary into two nearly equal parts, with the Gandhi Sagar Dam situated within its boundaries.

Ecosystem:

The sanctuary features rocky terrain and shallow topsoil, supporting a savanna ecosystem.
This includes open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees and shrubs. The riverine valleys within the sanctuary are evergreen.

Ideal Habitat for Cheetahs:

The sanctuary's ecosystem is similar to that of the Maasai Mara in Kenya, known for its savanna wilderness and abundant wildlife, making it suitable for cheetahs.

World Tiger Day

The Chief Minister made the announcement on the occasion of World Tiger Day.

On January 26, 2022, India and South Africa signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the relocation of cheetahs.

The MoU prioritizes the restoration of the cheetah population in India, aiming to reestablish their role in historical habitats and benefit local communities.

This initiative is expected to have significant conservation implications and enhance local livelihoods and economies.

Red Alert in Madhya Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Madhya Pradesh. An orange alert has also been issued for Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.

The IMD uses color-coded warnings to inform the public about severe or hazardous weather conditions that could pose risks to life and property. The warnings are categorized as Green, Yellow, Orange/Amber, and Red, based on the severity of the weather phenomenon.

India Meteorological Department

Established in 1875, the IMD is the National Meteorological Service of India and the primary government agency for meteorology and related subjects.
It operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, and is headquartered in New Delhi.
The IMD is one of six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.

Madhya Pradesh Denies RTI Information on Cheetah Project

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has declined to share information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, regarding the management of cheetahs brought from Africa and their cubs born in India.

The department invoked Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, 2005, to withhold information in response to a request from a wildlife activist. They argued that disclosing such information could adversely impact India’s sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic, scientific, or economic interests, relations with a foreign state, or could incite an offence.

The request specifically sought management correspondence records related to the Cheetah Project in Kuno and Mandsaur.

The Cheetah Reintroduction Project in India began on September 17, 2022, with the aim of restoring the cheetah population, which was declared extinct in the country in 1952. The project involves relocating cheetahs from South Africa and Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

The project is a collaborative effort between the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and cheetah experts from Namibia and South Africa.

Ujjayini Meridian

According to a new Class-6 NCERT textbook for social science, India had its own prime meridian called "madhya rekha," which passed through the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, long before the Greenwich meridian. Ujjain was a renowned center for astronomy, and Indian astronomers were aware of latitude and longitude concepts, including the need for a prime meridian. The Ujjayinī meridian became a reference point in Indian astronomical texts.

Varahamihira (505–587 CE) was a famous Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer who lived in Ujjain. He authored several important works, including the Brihat Samhita, which covers various subjects such as astrology, architecture, and agriculture. He also wrote the Panchasiddhantika, discussing the precession of the equinoxes and made early observations about gravity.

Chandipura Virus

As per the Madhya Pradesh Health Minister, there have been no reported cases of the Chandipura virus in the state.

Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES)

Previously, the Union Health Ministry and experts examined cases of this viral infection in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.

The Madhya Pradesh health department is equipped with the necessary tools and facilities to identify the Chandipura virus, one of the causes of AES.

AES Overview

AES is a group of similar neurological symptoms caused by various agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, spirochetes, and chemicals/toxins.
Known Viral Causes of AES include Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Dengue, West Nile, Herpes Simplex Virus, and others.

Chandipura Virus (CHPV)

CHPV is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, causing sporadic cases and outbreaks, especially during the monsoon in western, central, and southern India.
It is transmitted by vectors like sand flies and ticks. Prevention relies on vector control, hygiene, and awareness.

Disease Mechanism

The virus infects the body and can reach the central nervous system, leading to encephalitis, which is the inflammation of brain tissues.
Disease progression can be swift, with patients experiencing high fever in the morning and kidney or liver issues by evening.
This infection primarily affects children under 15 years.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms of CHPV infection include flu-like symptoms such as sudden fever, body aches, and headaches.
The condition may progress to altered sensorium, seizures, and encephalitis.
Other symptoms may include respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anemia.
The infection often advances rapidly after the onset of encephalitis, potentially leading to death within 24-48 hours of hospitalization.

Treatment

Currently, treatment is symptomatic as there is no specific antiretroviral therapy or vaccine available.

During the investor summit in Jabalpur, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister announced that the state had received investment proposals totaling Rs 17,000 crore, expected to create over 13,000 job opportunities.

Skill Development and Industrial Growth

A modern skill development centre will be established in Jabalpur to attract investments in the textiles and ready-made clothing sectors.
Ashok Leyland Limited and Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited signed a memorandum of understanding worth Rs 600 crore in the defence manufacturing sector during the conclave.

Industrial Units and Future Investments

The government has inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for several industrial units across the state, involving a total investment of Rs 1,500 crore and creating approximately 4,500 jobs.
Volvo Eicher is set to invest Rs 1,500 crore in the automobile sector, and HeidelbergCement plans to establish a Rs 1,500 crore cement unit.

Upcoming Summits

The Madhya Pradesh government plans to host similar global investors' summits in Rewa, Sagar, and Gwalior, with a larger summit in Bhopal in February 2025.
A similar summit in Ujjain in January 2024 led to the Adani Group announcing Rs 75,000 crore in investments in the state.

CBI Requires Written Consent for Investigations in Madhya Pradesh

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The Madhya Pradesh government has stated that the CBI will need written permission to initiate inquiries against its “public servants.”
No such permission is necessary for probing central government officials or private individuals.
This requirement comes in the wake of the implementation of the new criminal laws, aimed at ensuring smooth functioning.
Several states, including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Telangana, and Kerala, have withdrawn their general consent for CBI investigations.
The CBI was originally established by a resolution of the Ministry of Home Affairs and later transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. It operates under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act of 1946 and is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body.
The establishment of the CBI was recommended by the Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption, and it investigates cases related to bribery, governmental corruption, breaches of central laws, multi-state organized crime, and multi-agency or international cases.

PM SVANidhi Scheme

Madhya Pradesh has been recognized as the ‘Best Performing State’ under the Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry.
Assam followed in the ‘Best Performing States- Innovation and Best Practices Award’ category.
In the category of ‘Best Performing ULBs – Loan Performance with mega and million plus cities’, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) secured the top position, with Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation following.
The awards for the Systematic Progressive Analytical Real Time Ranking (SPARK) and Economic Stimulus-II under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan were also announced, with Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan ranking high.
Objectives of PM SVANidhi: To provide affordable working capital loans to over 50 lakh street vendors whose livelihoods were affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns, promoting digital transactions through cashback incentives.
Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM): Launched in 2014, this Centrally Sponsored Scheme aims to uplift the urban poor by enhancing sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development, with funding shared between the Centre and States.

The Pradhan Mantri Colleges of Excellence, recently inaugurated by the Union Home Minister in all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh, aim to align higher education with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Madhya Pradesh is the first state to implement these colleges, which focus on the holistic development of youth by teaching both academic subjects and life skills. The NEP 2020 aims to modernize India's education system to meet 21st-century goals while respecting the country's cultural heritage. This initiative is part of the broader Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the education system to ensure quality education for all.

Madhya Pradesh Pilgrimage Scheme

Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana

Launched by the Madhya Pradesh government in 2012 to facilitate senior citizens' visits to various pilgrimage sites across India.
Aims to expose residents to unique features within their own state and beyond, addressing the geographical challenges of Madhya Pradesh.
Expansion plans include allowing senior citizens to visit both renowned pilgrimage sites across the country and notable religious locations within Madhya Pradesh.

Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana

Objective: To provide one-time assistance to senior citizens (60 years and above, with a 2-year relaxation for women) for pilgrimage visits outside Madhya Pradesh.
Facilities Provided: Free travel by special train, including meals (breakfast, food, and pure drinking water) and accommodation arrangements at pilgrimage sites.

ASI Submits Bhojshala Survey Report

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) recently submitted its scientific survey report on the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal-Maula mosque complex to the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The report indicates traces of a medieval-era structure dating back to the Paramara dynasty, specifically between the 9th and 11th centuries.
Raja Bhoj is believed to have built and developed the site in Dhar district during this period.
The survey, conducted over nearly 98 days, uncovered around 1700 relics and evidence, including diverse carvings depicting desecrated deity idols, artifacts, and human and animal figures.
These findings suggest that the current structure at Bhojshala was originally a temple and a center for literary and educational activities.
The site is regarded by the Hindu community as a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community refers to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

The ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for archaeological research and the protection of India's cultural heritage.

It oversees more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance, conducting surveys, explorations, excavations, and conservation activities.
The ASI was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, the first Director-General of ASI, who is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology.”

Eradicating Invasive Aquatic Weeds

Salvinia molesta

Recently, an exotic beetle called Cyrtobagus salvinia has successfully eliminated an invasive weed species from the Sarani reservoir, which is part of the Satpura dam on the Tawa River in the Betul district of Madhya Pradesh.

Scientists at the Jabalpur-based Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, discovered that Cyrtobagus salvinia, a Brazilian bioagent specifically targeting Salvinia molesta, was imported to India after thorough research and with the necessary governmental approvals.

Salvinia molesta, also known as gigantic Salvinia or Kariba weed, is an aquatic fern native to southeastern Brazil. It gained notoriety for contaminating a large area of Lake Kariba, located between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

This invasive species is characterized by small, floating plants with branching, creeping stems. The leaves are arranged in whorls, with one leaf being finely divided and rootlike, while the other two are green, flat, and floating.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in India. Established on July 16, 1929, and formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, ICAR is headquartered in New Delhi.

ICAR plays a crucial role in coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences, across the entire country.

National e-Vidhan Application

‘National e-Vidhan Application’ (NEVA)

Recently, the Madhya Pradesh cabinet has approved the implementation of the 'National e-Vidhan Application' (NEVA) scheme in the state Legislative Assembly.

Digital India initiative

Under the Digital India initiative, the Government of India has launched the 'National e-Vidhan Application' scheme to transition all Legislative Assemblies in the country to a paperless format and unify them on a single platform.

Scheme funding

The implementation costs of the scheme will be shared, with 60% funded by the Government of India and 40% by the state governments.

De-Notified, Nomadic And Semi-Nomadic Tribes

Digital India Programme

Launched in 2015, the Digital India program aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy.
Key objectives include strengthening digital infrastructure, delivering services digitally, and promoting digital financial inclusion.

De-Notified, Nomadic And Semi-Nomadic Tribes

These communities are among the most vulnerable and deprived in society.
DNTs were historically labeled as 'born criminals' during the British era under laws like the Criminal Tribes Act, 1871.
The Independent Indian Government repealed these Acts in 1952, and the affected communities were "De-Notified."
Some de-notified communities were also nomadic in nature.

Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Communities

Nomadic communities are those that move from one place to another, rather than settling in one location permanently.
Semi-nomadic communities also move, but they may have a more stable base or return to certain areas regularly.

Historically, both Nomadic Tribes and De-notified Tribes did not have access to private land or the ability to own homes.
These communities have traditionally been excluded from land ownership and housing rights.

Scheduled Castes (SC)

Scheduled Castes are groups that have historically faced discrimination and social disadvantages.
The government recognizes these groups to provide them with affirmative action and support.

Scheduled Tribes (ST)

Scheduled Tribes are indigenous communities that have been given special recognition due to their unique cultural and social practices.
Like SCs, STs are also eligible for affirmative action to help improve their socio-economic conditions.

Other Backward Classes (OBC)

Other Backward Classes include groups that are socially and educationally backward but do not fall under SC or ST categories.
OBCs are also entitled to various forms of government assistance and affirmative action.

While most De-notified Tribes are classified within the SC, ST, or OBC categories, some do not fit into any of these classifications.
This means they may not receive the same level of recognition or support as those in the SC, ST, or OBC groups.

Madhya Pradesh Launches Probe in New Tiger Reserve

The Madhya Pradesh government has begun an investigation into alleged poaching and irregularities in the newly established Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
The forest department initiated the probe following accusations of serious negligence in the conservation of tigers, tiger safari management, and forest property in the reserve.
There are also allegations of large-scale illegal tree cutting and wood transportation in the Bara Beat area of the reserve, as well as issues in the nearby Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve is the seventh tiger reserve in Madhya Pradesh and the 54th in India.
It spans across Sagar, Damoh, and Narsinghpur districts, covering an area of 2,339 square kilometers.
Parts of the reserve fall under the Narmada and Ganges River basins.
The reserve is home to the historic Singorgarh Fort.

The Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, located in Sagar district, was identified as a suitable area for cheetah reintroduction due to its suitable forest density and abundant prey base.
It is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh by area, covering parts of Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, and Raisin districts, and is situated in the center of the state.

Hectares of Jungle Freed From Encroachers

The Khandwa forest department has successfully reclaimed about 100 hectares of forest land that was illegally encroached upon for agricultural purposes.
The encroached areas were primarily used for cultivating soybean and corn crops, which have caused significant damage to the forest ecosystem.
To restore the forest, the department employed earthmoving machines and tractors to destroy the illegal crops and level the fields.
The remaining encroached areas are expected to be cleared in the coming days, followed by reforestation efforts using seed balls and wire fencing to protect the newly planted areas.

Encroachment refers to the unauthorized use or occupation of someone else’s property, which can occur on abandoned or unused spaces if the legal owner is not actively involved in its upkeep.
Urban encroachment specifically pertains to illegal occupation or use of land or property within urban areas, including illegal construction, squatting, or other forms of occupation without proper permission or legal rights.

Soybean is a Kharif crop in India and is the world’s most important seed legume, contributing 25% to global edible oil, about two-thirds of the world’s protein concentrate for livestock feeding, and is a valuable ingredient in formulated feeds for poultry and fish.
It is predominantly grown as a rainfed crop in Vertisols and associated soils with an average crop season rainfall of 900 mm.
Major producing states in India include Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.

Saplings Planting Drive in Madhya Pradesh

Recently, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched the ‘ Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam ’ campaign, aiming to plant 5.5 crore saplings across the state.

The campaign was initiated by the Chief Minister planting an ‘amla’ sapling in memory of his late mother.

Tree Transplantation

Tree Transplantation, also known as tree replanting, involves relocating a plant from one site to another within an agricultural field or garden.
This process allows plants to have longer growing seasons and can be initiated indoors before moving them outside when weather conditions permit.
A specialized machine called a tree spade is often used to mechanize the transplanting of large plants.
Larger trees may require digging, wrapping, or boxing of the root ball before being transported by truck.
In October 2020, the Delhi government approved a tree transplantation policy to prevent the felling of trees due to development work in the city.
Under this policy, agencies are required to transplant 80% of trees affected by projects to new locations.
Additionally, for every tree transplanted, 10 saplings are to be planted, ensuring the tree is dug up with its root intact and scientifically relocated instead of being cut down.

Ladli Behna Yojna

Laadli Behna Yojana

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mohan Yadav, announced that the 14th installment of the Laadli Behna Yojana has been credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries.
Under this scheme, the government provides Rs. 1250 to women every month.
Launched in 2023 by the Madhya Pradesh Government, the scheme aims to promote financial independence for women, improve their health and nutrition, and encourage their role in family decision-making.

Madhya Pradesh Budget

Recently, Jagdish Deora, the Finance Minister of Madhya Pradesh, presented a budget of Rs 3.65 lakh crore for the financial year 2024-25 in the state assembly.
The budget includes a significant increase of 81% in the allocation for women and child development, with a provision of Rs 26,560 crore.
In the health sector, Rs 21,444 crore has been allocated, and three new medical universities are planned in Neemuch, Mandsaur, and Siwani districts.
For roadways, the budget allocates Rs 10,000 crore, with a target of constructing 1,000 km of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
Other significant provisions include Rs 520 crore for the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Rs 50 crore for the Chief Minister Teerth Darshan Scheme, and Rs 4,725 crore for forest and environment initiatives.
The budget also supports the Ken-Betwa Link Project in the Bundelkhand region, with an estimated cost of Rs 44,605 crore, and allocates Rs 22,600 crore for education, Rs 586 crore for the Sports and Youth Welfare Department, and Rs 250 crore for Gaushalas.
Additional provisions include Rs 1,081 crore for the Culture Department and Rs 666 crore for enhancing tourist facilities.

The budget proposes a provision of Rs 13,596 crore for the construction and maintenance of irrigation projects.

For panchayat and rural development, a budget provision of Rs 27,870 crore is proposed.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, over 57 lakh beneficiaries have benefited from various schemes, including:

National Widow Pension Scheme
National Disabled Pension Scheme
National Family Assistance Scheme
Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah and Nikah Yojana
Samagra Samajik Suraksha Pension Yojana
Mukhyamantri Kanya Abhibhavak Pension Yojana

Tiger Reserves to Remain Closed Till October

Six tiger reserves in Madhya Pradesh have closed their core zones to the public and tourists until October.

The affected reserves include:

Bandhavgarh
Kanha
Pench
Satpura
Panna
Sanjay-Dubri

The seasonal closure during the monsoon is crucial for conservation efforts as it allows tigresses to mate and seek solitude without disturbances.

Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is renowned for its high density of Bengal tigers and is home to various wildlife species, including leopards, deer, and numerous bird species.

Kanha National Park

Kanha National Park, famous for inspiring Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is known for its significant population of Bengal tigers and other wildlife species, including the barasingha (swamp deer).

Pench National Park

Pench National Park, located on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is celebrated for its dense forests and diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various bird species.

Satpura National Park

Satpura National Park is characterized by its rugged terrain, deep valleys, and dense forests, offering unique experiences such as jeep safaris, boat rides, and walking trails. Visitors can encounter wildlife like tigers, leopards, and sloth bears.

Panna National Park

Panna National Park is renowned for its tiger conservation efforts and is home to a significant population of tigers, along with a rich biodiversity that includes various species of deer, antelope, and birds.

Sanjay National Park

Sanjay National Park, located in the Chhattisgarh-Madhya Pradesh border region, is known for its pristine forests and diverse flora and fauna. As part of the Sanjay-Dubri Tiger Reserve, it provides habitat for tigers, leopards, and other wildlife.

AI-Powered Fire Detection System in Pench Tiger Reserve

The Pench Tiger Reserve (PTR) has recently implemented an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system designed for the early detection of forest fires.

Key Features of the System:

High-Resolution Camera: The system is equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of monitoring a visual range of 15 kilometers. This technology allows for the effective coverage of more than 350 square kilometers of the reserve.
Real-Time Alerts: The AI-powered platform, known as Pantera, utilizes both the camera feed and satellite data to issue real-time alerts about forest fires within a span of three minutes.
Weather Data Integration: The system incorporates weather data, including factors such as temperature, precipitation, and wind conditions. By analyzing this data in conjunction with historical fire information, the system can forecast potential future fires in the short term, aiding in proactive fire control planning.

Significance of Pench Tiger Reserve:

The PTR is a shared pride of both Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The reserve is situated in the southern part of the Satpura hills, spanning the Seoni and Chhindwara districts in Madhya Pradesh and extending into the Nagpur district of Maharashtra as a separate sanctuary.
Initially declared a tiger reserve by the Government of Maharashtra in 1975, PTR was granted the status of a protected area in Madhya Pradesh in 1992-1993. It is now recognized as one of the major protected areas in India and is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International.

River Linking Project in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed by the Chief Ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan for the implementation of the Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal river linking project, with an estimated cost of Rs 72,000 crore.

Objectives of the Project:

The project aims to harvest surplus water during the rainy season from rivers in Southern Rajasthan, including the Kunnu, Parvati, and Kalisindh rivers, and utilize this water in southeastern districts of Rajasthan and parts of Madhya Pradesh where water scarcity exists.
It is expected to provide water to 13 districts in Rajasthan and the Chambal region in Madhya Pradesh, irrigating at least 2.8 lakh hectares in both states and supplementing rural tanks.

Benefits:

Both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will benefit from the project, which will also strengthen the inter-state relationship.
The project includes plans for building a corridor between the Khatu Shyam temple in Rajasthan and the Mahakal Shiv temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

Chambal River

Origin: The Chambal River originates at the Singar Chouri peak, located in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

Course: Initially, the river flows northward in Madhya Pradesh for approximately 346 kilometers. Subsequently, it changes direction and flows northeast for about 225 kilometers through Rajasthan.

Entry into Uttar Pradesh: The Chambal River enters Uttar Pradesh, where it flows for around 32 kilometers before joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.

Basin Boundaries: The basin of the Chambal River is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravalli ranges. This rainfed river drains the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.

Upper Catchment: The Hadauti plateau in Rajasthan, located southeast of the Mewar Plains, is part of the upper catchment area of the Chambal River.

Tributaries: Major tributaries of the Chambal River include the Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, and Parbati rivers.

Main Power Projects/Dams: Significant projects and dams on the Chambal River include the Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.

National Chambal Sanctuary

The National Chambal Sanctuary is situated along the Chambal River, at the border where Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh meet.

This sanctuary is famous for its critically endangered species, such as the gharial (a type of crocodile) and the red-crowned roof turtle. It is also home to endangered species like the Ganges river dolphin.