Current affairs 16 January 2024

30 cr. Ayushman Cards created via Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

• The Ayushman Cards, a part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, have proven instrumental in saving over ₹1.25 trillion in out-of-pocket expenses for the impoverished.
• With 30 crore Ayushman Cards issued, the initiative provides a health cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year.
• Uttar Pradesh leads with 4.83 crore cardholders, followed by Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra.

NLCIL awarded 2400 MW Thermal Power Project in Odisha to BHEL.

• NLC India Ltd handed over BHEL the EPC contract for a 2,400 MW Ultra Super Critical Technology-based Pit Head Thermal Power Project in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
• With commissioning planned for 2028-29, the project emphasizes environmental sustainability with biomass co-firing, meeting Ministry of Power guidelines.
• It aims to provide competitively priced, low-cost power to the region.

Kerala CM to inaugurate month-long "Global Science Festival Kerala".

• Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the Global Science Festival Kerala at the Life Sciences Park.
• Organized by KSCSTE in collaboration with state and international science agencies, it spans in Bio 360 Life Sciences Park, featuring 51 attractions across 18 pavilions.
• It promises a month-long exploration of science, technology, and art wonders fostering scientific curiosity and innovation.

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"Yuva Nidhi" scheme launched for unemployed youth in Karnataka.

• The Karnataka government has promised to give Rs 3,000 per month to degree holders and Rs 1,500 per month to diploma holders who were unable to get a job in the past six months and are not pursuing higher studies.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah issued cheques to unemployed graduates who came from various parts of the state at Freedom Park in Shivamogga.

Himachal Pradesh "Apna Vidyalaya": Community engagement for education.

• Launched by Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Apna Vidyalaya aims to foster collaboration between public representatives, administrative leaders, and professionals to enhance government school facilities.
• It seeks to encourage individuals to adopt government schools, offering career counseling, remedial teaching, exam coaching, yoga sessions, community services, etc.