CONTENTS

1. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
2. National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)

Context:

Southern Railway has identified 90 stations for development under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS)
2. Facilities Planned under ABSS

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):

• The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) aims at the development of railway stations with a long-term vision, focusing on enhancing facilities and amenities beyond the minimum essential requirements.
• The scheme will consolidate and replace previous redevelopment projects that have not yet commenced.

Implementation Approach:

• The scheme entails the preparation of Master Plans for railway stations and their phased implementation.
• Master Plans will be based on factors such as station footfall and inputs from stakeholders.
• Zonal railways are responsible for selecting stations, which will then be approved by a committee of senior railway officials.
• The objective is to execute low-cost redevelopment that can be implemented in a timely manner.

Facilities Planned under ABSS:

• Creation of a Roof Plaza in the future.
• Provision of free Wi-Fi and space for 5G mobile towers.
• Improving access through road widening, removal of unwanted structures, well-designed signages, dedicated pedestrian pathways, well-planned parking areas, and improved lighting.
• Efforts will be made to combine different grades/types of waiting halls and provide quality cafeteria and retail facilities.
• Upgrading furniture in waiting rooms, platforms, restrooms, and offices.
• High-level platforms (760-840 millimeters) will be provided at all categories of stations.
• Special amenities will be incorporated for the disabled, following guidelines issued by the Railway Board.

National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023

Context:

Recently, the President of India presented the National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023 at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

National Sports and Adventure Awards 2023 Overview

Annual Recognition of Sporting Excellence

• The National Sports Awards are an annual recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to sports in India.

Categories of National Sports Awards

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award

• India’s highest sporting honor established in 1991-92, named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.
• Given for exceptional performances in sports over a four-year period.
• Awardees receive a medallion, certificate, and a cash prize.

Arjuna Award

• Awarded for consistent excellent performance over four years.
• Recipients receive a statuette of Arjuna, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Dronacharya Award

• Instituted in 1985, the highest sports honor for coaches.
• Awarded to coaches producing medal winners at prestigious international events.
• Awardees receive a bronze statue of Dronacharya, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Major Dhyan Chand Award

• India’s highest honor for lifetime achievements in sports.
• Recognizes individuals contributing to sports promotion since 2002.
• Awardees receive a Dhyan Chand statuette, a certificate, and a cash prize.

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA)

• Instituted in 1956–1957, awarded to an institution or university for top performance in inter-university tournaments over the past year.

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar

• Awarded to organizations, corporates (private and public), and individuals for significant roles in sports promotion and development over the last three years.