Easy to PICK1 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” FEBUARY 2020 PT-MAINS Copyright ©Aspire IAS All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Aspire lAS.
Easy to PICK2 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Date Topic Page No. 1st Feb 2020 NIRVIK Scheme Union Budget: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) 04 3rd Feb 2020 05 Data Centre Parks Policy 07 4th Feb 2020 Reforms in Infrastructure sector 09 10 5th Feb 2020 Revised Khelo India Scheme 11 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 12 6th Feb 2020 13 New Retail Fuel Policy Guidelines 15 7th Feb 2020 Common Facility Centre (CFC) 16 10th Feb 18 2020 Steps taken to prevent online fraud 21 11th Feb Major Port at Vadhavan (Maharashtra) 23 2020 24 12th Feb Soil Health Card Scheme 26 2020 Industrial Parks in India 27 13th Feb 28 2020 TrackChild portal 30 14th Feb International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy 32 2020 Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 33 15th Feb Mahila shakti Kendra Scheme (MSKS) 36 2020 Expert Committee for dispute resolution 39 17th Feb 41 2020 Public Enterprises Survey 2018-19 42 18th Feb Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) 44 2020 45 19th Feb State of the World's Children Report 2019 47 2020 World Population Prospects Report 2019 Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act 2019 48 Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking 50 Apiary on Wheels 52 EK Bharat Shrestha Bharat Conference on Policy Framework for Skilling of Women and Children 53 Kashi Mahakal Express 54 57 World PetroCoal Congress 13th COP to the Convention on Migratory Species 3rd High Level Global Conference on Road Safety Kala Kumbh: Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)
Easy to PICK3 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 20th Feb RailMadad Portal 58 2020 Organic Food Festival for Women Entrepreneurs 59 21st Feb 2020 1st anniversary of PM-KISAN 61 22nd Feb BAY of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition (BBSE) 63 2020 International conference on EMDDA 64 ‘SPICe+’ Web Form 66 24th Feb 67 2020 4th Anniversary of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) 69 India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission (16th Session) 70 25th Feb Exercise Ajeya Warrior-2020 71 2020 Conference on Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience 73 National Science Day 2020 75 26th Feb Meeting on Inter-Linking of Rivers 76 2020 Higher Education Leadership Development Programme 77 Market Intelligence and Early Warning System Portal 79 27th Feb 81 2020 Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) 82 Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) 83 28th Feb 85 2020 Biofuel from microorganisms 87 Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference -2020 88 29th Feb 2020 Project Monitoring Group (PMG) of DPIIT Renewable Energy Management Centers (REMCs) ICGS Varad
Easy to PICK4 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” NIRVIK Scheme Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies Under the Scheme, also called the and Interventions for Development in Export Credit Insurance Scheme various sectors and Issues arising out of (ECIS), the insurance guarantee could their Design and Implementation. cover up to 90% (from the present average of 60%) of the principal and Prelims and Mains focus: about the interest. scheme and its significance Commerce and Industry Ministry has News: The Finance Minister announced also proposed to subsidise the premium the NIRVIK scheme in the Union Budget under the Scheme that has to be paid 2020-21 in the Parliament. by exporters of certain key sectors. In September last year Commerce and Background Industry Minister had announced that India’s exports contracted for a fifth the gems, jewellery and diamond (GJD) sector borrowers with limit of month in a row by 1.8 percent in more than Rs. 80 crore will have a December 2019 to USD 27.36 billion higher premium rate under the and imports declined 8.9 percent to NIRVIK Scheme as compared to non- USD 357.39 billion, leaving a trade GJD sector borrowers of this category deficit of USD 118.10 billion. due to the higher loss ratio. The development assumes significance The Export Credit Guarantee as exporters have raised concerns Corporation (ECGC) cover will also over availability of credit. provide additional comfort to banks as the credit rating of the borrower is About the Scheme enhanced to AA rated account. It will provide high insurance cover Enhanced cover will ensure that Foreign and Rupee export credit for exporters and reduce premium interest rates will be below 4% and 8% for small exporters and simplified respectively for exporters. procedures for claim, settlement. The Scheme is being prepared by the Commerce and Industry Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Easy to PICK5 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Union Budget: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and to be invested in infrastructure globally Global Groupings and Agreements in the next 25 years to sustain involving India and/or affecting India’s economic growth. Meanwhile, recent interests. disasters indicate that up to 66% of total public sector losses in weather Prelims and Mains focus: about CDRI: and climate related extreme events are objectives and significance related to infrastructure damage. There is a clear need for ensuring that all new Context: Emphasizing the Government’s and existing infrastructure systems are aim to enhance climate change climate and disaster resilient. adaptation with a focus on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, Union Minister Background for Finance and Corporate Affairs unveiled Making infrastructure resilient will various proposals in Union Budget 2020-21 related to Environmental need to be implemented sector. simultaneously with accelerated and expanded climate action and disaster About CDRI risk reduction, from the local and A partnership of national governments, national to regional and global scale. It UN agencies and programmes, multilateral is to address this need that Government development banks and financing of India, in partnership with the UN mechanisms, the private sector, and Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, knowledge institutions that aims to and in collaboration with the World promote the resilience of new and Bank, the UN Development existing infrastructure systems to climate Programme and the Global and disaster risks, thereby ensuring Commission on Adaptation, hosted sustainable development. two International workshops on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (1st Need and 2nd IWDRI). Resilient infrastructure is critical for CDRI has been conceived and peoples’ well-being, quality of life, conceptualised over 2018- 19 and economic prospects. It is as much involving substantive consultations about water-pipes withstanding an with more than 35 countries including earthquake, as it is about people having advanced economies, developing adequate and safe access to their economies, small island developing workplaces, schools, and hospitals. countries and landlocked countries representing a range of development, At a macro level, physical climate, and disaster risk contexts infrastructure underpins the Mission CDRI will support countries to upgrade achievement of all 17 Sustainable their systems for ensuring disaster and climate resilience of existing and future Development Goals (SDGs). An estimated USD 94 trillion is expected
Easy to PICK6 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” infrastructure. It seeks to rapidly expand Paris Climate Agreement, and the the development of and retroft resilient Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk infrastructure to respond to the SDGs Reduction. The CDRI will be guided by objectives of expanding universal access to the following principles: basic services, enabling prosperity, and 1. Uphold the UN Agenda 2030 principle decent work. CDRI envisions enabling measurable reduction in infrastructure of leaving no one, no place, and no losses from disasters including extreme ecosystem behind, and focus on the climate events. most vulnerable regions and populations. Partnerships Members of the CDRI will determine its 2. Enable inclusive and deliberative form, priorities and functions. The CDRI process recognising national and local Secretariat, located in New Delhi, India efforts as primal. will anchor and coordinate these functions. 3. Function as a clearing house of Guiding Principles knowledge and expertise, and provide CDRI supports the achievement of goals a mix of country specific and global and targets enshrined in the SDGs, the activities
Easy to PICK7 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Data Centre Parks Policy Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies Parks throughout the country, thus and Interventions for Development in enabling firms to incorporate data in various sectors and Issues arising out of every step of their value chains. their Design and Implementation. To link 100,000 gram panchayats Prelims and Mains focus: about the this year with Fibre to the Home measures announced by the Finance (FTTH) connections through Minister in the field of technology Bharatnet. This will fulfill the vision of providing digital connectivity to all Context: Emphasizing on the disruptive ‘public institutions’ like Anganwadis, innovations of the ‘New Economy’ like health and wellness centres, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Union government schools, etc. at Gram Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Panchayat level. It is proposed to proposed further measures by the provided Rs. 6000 crore to Bharatnet Government to take advantage of these programme in 2020-21, the Minister new technologies. These were stated in said. her Union Budget Speech 2020-21, presented in the Parliament. Proposals for Start-ups With a view to expand the base for Background knowledge-driven enterprises, the The Finance Minister observed that Finance Minister underscored the importance of intellectual property technologies like AI, Internet-of- creation and protection. In this regard, she Things (IoT), 3D printing, drones, proposed several measures to benefit Start- DNA data storage, quantum ups: computing, etc., are re-writing the To promote a digital platform that world economic order. She noted that India has already would facilitate seamless application embraced new paradigms such as the and capture of IPRs. A Centre is also sharing economy with aggregator proposed to be established in an platforms displacing conventional Institute of Eminence for working on businesses. innovation in the field of Intellectual The Minister added that the Property. Government has also harnessed these new technologies to enable direct Knowledge Translation Clusters to benefit transfers and financial inclusion be set up across different technology on a scale never imagined before. sectors including new and emerging areas. Proposals for Leveraging Data Highlighting the importance of ‘data as the Technology Clusters, with test beds new oil’, the Minister asserted that and small scale manufacturing Analytics, Fintech and IoT are changing facilities for designing, fabrication and the way we deal with our lives. She validation of proof of concept to be proposed the following measures to take established. advantage of this power of data: To soon bring out a policy to enable Two National-level Science Schemes are to be initiated to create a private sector in building Data Centre
Easy to PICK8 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” comprehensive database of mapping The Finance Minister noted that quantum India’s genetic landscape, given its technology is opening up new frontiers criticality for next generation in computing, communications, cyber medicine, agriculture and bio-diversity security with wide-spread applications. management. She pointed out that a lot of commercial applications are expected to emerge from It is also proposed to provide early life theoretical constructs developing in this funding, including a seed fund, to area. Thus, the Minister proposed to support ideation and development of provide an outlay of Rs. 8000 crore over early stage Start-ups. a period of five years for the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Proposals for Quantum Technology Applications.
Easy to PICK9 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Reforms in Infrastructure sector Syllabus subtopic: Government Civil aviation on International & Budgeting. National routes. This is aimed to help Prelims and Mains focus: reforms improve value realisation especially announced in the various sectors during in North-East and Tribal districts. the Union Budget 2020-21 Power and Renewable Energy: The Context: Union Minister for Finance & FM also proposed an allocation of Rs. Corporate Affairs, while presenting the 22000 crore for Power and Renewable Union Budget 2020-21, in Parliament, said Energy sector in 2020-21. Finance that infrastructure was crucial to the minister urged all States and Union theme of “Economic development” and Territories to replace conventional hence the Budget which is dedicated to meters by prepaid “Smart Meters” in provide “Ease of Living” to all citizen. the next 3 years and measures to reform DISCOMs. Reforms announced The Finance Minister proposed in the Emphasising need for efficiency of Budget that national gas grid would be expanded from the present 16200 India Sea Ports and use of technology km to 27000 km with further reforms to improve their performance, the FM to be undertaken to facilitate said the government would consider transparent price discovery and ease of corporatizing at least one major port transactions. and subsequently its listing on the The Finance Minister also proposed to stock exchanges. extend corporate tax rate of 15% to Inland Waterways: the “Jal Vikas new domestic companies engaged in Marg” on National Waterway-1 will the generation of electricity. be completed and further the 890 Km Dhubri-Sadiya connectivity will be done by 2022”. Arth Ganga- PM’s vision to energise economic activity along the river banks. In order to boost the transport Infrastructure in the country the Union Budget has provided for about Rs 1.70 Lakh Crore. Civil Aviation Sector: 100 more airports would be developed by 2024 to support Udaan scheme. India’s Air traffic has grown rapidly as compared to global average and the Air fleet number was expected to go up from the present 600 to 1200 during this time. Farmer’s income: In the direction of doubling farmers’ income by 2022, among other measures, the Finance Minister also announced launch of “Krishi Udaan” by the Ministry of
Easy to PICK10 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Revised Khelo India Scheme Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for 1335 are benefiting from residential Vulnerable Sections of the population by training facilities. the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes The number of training athletes and supporting events are likely to go up Prelims and Mains focus: about the with the proposed revision of the scheme and its significance Scheme. Context: Three national level About the scheme competitions have been organized under The Khelo India Scheme aims at ‘Khelo India’ so far. The revised Khelo India Scheme beyond the financial year promoting culture of sports as well 2019-20 is under preparation as attaining excellence in sports. Society for Economic Development The scheme in its present form was and Environmental Management started in October, 2017 for a period (SEDEM) has been appointed for 3rd of three years with a financial outlay party assessment of Khelo India of Rs. 1428.09 crore. Scheme. So far Rs. 1358.31 crore has been Presently, 2747 athletes are benefiting spent and Rs. 69.78 crore is presently under Khelo India Scheme of which available for the remaining period of third and last year of the Scheme.
Easy to PICK11 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for The reimbursement of last 20% of Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance training payout to TCs is linked with of these Schemes the placement (wage employment or self employment) of the candidate. With a focus on retention of placed Prelims and Mains focus: about candidates, TPs are given an incentive PMKVY: objectives and significance (INR 3000 – INR 5000 per trainee) if a candidate is retained in employment Context: Under the Skill India Mission, for a period of 12 months. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship is implementing a Post placement support of Rs. 1500 per flagship scheme called the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 2016- month per trainee is applicable for 20. special groups and special areas for 2 or 3 month post training depending on placement within or outside the district of the domicile of the candidate. Objective of the scheme Re-allocation of targets to TPs is based To provide skilling to one crore youth on placement achievements of previous under Short Term Training (STT) courses and Recognition of Prior allocated targets. Learning (RPL) across the country in a four years period i.e. 2016-2020. Target allocation for FY 2019-20 includes employer-led models via RFP mode to ensure participation of employers which assure at least 50% Under PMKVY 2016-20, focus on captive employment, amongst other employment has been significantly enhanced and candidates have been mandates. placed in various sectors and industries. Under PMKVY (2016-20), there are various provisions for monitoring of TCs as well as candidates. The life cycle of training process of candidates Some of the provisions and initiatives (enrollment-training-assessment- are given below: certification-placement) is tracked or monitored on real-time basis through Training Centres (TCs)/Training the Skill Development Management Partners (TPs) are required to have System (SDMS) which is linked with dedicated mentorship-cum- Aadhaar enabled biometric attendance. placement cells for industry linkage Empanelled TCs are being monitored and placement of candidates. effectively through various TPs are mandated to organize methodologies such as self-audit Placement / Rozgar Melas every six reporting, call validations, surprise months with support from the Sector visits, social media etc. Appraisal of Skill Councils (SSCs) and to ensure the on-going schemes and consequent the participation of local industry. improvements is an ongoing process.
Easy to PICK12 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” New Retail Fuel Policy Guidelines Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies minimum net worth will be Rs.500 and Interventions for Development in crore. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. iii. Separate applications to be made for retail and Bulk business. Prelims and Mains focus: about the new policy guidelines and its benefits iv. For retail authorisation, an entity have to set up at least 100 retail outlets, out Context: Ministry of Petroleum and of which 5 % should be in the notified Natural Gas (MoPNG) vide Resolution remote areas within 5 years of the dated 08.11.19 revised the guidelines for grant of authorization. An effective authorization to market transportation mechanism has been prescribed to fuels which have been published in the ensure that the entity deliver on its Gazette of India. commitment to set up the ROs in remote areas. Benefits of the new guidelines: The revised guidelines would v. An entity is required to deposit 1. promote ease of doing business and prescribed Bank Guarantee amount as 2. boost private players to invest in a security at the time of grant of authorization in addition to application retail sector. fee. The main features of the said guidelines In addition to conventional fuels, the are as below:- authorized entities are required to install i. The resolution applies for marketing of facilities for marketing at least one new generation alternate fuels like Compressed only Motor Spirit and High Speed Natural Gas (CNG), biofuels, Liquefied Diesel for “Bulk” and “Retail” Natural Gas (LNG), electric vehicle business. charging points etc. at their proposed retail outlets (RO) within three years of ii. An entity desirous of seeking operationalization of the said outlet subject authorisation for either retail or bulk to the entity complying with various other must have a minimum net worth of Rs. statutory guidelines. 250 crore at the time of making application. In case authorization is required for both retail and bulk,
Easy to PICK13 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Common Facility Centre (CFC) Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies MSMEs of the Indian gem and and Interventions for Development in jewellery industry. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Apart from introducing trade-friendly policies for the sector, the Ministry is Prelims and Mains focus: about the also facilitating the industry through CFCs: objective and benefits; initiatives in creation of infrastructure in the the gem and jewellery sector form of CFCs. Context: The ground-breaking ceremony Objective of CFCs for a Common Facility Centre (CFC) in The objective of setting up CFCs is to Bow Bazar, Kolkata took place on 30.01.2020. give the small and medium jewellery manufacturing units access to a Beneficiaries common pool of high-end and The CFC will benefit one lakh capital-intensive state-of-the-art machinery/equipment which is artisans engaged in the manufacture otherwise unaffordable for individual of handmade jewellery in and around small and medium jewellery Bowbazar, a major jewellery hub of manufacturers. Kolkata. CFC is one of the initiatives where the The CFC at Bow Bazar will enhance effort is to enhance the productivity the productivity and quality of and quality of products of MSME products, especially the small gem units and make them contribute to and jewellery units in Bow Bazar exports. and its surrounding areas by introducing cutting edge technology Role of GJEPC in jewellery manufacturing amongst Setting up of CFCs across the country the karigars of the industry in the Kolkata gem & jewellery cluster. to help the marginal workers to upgrade their product quality and The jewellery CFC at Kolkata, once output have been carried out through established, will help the local Gem and Jewellery Export handmade jewellery sector to enhance Promotion Council (GJEPC) with the value addition and help the the help of Local Trade Association jewellers to compete with the best. The (LTA) of the respective manufacturing CFC at Kolkata is expected to be hubs. operational by April this year. The Council has already set up CFCs Background at major diamond clusters in Gujarat Ministry of Commerce & Industry like Amreli, Palanpur, Visnagar and Junagadh. has taken a host of initiatives at the grassroots level for increasing the These CFCs are operational and have efficiency and empowering the made the MSME units export worthy. A jewellery CFC is also being set up at
Easy to PICK14 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Coimbatore and is expected to be The exports of gem and jewellery completed by March 2020. accounts for USD 40 billion annually employing more than five million people Current Scenario and how CFCs will across the country. The industry has a huge contribute to it: potential to grow and it is the aim of the At present, the SME units, located in Ministry of Commerce and Industry to boost exports in this sector to USD 75 small towns like Coimbatore, billion by 2025. Hyderabad, Jaipur, Rajkot and interior villages are still operating with old technology, and this has affected the quality of the finished goods produced. The artisans/goldsmiths in these places undertake the work on job-work-basis from wholesale jewellery manufacturer/retail jewellers. They use out dated technology to manufacture the jewellery. Usage of technology like casting technology, finishing techniques like tumbling and magnetic polisher are being used only in a few of the units. Bench work is also carried out by using old techniques. The CFCs will empower the trade in this sector and increase overall productivity, yield and timely delivery. It will make the trade self- sustainable by offering all types of services to meet the requirements of their clients under one roof. CFCs will be instrumental to generate more revenue for the SMEs and will be a tool for socio-economic transformation of the region. The jewellery CFC at Kolkata, once established, will help the local handmade jewellery sector to enhance the value addition and help the jewellers to compete with the best. The CFC at Kolkata is expected to be operational by April this year. Significance of gem and jewellery sector in India’s economy
Easy to PICK15 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Steps taken to prevent online fraud Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies 2. An advisory dated 12th February 2018 and Interventions for Development in was issued on “steps to check phone various sectors and Issues arising out of frauds” to all State Governments/UT their Design and Implementation. Administrations, which is available at Prelims and Mains focus: about the steps taken to prevent online frauds; about www.mha.gov.in. NCRB 3. Reserve Bank of India has issued Context: With the rapid increase in use of several circulars/ guidelines related to cyber space, number of cyber crimes security and risk mitigation measures including online frauds are also increasing. for securing electronic / digital payment transactions. Background As per data maintained by National 4. Steps have been taken to spread Crime Records Bureau, 3466 and 3353 cases of online frauds were registered in awareness about cyber crimes, issue of 2017 and 2018, respectively. Data pertaining to the year 2019 is not available. alerts/advisories, capacity NCRB started to collect data separately about Online Banking Frauds since building/training of law enforcement 2017. personnel/prosecutors/judicial officers, What are the steps taken to prevent online frauds? improving cyber forensics facilities In order to prevent online frauds and protect users, Ministry of Home Affairs etc. in association with police has taken several steps that inter-alia include the following initiatives: departments in different States/UTs. 1. An Inter-Ministerial Committee has 5. The Central Government has also been constituted on Phone Fraud (IMCPF) having members of launched the National Cyber Crime stakeholder organizations, namely Ministry of Electronics & Information Reporting Portal, Technology (MeitY), Department of Financial Services, Department of www.cybercrime.gov.in to enable Telecommunication, Reserve Bank of India and Law Enforcement Agencies. complainants to report complaints FCORD-FICN Coordination Agency has been designated as Central Nodal pertaining to all types of cyber crimes, Agency for this purpose and ADGP/IGP Crime in each State/UT is including net and online frauds. the State Nodal Officer.
Easy to PICK16 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Major Port at Vadhavan (Maharashtra) Syllabus subtopic: Infrastructure: Energy, 5.1 million TEUs (Twenty-Foot Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Equivalent Units). Prelims and Mains focus: about the new Even after the completion of 4th major port and its significance; about terminal at JN Port with a capacity major ports in India increase upto10 million TEUs by 2023, it will stand as the 17th Context: The Union Cabinet, chaired by largest container port in the world. the Prime Minister has given its 'in- principle' approval for setting up a JNPT caters to the hinterland of Major Port at Vadhavan near Dahanu Maharashtra, North Karnataka, in Maharashtra. Telangana and secondary hinterland of Gujarat, Madhya About the port Pradesh, Rajasthan, NCR, Punjab 1. Vadhavan port will be developed on and Uttar Pradesh. \"land lord model\". Why the need felt for Vadhavan Port? There is a need for a deep draft 2. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will port that will accommodate the be formed with Jawaharlal Nehru largest Container Ships in the Port Trust (JNPT) as the lead world and also cater to the spill partner with equity participation over traffic from JNPT port once equal to or more than 50% to its planned capacity of 10 million implement the project. TEUs is fully utilized. 3. The SPV will develop the port JNPT and Mundra, the two largest infrastructure including reclamation, container handling ports of the construction of breakwater, besides country (for mid size container establishing connectivity to the ships only), have drafts of 15 M hinterland. All the business activities and 16 M respectively, while the would be undertaken under PPP mode world's largest container handling by private developers. modern deep draft ports require a draft of 18M-20M. 4. Total cost of the project is likely to be Rs.65,544.54 crore. The Vadhavan port has a natural draft of about 20 meters close to 5. With the development of Vadhavan the shore, making it possible for it port, India will break into the to handle bigger vessels at the countries with top 10 container ports port. Development of Vadhavan in the world. port will enable call of container vessels of 16,000-25,000 TEUs About Jawaharlal Nehru Port capacity, giving advantages of The position of JN Port, the economies of scale & reducing biggest container port in India is logistics cost. 28th in the world with a traffic of
Easy to PICK17 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The ever increasing size of Container traffic in the JNPT container ships makes it hinterland is expected to grow from imperative that a deep draft 4.5 MTEUs currently to 10.1 container port in West Coast of MTEUs by 2022-25 when JNPT's India is developed. Increasing potential will be fully exhausted. containerization of cargo in the The demand for container traffic wake of value-added will further accelerate after the manufacturing sector makes it plans for improving logistic important to prepare India’s port infrastructure fructify and the infrastructure for handling value- 'Make in India' push drives greater added import and export to exports and manufacture sourcing facilitate manufacturing activity. to India.
Easy to PICK18 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Soil Health Card Scheme Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for not know which types of crops they Vulnerable Sections of the population by should grow to get maximum yield. the Centre and States and the Performance Basically, they do not know the quality of these Schemes and the type of their soil. They might know by experience what crops grow Prelims and Mains focus: about the and what crops fail. But they don't scheme and its benefits; progress made know what they can do to improve the so far; about National Productivity condition of the soil. Council What is a Soil Health Card? Context: The Soil Health Card scheme SHC is a printed report that a farmer will launched by the NDA Government be handed over for each of his holdings. It during the financial year 2014-15 with a will contain the status of his soil with view to address the decline of soil respect to 12 parameters, namely N,P,K nutrients, has started reaping fruit. (Macro-nutrients); S (Secondary- nutrient); Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Bo (Micro - About the Scheme nutrients); and pH, EC, OC (Physical Soil Health Card (SHC) is a parameters). Based on this, the SHC will also indicate fertilizer recommendations Government of India's scheme and soil amendment required for the farm. promoted by the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation under the How can a farmer use a SHC? Ministry of Agriculture and The card will contain an advisory based on Farmers' Welfare. It is being the soil nutrient status of a farmer's implemented through the Department holding. It will show recommendations on of Agriculture of all the State and dosage of different nutrients needed. Union Territory Governments. Further, it will advise the farmer on the fertilizers and their quantities he should A Soil Health Card is used to assess apply, and also the soil amendments that the current status of soil health and, he should undertake, so as to realize when used over time, to determine optimal yields. changes in soil health that are affected by land management. A Soil Benefits of the scheme Health Card displays soil health The scheme will monitor the soil of the indicators and associated descriptive terms. The indicators are typically farmers well and will give them a based on farmers' practical experience formatted report. So, they can decide and knowledge of local natural well which crops they should cultivate resources. The card lists soil health and which ones they should skip. indicators that can be assessed without the aid of technical or The authorities will monitor the soil on laboratory equipment. a regular basis. One in every 3 years, they will provide a report to farmers. Soil Health Card Scheme is a very So, farmers need not worry if the beneficial scheme for farmers. There nature of the soil changes due to are many farmers in India and they do
Easy to PICK19 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” certain factors. Also, they will always 11.69 crore cards have been give away have updated data about their soil. during the period 2017-19. The work of the government does not In the second phase of the scheme stop at listing down measures required 11.69 crore Soil Health Cards have to improve the quality of the soil. In been distributed to farmers in the last fact, they will also employ experts to two years. help farmers in carrying out the corrective measures. This has enabled the farmers to understand the soil health Farmers will get a proper soil health parameters and improve its record, thanks to the Soil Health Card productivity by judicious application Scheme. Also, they can study the soil of soil nutrients. management practices. Accordingly, they can plan the future of their crops A study conducted by the National and land. Productivity Council (NPC) says the application of Soil Health Card Generally, in government schemes, the recommendations has led to a decline person carrying out the study for a of 8-10% in use of chemical particular farmer gets changed. But in fertilizers and also raised the Soil Health Card Scheme, the productivity by 5-6%. government is paying attention that the same person carries out soil analysis In the current financial year a pilot for a farmer. This will further enhance project “Development of Model the effectiveness of the scheme. Villages” is being implemented under which the sampling and testing of The soil card will give the farmers a cultivable soil is being encouraged in proper idea of which nutrients their soil partnership with the farmers. Under is lacking. And hence, which crops the project a Model Village has been they should invest in. they will also tell selected for aggregation of soil which fertilizers they need. So, samples and analysis of each ultimately, the crop yield will see a agricultural holding. As part of the rise. scheme 13.53 lakh Soil Health Cards have been distributed during the year The main aim behind the scheme was 2019-20. to find out the type of particular soil. And then provide ways in which we For the setting up of Soil Health can improve it. Even if a soil has some Laboratories under the scheme the limitations, we can do something to get states have been sanctioned 429 static the most out of it. And that is what the labs, 102 new mobile labs, 8,752 mini government is trying to do with the labs, 1,562 village-level laboratories help of this scheme. and strengthening of 800 existing labs. Progress made so far under the scheme The scheme provides for the analysis Under the Scheme Phase-I (Years 2015 of soil composition by the State Governments once in every two to 2017) 10.74 crore cards were years so that remedial steps can be distributed, while under the Phase-II taken to improve soil nutrients.
Easy to PICK20 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Farmers can track their soil samples About National Productivity Council and also obtain their Soil Health Card (NPC) report. NPC is a national level organization While the Soil Health Management to promote productivity culture in Scheme has turned out to be a blessing India. It works as an autonomous for the farmers, it is also creating jobs organisation under Department of for the agrarian youth. Under the Promotion of Industry and Internal scheme village youth and farmers up to Trade, Ministry of Commerce and 40 years of age are eligible to set up Industry. Soil Health Laboratories and undertake testing. A laboratory costs up to Established by the Ministry of Rupees Five Lakhs, 75% of which can Industry, Government of India in 1958, be funded by the Central and State it is an autonomous, multipartite, non- Governments. The same provisions profit organization and has been apply to Self Help Groups, Farmers’ registered as a Society under the Cooperative Societies, Farmers Groups Societies Registration Act XXI of and Agricultural Producing 1860. Organisations. NPC is a constituent of the Tokyo- based Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an Inter Governmental Body, of which the Government of India is a founder member.
Easy to PICK21 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Industrial Parks in India Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies The State/UT-wise number of industrial and Interventions for Development in parks in the country and in particular various sectors and Issues arising out of number of such parks made since 2014 is their Design and Implementation. not centrally maintained. However, Department for Promotion of Industry Prelims and Mains focus: about the and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has built Industrial Parks scheme: its objectives and one centralized system of industrial features park information which is available at Industrial Information System (IIS) and Context: The Central Board of Direct the details are being updated by concerned Taxes (CBDT), Department of Revenue, States at regular intervals. Ministry of Finance notified Industrial Park Scheme, 2008 on 8thJanuary, 2008 What is an Industrial Park in respect of the industrial parks set up on or after 1st April, 2006 but not later than An industrial park is a portion of a city 31st March, 2009 with subsequent extensions thereafter. Approvals under the that is zoned for industrial use rather scheme are considered by CBDT, Department of Revenue. than residential or commercial needs. The objective of the Industrial Park Industrial parks may contain oil Scheme are: Any project, being an industrial park, shall refineries, ports, warehouses, aim at setting up of – a) an Industrial Model Town for distribution center, and factories. Some development of industrial industrial parks offer tax incentives for infrastructure for carrying out integrated manufacturing activities, businesses to locate there, such as tax including research and development, by providing plots or sheds and increment financing. common facilities within its precincts; or The key features of the industrial parks development in India are: b) an industrial park for development of infrastructural facilities or built-up Status of the industrial parks sector space with common facilities in any varies from State to State, wherein area allotted or earmarked for the states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, AP, purposes of specified industrial use; or Tamil Nadu, etc. have made significant progress in promoting industrial parks / c) a Growth Centre under the Growth estates. Centre Scheme of the Government of India; subject to the scheme The approaches relating to implemented by an undertaking and the Growth Centre is distinctly development, administration, developed as a separate profit centre. regulation, etc. of industrial parks also vary according to the political and developmental compulsions faced by the individual States. Primarily, the industrial parks have been promoted by the government and its agencies with minimal private sector participation (PSP). PSP in
Easy to PICK22 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” industrial parks has met with partial contributed to the development and success in India and that too has success of IT parks. primarily been restricted to the IT parks. Often, the decision to set-up an industrial park reflects the political and A few examples of the private social objectives of the government. initiative in industrial parks With parks throughout the State development are Information normally under a single agency, Technology Park (ITPL), Bangalore; typically the SIDC, the revenues from Infocity, Hyderabad; Technopark, parks at industrially forward locations Thiruvananthapuram; etc. The are used to cross-subsidise the parks in Mahindra City at Chennai was the backward areas. envisaged initially as an Auto Park. However, over a period of time, the Industrial parks in India often suffer concept was changed and the park from inadequate maintenance, and lack started focussing on IT and ITeS. The professional management. IT sector boom could perhaps have
Easy to PICK23 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” TrackChild portal Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies Khoya-Paya portal and Interventions for Development in The “Khoya-Paya” another citizen various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. centric portal has also been launched in 2015. The Ministry of WCD Prelims and Mains focus: about various supports 24x7 outreach helpline initiative taken to track missing children service for children in distress. Context: The Ministry of Women and This service is available through a Child Development (WCD) is hosting a dedicated toll free number, 1098, web portal \"TrackChild\" to track the which can be accessed by children in missing and found children. crisis or by adults on their behalf from any place in the geographical location The TrackChild Portal is implemented of India. in association with various stakeholders including Ministry of Other initiative Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of The Ministry has been using Facial Railways, State Governments/UT Recognition System employed by Delhi Administrations, Child Welfare Police to track the missing children, with Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards the help of National Informatics centre and National Legal Services Authority. (NIC)
Easy to PICK24 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to have been discriminated on account of Development and Management of Social leprosy through advocacy and Sector/Services relating to Health, information dissemination. Education, Human Resources. About Leprosy Prelims and Mains focus: about Leprosy: Leprosy is an infectious disease that causes; symptoms and challenges causes severe, disfiguring skin sores Context: The President of India presented and nerve damage in the arms, legs, the International Gandhi Awards for and skin areas around the body. Leprosy to Dr N.S. Dharmashaktu under the Indian nomination (individual) The disease has been around since category and the Leprosy Mission Trust ancient times, often surrounded by under the institutional category. terrifying, negative stigmas and tales of leprosy patients being shunned as India’s fight against Leprosy outcasts. Outbreaks of leprosy have India has successfully accomplished affected, and panicked, people on levels of leprosy elimination defined as every continent. The oldest less than one case per ten thousand civilizations of China, Egypt, and population. Further, the stigma and India feared leprosy was an incurable, prejudice against leprosy has reduced mutilating, and contagious disease. considerably, thanks to the constant work of scientists, researchers, organisations and However, leprosy is actually not that community workers. However, new cases contagious. One can catch it only if continue to occur and high-burden pockets he/she come into close and repeated of the disease do exist. contact with nose and mouth droplets from someone with untreated leprosy. Challenges Children are more likely to get The major challenge in leprosy control leprosy than adults. activities lies in sustaining the same Today, about 180,000 people level of focus and commitment worldwide are infected with leprosy, especially in low-resource settings according to the World Health where equity of access is an issue. Organization, most of them in Africa and Asia. It is important to intensify the efforts towards early detection of leprosy What Causes Leprosy? cases, provide equitable access to Leprosy is caused by a slow-growing type appropriate treatment and provide of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae integrated leprosy services in the (M. leprae). Leprosy is also known as geographically focused areas. Hansen's disease, after the scientist who discovered M. leprae in 1873. More than the medical condition, the social stigma attached to the disease What Are the Symptoms of Leprosy? persists and this is a cause for concern. Leprosy primarily affects the skin It is important to empower those who and the nerves outside the brain and
Easy to PICK25 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” spinal cord, called the peripheral It usually takes about 3 to 5 years for nerves. It may also strike the eyes and symptoms to appear after coming into the thin tissue lining the inside of the contact with the leprosy-causing nose. bacteria. Some people do not develop symptoms until 20 years later. The The main symptom of leprosy is time between contact with the bacteria disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps and the appearance of symptoms is that do not go away after several weeks called the incubation period. Leprosy's or months. The skin sores are pale- long incubation period makes it very colored. difficult for doctors to determine when and where a person with leprosy got Nerve damage can lead to: infected. 1. Loss of feeling in the arms and legs 2. Muscle weakness
Easy to PICK26 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for Vaccination is being provided against Vulnerable Sections of the population by eight vaccine-preventable diseases the Centre and States and the Performance nationally, i.e. Diphtheria, Whooping of these Schemes Cough, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, severe Prelims and Mains focus: about IMI 2.0 form of Childhood Tuberculosis and and its features; about Mission Hepatitis B and meningitis & Indradhanush pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Context: Government has launched influenza type B; and against Rotavirus Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) Diarrhea and Japanese Encephalitis in 2.0 with the aim to reach out to partially selected states and districts vaccinated and unvaccinated children respectively with all the available vaccines under Universal Immunization Program (UIP) The Government has assessed the across 381 districts in 29 States/UTs. performance of Mission Indradhanush which was launched The salient features of IMI 2.0 are: in 2014. The first two phases of Conduction of four rounds of Mission Indradhanush resulted in 6.7% increase in full immunization immunization activity over 7 working coverage. days excluding the RI days, Sundays and holidays. Intensified Mission Indradhanush Enhanced immunization session with was implemented in 2017-18. This flexible timing, mobile session and was followed by a Coverage evaluation mobilization by other departments. survey which showed an average Enhanced focus on left outs, dropouts, increase of 18.5% in full immunization and resistant families and hard to reach coverage as compared to that in areas. National Family Health Survey Focus on urban, underserved (NFHS-4) carried out in 2015-16. population and tribal areas. Inter-ministerial and inter-departmental During the various phases of Mission coordination. Indradhanush including Gram Swaraj Enhance political, administrative and Abihayan and Extended Gram financial commitment, through Swaraj a total of 3.61 crore children advocacy. and 91.45 lakh pregnant women have IMI 2.0 drive is being conducted in the been vaccinated, across 690 districts in selected districts and urban cities 36 State/UT. The Government aims to between Dec 2019 – March 2020 enhance the full immunization coverage of children by intensified Mission Indradhanush focus on pockets of low immunization Mission Indradhanush is a health coverage and hard to reach areas where the proportion of unvaccinated and mission of the government of India. It partially vaccinated children, including was launched on 25 December 2014. remote backward families in the country are high. The scheme this seeks to drive towards 90% full immunization coverage of India and sustain the same by year 2020.
Easy to PICK27 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Mahila shakti Kendra Scheme (MSKS) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for 2. District Level Centre for Women Vulnerable Sections of the population by (DLCW) in 640 districts to facilitate the Centre and States and the Performance women centric schemes and provide of these Schemes foothold for BBBP scheme; Prelims and Mains focus: about the 3. State Resource Centre for Women to scheme and its significance support respective government in implementation of women centric Context: The MSK Scheme, under schemes/programmes and also function Ministry of Women and Child as Project Management Unit for BBBP Development, was approved in Scheme with separate funds allocated November, 2017 as a centrally sponsored for State/UT level activities. scheme to empower rural women through community participation. District level Centre for Women Aim of the scheme: to facilitate inter- (DLCW) has been set up in 14 districts sectoral convergence of schemes and programs meant for women both at the out of 32 approved districts in Tamil Central and State/UT level. Nadu namely, Salem, Chennai, The scheme envisages community engagement through Cuddalore, Virudhanagar, Perambalur, 1. College Student Volunteers in 115 Villupuram, Namakkal, aspirational districts as part of block level initiatives; Thiruvannamalai, Trichy, Thiruvallur, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Theni and Vellore. As per MSK Scheme guidelines, at the district level, District Level Task force with District Collector/District Magistrate as the Chair acts as the Selection Committee for recruitment of DLCW staff.
Easy to PICK28 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Expert Committee for dispute resolution Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies iv. Any dispute or difference arising out of and Interventions for Development in a contract relating to exploration various sectors and Issues arising out of blocks/ fields of India can be referred their Design and Implementation. to the Committee, if both parties to the contract agree in writing for Prelims and Mains focus: about the conciliation or mediation and further committee: objectives; composition; agree to not invoke arbitration mandate and significance proceedings thereafter. Context: The Government decided to v. Upon receipt of a request referring constitute a Committee comprising three dispute for resolution, the Committee External Eminent Persons/Experts for shall conduct the conciliation/ dispute resolution, in December, 2019. mediation proceedings. The proceedings shall be based on the Objective: principles of fairness, justice and 1. to increase exploration activities good conscience. For procedural 2. to attract domestic and foreign aspect, the Committee may take investment assistance of the principles and 3. to promote ease of doing business regulation as mentioned in Part III of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Salient terms and conditions of the Committee are as under: - vi. The parties will represent their case i. Tenure of Members: The tenure of before the Committee acting as the members of the Committee shall be conciliators or mediators only through three years. their employees or executives. Advocates or Consultants shall not ii. Powers and Functions of Members: participate in the conciliation The Committee shall exercise all proceedings, unless the Committee on powers and discharge all functions application filed by a party to the necessary for carrying out conciliation proceedings finds that some issue of and mediation proceedings for legal nature or an issue requiring resolution of the disputes between the highly specialized knowledge is in parties as per the provisions of the dispute requiring Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 clarification/interpretation by an and endeavor that the parties arrive at a Advocate or Consultant and takes a Settlement Agreement within three view that in absence of such assistance months from the date of the first or participation the party’s interests meeting of the Committee. shall not be adequately represented in the conciliation or mediation iii. The Committee acting as conciliator proceedings. or mediator may take services of third party/expert agency to aid and vii. Parties shall not claim any interest on assist it in discharge of its functions as claims and counter-claims from date of and when required. notice for conciliation or mediation till
Easy to PICK29 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” execution of the Settlement Agreement, if so arrived at. viii. All costs and expenses incurred on the conciliation or mediation proceedings before the Committee including fees of the members of the Committee, third party/expert agency shall be borne equally by the parties. However, the party requesting for engagement of an Advocate or Consultant shall bear the fees charged by such Advocate or Consultant. ix. Pendency of arbitral or judicial proceedings shall not constitute any bar on commencement of conciliation or mediation proceedings before the Committee, even if the conciliation or mediation proceedings are on the same subject matter/issue as the arbitral or judicial proceedings. Significance Setting up of the Panel/Committee is likely to reduce the arbitration and save the cost to oil and gas sector through Conciliation or Mediation proceedings by the Committee, if both parties to the contract agree in writing for conciliation or mediation and further agree not to invoke arbitration proceedings further.
Easy to PICK30 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Public Enterprises Survey 2018-19 Syllabus subtopic: Effects of Capital Employed in all CPSEs stood Liberalization on the Economy, Changes at Rs. 26,33,956 crore on 31.3.2019 in Industrial Policy and their Effects on compared to Rs.23,57,913 crore as on Industrial Growth. 31.3.2018 showing a growth of 11.71 %. Prelims and Mains focus: about the key highlights of the survey Total gross revenue from operation of all CPSEs during 2018-19 stood Context: The Public Enterprises Survey - at Rs. 25,43,370 crore compared to 2018-19 was tabled in both the Houses of Rs. 21,54,774 crore in the previous Parliament on 10th February 2020. year showing a growth of 18.03 %. About the survey Total income of all CPSEs during The Department of Public 2018-19 stood at Rs. 24,40,748 crore compared to Rs.20,32,001 crore in Enterprises (DPE), Ministry of 2017-18, showing a growth of 20.12%. Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India Profit of 178 profit making CPSEs brings out the Public Sector Enterprises Survey on the stood at Rs. 1,74,587 crore during performance of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) every 2018-19 compared to Rs. year. 1,55,931crore in 2017-18 showing a As per the Survey 2018-19, there were total 348 CPSEs as on 31st March, growth in profit by 11.96%. 2019 out of which 249 were operational. Remaining 86 CPSEs Loss of 70 loss making CPSEs stood were under construction and 13 at Rs.31,635 crore in 2018-19 CPSEs were under closure or compared to Rs.32,180 crore in 2017- liquidation. 18 showing decrease in losses by 1.69 %. The highlights of the performance of CPSEs, during 2018-19 are given Overall net profit of operating CPSEs below: during 2018-19 stood at Rs. 1,42,951 Total paid up capital in all CPSEs as crore as compared to Rs. 1,23,751 crore during 2017-18 showing a on 31.3.2019 stood at Rs. 2,75,697 growth in overall profit of 15.52%. crore as compared to Rs. 2,53,977 crore as on 31.3.2018, showing a Reserves & Surplus of CPSEs stood growth of 8.55%. at Rs. 9,93,328crore as on 31.03.2019 as compared to Rs. 9,26,906 crore as Total financial investment in all on 31.03.2018, showing an increase by CPSEs stood at Rs.16,40,628 crore as 7.17%. on 31.3.2019 compared to Rs.14,31,008 crore as on 31.3.2018, Net worth of all CPSEs went from recording a growth of 14.65%. Rs.11,15,552 crore as on 31.03.2018 to Rs. 12,08,758 crore as on 31.03.2019 showing an increase of 8.36 %.
Easy to PICK31 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Contribution of CPSEs to Central Exchequer by way of excise duty, customs duty, GST, corporate tax, interest on Central Government loans, dividend and other duties and taxes stood at Rs. 3,68,803 crore in 2018-19 as against Rs. 3,52,361 crore in 2017- 18, showing an increase of 4.67%. Foreign exchange earnings of 79 CPSEs through exports of goods and services stood at Rs. 1,43,377 crore in 2018-19 against Rs. 98,714 crore in 2017-18, showing an increase of 45.24%. Foreign exchange expenditure of 144 CPSEs on imports and royalty, know- how, consultancy, interest and other expenditure stood at Rs.6,64,914crore in 2018-19 against Rs. 5,22,256crore in 2017-18 showing an increase of 27.32%.
Easy to PICK32 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for Governments have also been requested Vulnerable Sections of the population by to focus on such farmers and facilitate the Centre and States and the Performance sanction of additional credit limit/issue of these Schemes fresh KCC to them. Prelims and Mains focus: about the drive This will help all such farmers to get and its benefits; about PM-KISAN and its short term loan for crop & significance animal/fish rearing at a maximum interest of 4% on timely repayment. Context: To enable universal access to Concessional Institutional credit, All banks have been advised to have Government of India has initiated a drive separate counters for handling such in Mission Mode for saturating all PM- applications and ensure issue of fresh KISAN beneficiaries with Kisan Credit KCC; or, enhancement of the existing Card (KCC). KCC limit; or, activation of inoperative KCC account within the What is it about? shortest possible time not exceeding 14 This drive has started from 10th days from date of submission of application. February, 2020 and will be carried out for a period of 15 days. Detailed Progress of this drive will be instructions in this regard have been monitored on a daily basis by the issued to all the State/UT Govts, MDs State/UT Govt. Activities under of all banks and Chairman NABARD, Saturation drive in a district would be detailing the procedure to be followed led by the District Collector with full for coverage of PM-KISAN support of the Lead District Manager beneficiaries under KCC. and DDM, NABARD. State/UT Governments and banks have In addition to the KCC, with a view to been advised to prepare a list of all provide social security to the PM PM-KISAN beneficiaries who do not KISAN beneficiaries, eligible farmers have KCC and approach them through will also be enrolled for the Pradhan line departments of the State/UT Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana Government including Departments of (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana Panchayat & Rural Development and (PMJJBY), after obtaining their Panchayat Secretaries. Bank Sakhis consent. These schemes provide under the NRLM scheme would also accident insurance and life be used for motivating PM KISAN insurance, at a premium of Rs.12/- beneficiaries to visit the concerned and Rs.330/- respectively for an bank branches for the purpose. insured value of Rs.2 lakh in each case. As the KCC along with benefit of Interest Subvention has now been extended to animal husbandry and fisheries farmers also, State/UT
Easy to PICK33 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” State of the World's Children Report 2019 Syllabus subtopic: nutrition situation of children around Important International Institutions, the world. agencies and fora - their Structure, Efforts of Indian govt. to address Mandate. malnutrition challenges Issues Relating to Development and Government of India has launched Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human POSHAN (Prime Minister Resources. Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) Abhiyaan, to address Prelims and Mains focus: about the malnutrition challenges in India by findings of the report; govt.’s efforts to engaging all the important stakeholders in a convergent approach. The goals of eradicate malnutrition; about UNICEF POSHAN Abhiyaan is to prevent and reduce stunting, underweight Context: As per UNICEF's State of the and low birth weight by 2% per World's Children Report 2019, the annum and the reduction of anemia Under 5 Mortality Rate in India is 37 by 3% per annum. per 1,000 live births against Global average of 39 per 1,000 live births in The Government of India has also 2018, which translates to more than 8 launched several schemes under the lakhs under 5 deaths in India. aegis of Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) to Major causes of child mortality in India tackle malnutrition in the country As per the Sample Registration including Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) System (SRS) 2010-13 report of and Pradhan Mantri Matru Registrar General of India, major Vandana Yojna (PMMVY) to causes of child mortality in India are: improve the nutritional and health Prematurity & low birth weight status of children in the age-group 0- (29.8%), Pneumonia (17.1%), 6 years. The Anganwadi Services Diarrheal diseases (8.6%), Other scheme provides a package of six non-communicable diseases (8.3%), services i.e. Supplementary Nutrition, Birth asphyxia & birth trauma Pre School Non-formal Education, (8.2%), Injuries (4.6%), Congenital Nutrition and Health Education, anomalies (4.4%), Ill-defined or Immunization, Health checkups and cause unknown (4.4%), Acute referral services. bacterial sepsis and severe infections (3.6%), Fever of unknown origin In order to address child mortality and (2.5%), All Other Remaining Causes morbidity, the Government of India is (8.4%). supporting all States/UTs under National Health Mission in As per the UNICEF 2019 report, implementation of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Globalization, urbanization, Adolescent health and Nutrition inequities, humanitarian crises and climate shocks are driving unprecedented negative changes in the
Easy to PICK34 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” (RMNCAH+N) strategy, which has children with Severe Acute following interventions: Malnutrition (SAM) admitted with 1. Strengthening essential newborn care medical complications. at all delivery points, establishment of Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCU), 6. Defeat Diarrhoea (D2) initiative has Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSU) been launched for promoting ORS and and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) Zinc use and eliminating the diarrhoeal units for care of sick and small babies. deaths by 2025. 2. Home Based Newborn Care (HBNC) 7. Social Awareness and Actions to and Home-Based Care of Young Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully Children (HBYC) by ASHAs to (SAANS) initiative for reduction of improve child rearing practices and to Childhood morbidity and mortality due identify sick new-born and young to Pneumonia. children. 8. Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) 3. Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months and strategy as a part of Poshan Abhiyan appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are promoted aims to strengthen the existing under Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA) in convergence with Ministry mechanisms and foster newer of Women and Child Development. strategies to tackle anaemia, which 4. Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is being supported to provide include testing & treatment of anaemia vaccination to children against life threatening diseases such as in school going adolescents & pregnant Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, women, addressing non nutritional Rubella, Pneumonia and Meningitis caused by Haemophilus Influenzae B. causes of anaemia and a The Rotavirus vaccination has also been rolled out in the country for comprehensive communication prevention of Rota-viral diarrhoea. Mission Indradhanush is targeted to strategy. National Deworming Day immunize children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (NDD) is implemented biannually i.e. those that have not been covered during the rounds of routine every year for deworming of children immunization for various reasons. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (one to nineteen year of age). (IMI) 2.0 is rolled-out as per road-map for achieving 90% full immunization 9. All the children from 0 to 18 years of coverage across the country. age are screened for 30 health 5. Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) have been set up at public conditions classified into 4Ds - health facilities to treat and manage the Diseases, Deficiencies, Defects and Developmental delay under “Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram” (RBSK) to improve the quality of survival and to reduce out of pocket expenditure of families. District early intervention centre (DEIC) at district health facility level are established for confirmation and management of the 4D’s. 10. Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSNDs) are observed for provision of maternal and child health services and awareness on maternal and child Health and nutrition
Easy to PICK35 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” education through mass and social 1965. It is headquartered in New media to improve healthy practices and York City. to generate demand for service uptake. UNICEF has concentrated much of 11. Name based tracking of mothers and its effort in areas in which relatively children till two years of age is done small expenditures can have a through RCH portal to ensure complete significant impact on the lives of the antenatal, intranatal, postnatal care and most disadvantaged children, such as immunization as per schedule. the prevention and treatment of disease. In keeping with this strategy, 12. Promotion of Institutional deliveries UNICEF supports immunization through cash incentive under Janani programs for childhood diseases and SurakshaYojana (JSY) and Janani programs to prevent the spread of Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram HIV/AIDS; it also provides funding (JSSK) which entitles all pregnant for health services, educational women delivering in public health facilities, and other welfare services. institutions to absolutely free delivery including Caesarean section, post-natal Since 1996 UNICEF programs have care and treatment of sick infants up to been guided by the Convention on one year of age. Pradhan Mantri the Rights of the Child (1989), which Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) affirms the right of all children to “the is another maternity benefit enjoyment of the highest attainable programme under which cash incentive standard of health and to facilities for is provided to pregnant women and the treatment of illness and lactating mothers. rehabilitation of health.” UNICEF’s activities are financed by both About UNICEF government and private UNICEF, acronym of United Nations contributions. Children’s Fund, formerly (1946–53) United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, is a special program of the United Nations (UN) devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of children. After 1950 the fund directed its efforts toward general programs for the improvement of children’s welfare, particularly in less-developed countries and in various emergency situations. The organization’s broader mission was reflected in the name it adopted in 1953, the United Nations Children’s Fund. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace in
Easy to PICK36 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” World Population Prospects Report 2019 Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to govt. schemes to control population Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Context: The population of India is Education, Human Resources. expected to exceed that of China around 2027 as per World Population Prospects Prelims and Mains focus: about the 2019 Report published by the United report and India specific findings; about Nations. As per Census 2011, the country’s study the impact of various Decadal Growth Rate was 17.7% awareness programmes being conducted. The Government conducts periodic surveys viz. the National Family The key findings of the surveys are as Health Survey (NFHS) and the follows: Sample Registration System (SRS) to
Easy to PICK37 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 1. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has 4. Dedicated RMNCH+A declined from 2.9 in 2005 to 2.2 in counselors have been appointedin 2017 (SRS). facilities since 2013. 2. The Wanted Fertility Rate has 5. Clinical Outreach Teams (COT) declined from 1.9 in NFHS III to 1.8 in Scheme - The scheme has been NFHS IV. launched in 146 Mission Parivar Vikas districts w.e.f December 2017 for 3. The Crude Birth Rate (CBR) has providing family planning services declined from 23.8 to 20.2 from 2005 through mobile teams from accredited to 2017 (SRS). organizations in far-flung, underserved and geographically difficult areas. 4. The Teenage Birth Rate has halved from 16% (NFHS III) to 8% (NFHS 6. Scheme for Home delivery of IV). contraceptives by ASHAs at doorstep of beneficiaries launched in August 5. 99.5 percent currently married men and 2011. women have knowledge about any modern method of contraception 7. Scheme for ASHAs to Ensure (NFHS IV). spacing in births launched on 16th May 2012-The scheme is being Details of Schemes to reduce population implemented in 18 states of the growth: country (8 EAG, 8 North East, Gujarat 1. Mission Parivar Vikas- The and Haryana). Additionally the spacing component has been approved in West Government has launched Mission Bengal, Karnataka, AndhraPradesh, Parivar Vikas on 10th November 2016 Telangana, Punjab, Maharashtra, for substantially increasing access to Daman Diu and Dadra and Nagar contraceptives and family planning Haveli. services in146 high fertility districts with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3 8. Scheme for provision of Pregnancy and above in seven high focus states. Testing Kits in the drug kits of These districts are from the states of ASHAs for use in communities. The Uttar Pradesh (57), Bihar (37), Scheme was introduced in 2013. Rajasthan (14), Madhya Pradesh (25), Chhattisgarh (2), Jharkhand (9) and 9. Compensation scheme for Assam (2) that itself constitutes 44% of the country’s population. sterilization acceptors - Under the 2. New Contraceptive Choices- New scheme MoHFW provides contraceptives viz. Injectable contraceptive (Antara program) and compensation for loss of wages to the Centchroman (Chhaya) have been added to the existing basket of choices beneficiary and also to the service in 2015-16. provider (& team) for conducting 3. A new method of IUCD insertion immediately after delivery i.e. post- sterilizations. The package was partum IUCD (PPIUCD) has been introduced in 2010. PPIUCD incentive enhanced in November 2014 for 11 scheme has been operational w.e.f 01.01.2014. high focus high TFR states (8 EAG, Assam, Gujarat, Haryana), and further increased in November 2016 under Mission Parivar Vikas.
Easy to PICK38 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 10. Observation of World Population distribution of family planning Day & fortnightfrom July 11 - July 24 commodities across all the levels of to boost Family Planning efforts all health facilities. over the country. 11. Observation of Vasectomy Fortnight from November 21 - December 4 in an effort to enhance male participation and revitalize the NSV programme, whereby male sterilization services would be provided to clients at health facilities. 12. Improved Demand generation activities through a holistic media campaignincluding mass media, mid media and inter personal communication. 13. Redesigned Contraceptive Packaging - The packaging for Condoms, OCPs and ECPs has been improved and redesigned since 2015 in order to increase the demand for these commodities. 14. Ensuring quality of care in Family Planning services by establishing Quality Assurance Committees in all states and districts. 15. National Family Planning Indemnity Scheme (NFPIS) under which clients are insured in the eventualities of death, complication and failure following sterilization.The scheme was introduced in 2005 and implemented through an insurance company. It was revised in 2013 and is now being operated by the state governments directly with NHM funding. 16. Family Planning Logistic Management and Information System (FP-LMIS): A dedicated software launched in 2017, to ensure smooth forecasting, procurement and
Easy to PICK39 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act 2019 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies 1. has been a Judge of the Supreme and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of Court, or their Design and Implementation. 2. a Chief Justice or Judge of a High Court, or 3. an eminent person, having special Prelims and Mains focus: about the new knowledge and experience in the Act and its key features conduct or administration of arbitration, to be appointed by the Context: The Arbitration and Central Government in Conciliation Act, 1996, was amended by consultation with the Chief Justice the Arbitration and Conciliation of India. (Amendment) Act, 2015 in order to make arbitration process user friendly, cost Besides, it will also have two Full- effective and ensure speedy disposal and time Members from amongst eminent neutrality of arbitrators. arbitration practitioners and academicians. Arbitration and Conciliation In addition, one representative of a (Amendment) Act 2019 recognized body of commerce and To give a boost to institutional, industry shall be nominated on arbitration vis-a-vis ad hoc arbitration rotational basis as a Part-time and to remove some practical difficulties Member. in applicability of the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act, 2015, The Secretary, Department of Legal the Government has recently amended Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice; the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, Secretary, Department of Expenditure, 1996 by the Arbitration and Conciliation Ministry of Finance and Chief (Amendment) Act 2019. Certain Executive Officer, ACI will be ex- provisions of the Amendment Act have officio Members. been enforced w.e.f 30.08.2019. What does the Amendment Act Section 43M of the Act provides for the propose? Secretariat to the Council consisting of The Amendment Act inter-alia seeks to such number of officers and employees as insert a new Part 1A to the Act of 1996 may be prescribed by the Central for the establishment and incorporation Government. of an independent body namely, the Arbitration Council of India (ACI) for Functions of ACI the purpose of grading of arbitral Its functions include: institutions and accreditation of arbitrators, etc. i. Framing policies for grading arbitral institutions and accrediting arbitrators. Composition of the ACI ii. Making policies for the establishment, As per section 43C of the Act, ACI will operation and maintenance of uniform be will be headed by a Chairperson, who
Easy to PICK40 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” professional standards for all alternate Completion of written dispute redressal matters submissions: Previously, there was no time limit to file written submissions iii. Maintaining a depository of arbitral before an arbitral tribunal. The Act awards (judgments) made in India and requires that the written claim and the abroad. defence to the claim in an arbitration proceeding, should be completed within Appointment of arbitrators: six months of the appointment of the arbitrators. i. Under the Act, the Supreme Court and High Courts may now designate Confidentiality of proceedings: The Act arbitral institutions, which parties provides that all details of arbitration can approach for the appointment of proceedings will be kept confidential arbitrators. except for the details of the arbitral award in certain circumstances. ii. For international commercial Disclosure of the arbitral award will only arbitration, appointments will be be made where it is necessary for made by the institution designated by implementing or enforcing the award. the Supreme Court. iii. For domestic arbitration, appointments will be made by the institution designated by the concerned High Court. iv. In case there are no arbitral institutions available, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court may maintain a panel of arbitrators to perform the functions of the arbitral institutions. v. An application for appointment of an arbitrator is required to be disposed of within 30 days. Relaxation of time limits: Under the 1996 Act, arbitral tribunals are required to make their award within a period of 12 months for all arbitration proceedings. The 2019 Act seeks to remove this time restriction for international commercial arbitrations. It adds that tribunals must endeavour to dispose off international arbitration matters within 12 months.
Easy to PICK41 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Conference on Combating Drug Trafficking Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and In the changing drug trafficking Global Groupings and Agreements scenario, Asian countries are involving India and/or affecting India’s increasingly being affected by drug interests. trafficking and BIMSTEC, being the Prelims and Mains focus: about the key link between South Asian and conference; role of BIMSTEC in South East Asian Nations is one of combating drug trafficking; about NCB the most effective platforms to tackle Context: Union Minister for Home Affairs this global threat. would be inaugurating the two-day ‘Conference on Combating Drug Regional maritime connectivity and Trafficking’ for BIMSTEC (Bay of trade through the Bay of Bengal are Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral imperative for the shared prosperity Technical and Economic Cooperation) and economic growth of the entire Partner Nations, in New Delhi. BIMSTEC region. About the conference In pursuance of the commitment of PM However, while providing unhindered maritime access, security challenges at Modi during the 4th BIMSTEC sea and coastlines are a threat. One of summit held at Kathmandu in 2018, the most prominent of such Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is challenges is the drug trafficking organizing the conference. through sea. It is believed that this platform will provide the opportunity to all the It necessitates collaborative efforts at member nations to deliberate on the sea, including further strengthening of increased threats posed by drug effective coordination in operations trafficking and the collective steps and information sharing amongst that are required to negate the threats partner nations, to combat this menace. by learning from the best practices The recent seizures of adopted by member countries. Methamphetamine (1156 kgs and 371 Delegations from each BIMSTEC kgs) by NCB establish the fact that Nation have been invited to participate Bay of Bengal region is impegnerated in the conference. Further, various with the drug trafficking menace. Central and State drug law enforcement agencies of India and About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) other stakeholders have also been NCB is the apex agency for exercising invited. powers and functions of the Central Government under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and is also the nodal Role of BIMSTEC in combating drug agency for matters pertaining to trafficking drug law enforcement in India. The BIMSTEC is a regional It coordinates the actions taken by various agencies of Central and State organization comprising seven Governments related to drug law Member States lying in the littoral enforcement in the country and matters and adjacent areas of the Bay of pertaining to drug abuse. Bengal i.e. Bangladesh, Bhutan, NCB is also the nodal agency of the Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Government of India at the Thailand besides India, constituting a international level in all matters contiguous regional unity. pertaining to Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances.
Easy to PICK42 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Apiary on Wheels Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies ways so as to make this process more and Interventions for Development in easy and less laborious. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. About `Apiary on Wheels` initiative 1. Apiary on Wheels is a platform which Prelims and Mains focus: about the initiative and its benefits; about KVIC can carry 20 Bee Boxes from one place to another without any Context: ‘Apiary on Wheels’, a unique difficulty. Two large wheels on either concept designed by KVIC for the easy side of the Apiary on Wheels and 4 upkeep and migration of Bee Boxes separate compartments with having live Bee colonies, was flagged off independent doors, having 5 bee boxes by the Union Minister of Micro, Small & each help the platform to remain intact Medium Enterprises (MSME). without disturbing the live bee colonies. Background Aligned with the vision of Prime Minister, 2. The Apiary on Wheels is also KVIC launched Honey Mission in 2017 connected with a solar panel system and has been training beekeepers, which automatically triggers a fan distributing Bee Boxes and helping inside the compartment as soon as the rural, educated but unemployed youth temperature reaches 35 degree to earn extra income through beekeeping centigrade or above. activities, at their doorstep. 3. Not only this, the Apiary on Wheels What is an apiary? also has sugar drips which helps to An apiary (also known as a bee yard) is a feed the bees in the summer season. location where beehives of honey bees are kept. Apiaries come in many sizes and 4. The Apiary on Wheels is like an can be rural or urban depending on the attachment which can be easily honey production operation. Furthermore, connected with a Tractor or a an apiary may refer to a hobbyist's hives or Trolley and may be pulled to any those used for commercial or educational suitable destination. usage. It can also be a wall-less, roofed structure, similar to a gazebo which houses 5. Specially, in summers, the beekeepers hives. usually adopted crude methods to feed the bees and many bees used to die in Need for building apiaries the process. This concept of migration, Bee keeping involves laborious and cooling with the help of solar panels mentally challenging tasks such as and sugar drips with zero risk to the placing the bee boxes in a strategic lives of bees, will prevent any position so as to provide enough nectar damages to the bee boxes or bee from flowers to the bees, maintaining the colonies and help produce quality bees during summers and migrating the honey. bee boxes accordingly to fulfil the nourishment needs of the bees etc. KVIC 6. As a pilot project the Apiary on has been continuously evolving new Wheels will be placed near the mustard farms near the Delhi border under the
Easy to PICK43 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” supervision of local bee keepers and KVIC and after successful implementation the concept will be replicated on a mass scale across India. Benefits 1. Apiary on Wheels will make the migration easy, the maintenance easy, easy feeding of bees and it will also help the bees to sustain even in extreme summers. 2. Apiary on wheels is a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by the beekeepers. It is designed so as to reduce the labour and cost of maintaining and upkeeping Bee Boxes and live bee colonies across India. 3. This is an example of ‘out of the box thinking’ which KVIC has adopted to benefit maximum number of people in India and help generate livelihood at the doorsteps.
Easy to PICK44 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” EK Bharat Shrestha Bharat Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for Districts in annual programmes that Vulnerable Sections of the population by will connect people through exchanges the Centre and States and the Performance in areas of culture, tourism, language, of these Schemes education trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity Prelims and Mains focus: about the of a much larger number of States/UTs initiative and its objectives while realising that India is one. Context: The Department of Sports Objectives of Ek Bharat Shreshtha organised Nine events in the month of Bharat January 2020 under the Ek Bharat The broad objectives of the initiative are as Shreshtha Bharat Programme (EBSB) in follows:- various parts of the country to promote the To CELEBRATE the Unity in spirit of National integration through sports. Diversity of our Nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of About Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our Country programme “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was PROMOTE the spirit of national announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister integration through a deep and structured engagement between all on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion Indian States and Union Territories through a year-long planned of the 140th birth anniversary of engagement between States Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17. Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of To SHOWCASE the rich heritage and culture, customs and traditions of the culture, traditions and practices of either State for enabling people to understand and appreciate the diversity different States & UTs will lead to an that is India, thus fostering a sense of common identity enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India. TO ESTABLISH long-term All States and UTs will be covered engagements and under the programme. There will be pairing of States/UTs at national level TO CREATE an environment which and these pairings will be in effect for promotes learning between States by one year, or till the next round of sharing best practices and experiences. pairings. The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for state level activities. District level pairings would be independent of the State level pairings. The activity will be very useful to link various States and
Easy to PICK45 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Conference on Policy Framework for Skilling of Women and Children Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies aspirations and abilities of India’s and Interventions for Development in youth. various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation. Currently roughly 10% founders in the Indian startup industry are Prelims and Mains focus: about the females. Again, India has the second- conference and its highlights; need to skill largest artificial intelligence (AI) women workforce but only 22 per cent of roles filled by women. Context: The Ministries of Women & Child Development (WCD) and Skill Need for Skilling of women Development & Entrepreneurship are Since women participation in the partnering to enable and empower the women and youth of India with skilling labour force for India is low at 17.5 in every segment where India is percent, skill development becomes competent to make a mark said the Union critical for women empowerment as Minister of WCD and Textiles in New it has positive correlation not only with Delhi at the inaugural session of the day better economic opportunities but also long national Conference on Policy overall with social recognition, Framework for Skilling of Women and confidence and financial independence. Children being held in the city. While Government’s skill About the conference The conference will discuss issues like programmes, both short term and long strengthening skill and entrepreneurship landscape for women, promoting skills in term, through Industrial Training traditional and non-traditional sectors, creating a secured environment for Institutes (ITIs) do not discriminate breaking the glass ceiling and promoting entrepreneurship for children from CCIs, against women in terms of women and special individuals. participation, we need dedicated India’s labour force India’s demographic dividend, where interventions to make the overall skill 65 percent of the population is in the ecosystem more responsive and working age group of 29 years, gives an opportunity for India to be the friendly for the female participants. skill capital of the world. To harness India’s advantage in human capital the According to the sixth economic Skill India Mission envisions census (2013-14), 14% or 8.05 translating India’s demographic million establishments were owned advantage into productivity dividend by women in India. To enable by enabling jobs and entrepreneurial breaking of the glass ceiling, women opportunities in sync with the should feel safe, secure and free to pursue their passion. Government of India has taken a comprehensive view of providing security to women transcending beyond physical security to cover aspects related to healthcare, social empowerment (through Swachh Vidyalaya, Ujjwala), differentiated financial incentives to working women
Easy to PICK46 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” and dedicated interventions to educate disadvantaged sections including the girl child. children from the Child Care Institutions which currently house 3.7 From an economic point of view, the Lakh children living in 9500 institutions and differently-abled glass ceiling can be broken by individuals especially women. facilitating increase in the number of hours spent by women on the job, and including them in higher-productivity sectors. There is a need to make the grassroots aware of the above Government initiatives and continuously improve the implementation of these initiatives to effect a mind-set change for accelerating the gender parity movement. The ecosystem for short and long term skilling can also look at innovative ways like providing child care facilities for women participants to make it more responsive to their needs. Conclusion We are in the midst of the Industrial Revolution (IR) 4.0 and the economies that will succeed in this revolution will be those that are able to realize the full potential of their human capital. India with its robust start-up ecosystem and leading technology sector has the opportunity to be one of the leaders in IR 4.0. The country could add up to USD 770 billion—more than 18%—to its GDP by 2025, simply by giving equal opportunities to women, according to a report by the McKinsey Global Institute. Channelizing the available female talent for the new age economy is therefore quintessential to realize the full potential of human capital. The inclusion agenda of the Government of India entails creating opportunities for the traditionally
Easy to PICK47 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Kashi Mahakal Express Syllabus subtopic: Infrastructure: Energy, 1131 km between Varanasi and Indore Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. via Lucknow and a distance of 1102 Prelims and Mains focus: about the key features of the train and its route km between Varanasi and Indore via Context: After the successful run of the Prayagraj (Allahabad) in Tejas Express trains operating on the Lucknow-Delhi and Ahmedabad-Mumbai approximately 19 hours. routes, Indian Railways is going to start operation of the third corporate Kashi Mahakal Express will be the passenger train - Kashi Mahakal first passenger train of its own kind Express. which promises to be a full service overnight journey train with high Details of the new train levels of on-board services It will connect religious places of the complemented with exclusive optional tour packages for the passengers state of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar covering the religious, business as Pradesh. Kashi Mahakal Express will well as tourism sites of the states of be inaugurated on 16th February, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. 2020 followed by routine commercial Being its first long distance overnight run from 20th February 2020 onwards. journey train, Indian Railways’ PSU The inaugural run of the train will be IRCTC has geared up to provide a host flagged off from Varanasi by PM of facilities and services to the Modi through video link. passengers on-board including high quality vegetarian food, on-board The superfast fully air-conditioned bedrolls and housekeeping services and passenger train to be operated by on-board security services. Indian Railway Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCRC) will connect Giving due respect to the religious three Jyotirlinga – Omkareshwar (Near Indore), Mahakaleshwar sentiments of the travelling passengers (Ujjain) and Kashi Vishwanath (Varanasi) besides also connecting the and offer them with a value addition industrial and educational hub of Indore and Bhopal the capital of for various religious places and Madhya Pradesh. tourism sites covered by Kashi The train will operate thrice a week between Varanasi and Indore: once via Mahakal Express, IRCTC is making Prayagraj (Allahabad) and twice via Lucknow. The route of the train will be tour packages of cities and religious via Sultanpur - Lucknow/Prayagraj – Kanpur – Jhansi - Bina - Sant sites covered by the train such as Hiradnagar – Ujjain - Indore and back. The train will cover a total distance of Kashi, Omkareshwar, Mahakaleshwar, Bhopal, Sanchi, Ujjain, Bhimbetka, Ayodhya and Prayag.
Easy to PICK48 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” World PetroCoal Congress Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies economy by 2024, requires a gradual and Interventions for Development in and measured energy transition by various sectors and Issues arising out of deploying all sources of energy. their Design and Implementation. The contours of India’s energy Prelims and Mains focus: about India’s transition are also changing fast in sync efforts at achieving renewable energy with global challenges and target: need of the hour opportunities. Winds of change are evident in the global energy arena. Context: The 10th World PetroCoal Energy sources, energy supply and Congress was held in New Delhi on 15-02- energy consumption patterns are 2020. changing rapidly. In India’s pursuit to navigate energy transition, it is natural Introduction that it will take advantage of unique Future of India’s energy sector will be synergies that exist within the country. noticeably different from its current avatar, to be driven by new technology and Equally, govt. efforts will be guided by business models. The government is India’s global commitments be it under encouraging the oil & gas companies to UN Sustainable Development Goals develop extensive and qualitative (SDGs) of 2030 or those under Paris engagement with Indian technology and Climate Summit. research institutions of excellence. Seven Indian oil & gas PSUs joined with IIT The government's approach to energy Bombay in 2019 to set up a Centre of policy is based on energy access, Excellence in oil, gas and energy. Energy energy sustainability, energy transition currently underway can become affordability, energy efficiency and more manageable only if proactive energy security. All these five enablers measures are set in motion. Digital will deliver energy justice to the technologies are transforming the energy people. sector in a profound manner. Industrial Revolution 4.0 is truly at our door step. Need of the hour Indian energy companies will have to To move away from the crude price as quickly adopt and adapt these technologies at a faster pace. We need to create more the basis for determining the LNG innovative platforms in India for price. Global gas production and convergence of leading global technology markets have witnessed significant leaders in the energy sector. restructuring during the last few years. Global supply of LNG is increasing at India’s energy transition a rapid pace, and globally LNG prices There is a need to achieve the twin are coming down significantly. It is time for Indian companies to take a objectives of more energy relook at the term-contracts with major availability at an affordable price LNG suppliers. and less carbon through a healthy mix of all commercially-viable Building sustainable energy energy sources. India’s target to infrastructure that can cater to the transform India to a USD 5 trillion energy needs of all citizens. India is
Easy to PICK49 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” expected to become the largest energy 5. SATAT (Sustainable Alternative consumer surpassing US and China, in the next decade or so. Towards Affordable To transfor India into a gas-based Transportation), an important economy, The biggest game changer to bring about greater environmental initiative of the government targets to sustainability and flexibility in India’s energy system is through rapid setup 5000 compressed biogas plants deployment of natural gas. It would serve as a transition fuel in our mostly by private entrepreneurs who country. Tur Government is working towards increasing the share of gas are assured price and offtake guarantee from 6.2% to 15% in the energy mix by 2030. There is an estimated by Oil marketing companies. These investment of 60 billion US dollars being lined up in the sector, developing plants will not only help tackle the a ‘one Nation one Gas Grid’, cross- country pipelines, rapid expansion of problem of agricultural waste the LNG infrastructure in the country, City Gas Distribution (CGD) network burning but also increase farmers expanding to cover more than 70 % of the country’s population, covering 407 earnings. districts spread across 28 States and Union Territories. Conclusion India is now leading the global movement Efforts in promotion of alternative fuels in embracing renewable energy sources. 1. Alternative fuels like ethanol and bio- The country has an ambitious plan to increase renewable energy capacity to diesel is on high priority in the energy over 175 GW by 2022 and up to 450 GW mix. India is on its way to meet the subsequently. There is a need to create target of 20% blending of ethanol in new models of business and governance petrol and 5% blending of bio-diesel by leveraging technology. Innovative in diesel by 2030. thinking, development of new tools and technology is the need of the hour. At the 2. India is advancing its collaboration same time an active commitment to the with countries such as Brazil and US environment by way of continuous to improve blending technologies in improvement in energy efficiency is transport sector. required. 3. Oil marketing companies have invested over Rs 32,000 crore to upgrade their refinery processes to produce BS –VI grade fuel. 4. Given the abundance of biomass in the country, the use of Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) will be promoted in a big way in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years.
Easy to PICK50 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 13th COP to the Convention on Migratory Species Syllabus subtopic: Conservation, CMS COP13 is of particular Environmental Pollution and Degradation, significance to India, which is known Environmental Impact Assessment. for its rich biodiversity and is one of the seven mega diverse countries in the Prelims and Mains focus: about the world. conference; about CMS and its significance for India; about Central Asian India has four biodiversity hotspots flyway – Eastern Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo Myanmar landscape and Context:The 13th Conference of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Parties to the Convention on Migratory home to as many as 500 species of Species kicked off in Gandhinagar in the migratory birds from across the globe presence of senior government officials, including snow leopard, Amur environment advocates, activists, falcons, bar headed Geese, black researchers and biodiversity leaders from necked cranes, marine turtles, as many as 130 countries. dugongs, humpbacked whales, etc. About the conference In India’s role as the COP President The Convention on Migratory in the next three years, it will look at conserving the Central Asian Flyway. Species is the only multilateral treaty To achieve this, India has prepared a dedicated to addressing the needs of National Action Plan. India is keen to migratory species and their habitats facilitate action plans of other on a global scale. The conference will countries in this regard and aims at set in motion actions needed to better taking conservation to a new paradigm protect migratory species that rely on with active cooperation from all. multilateral cooperation for their survival. As President, India shall also look at strengthening cooperation with The Conference kicks off “Super Year ASEAN countries for Indo-Pacific for Environment”, which will include activities and conservation of marine a UN Summit in September and biodiversity. India has launched the culminate in the UN Biodiversity Marine Turtle Policy and Marine Conference at the end of 2020, when Standing Policy to address pollution a new global biodiversity strategy for caused by micro-plastics in the marine the next decade will be adopted - the ecosystem. Other areas that will be Post-2020 Global Biodiversity under focus include trans-boundary Framework. cooperation, establishment of eco- development committees etc. Significance for India India assumed COP Presidency for Conclusion Migratory species of wild animals the next three years with a focus on Collaborative Approach to tackle move from one habitat to another Biodiversity Issues. during different times of the year, due
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