Monthly Pib February 2020

Easy to PICK51 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” to various factors such as food, part of our ethos to protect all animals sunlight, temperature, climate, etc. and natural life on earth. The movement between habitats, can sometimes exceed thousands of  COP13 comes at a critical time for kilometers/miles for some migratory wildlife conservation, with continued birds and mammals. downward trends of habitat loss and species decline.  A migratory route will typically have nesting sites, breeding sites, availability of preferred food and requires the availability of suitable habitat before and after each migration.  Migratory birds, mammals and aquatic species are increasingly in danger on their migration routes and countries need to work together to protect them. For India, caring about these species is

Easy to PICK52 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 3rd High Level Global Conference on Road Safety Syllabus subtopic: Important the United Nation’s goal set under the UN Decade of Action of reducing International Institutions, agencies and road crashes by 2030. fora - their Structure, Mandate. Prelims and Mains focus: about the  Most developing countries, conference and its significance particularly the South Asian and the South East Asian Region, including Context: India will be represented at the India, are expected to focus on certain “3rd High Level Global Conference on specific issues and challenges facing Road Safety for Achieving Global Goals them on account of a significant 2030” by the Union Minister for Road number of their motorised vehicles Transport & Highways and MSMEs. consisting of two-wheelers. A large proportion of fatalities and injuries Objective of the conference in these countries are accounted for 1. to bring road safety on the global by that segment of their population which use motorised and also non- agenda motorised two-wheelers. Union Road 2. renew the world community’s Transport & Highways Minister had also signed the Brasilia Declaration commitment to safer roads on behalf of India at the 2nd High Level Global Conference on Traffic Highlights of the conference Safety in 2015, which committed the  The conference, a follow up of the 2nd world community to reducing the number of deaths in road accidents. High Level Global Conference on “Traffic Safety-Time of Results” in Conclusion 2015 in Brazil, is being organised in The United Nations, which has included active collaboration with World Road Safety as part of the Sustainable Bank, World Health Organisation Development Goals, has appealed to the (WHO) and other agencies who are global community to reaffirm their assisting it by way of strengthening the commitment to reducing mortality arising capabilities of various institutions, out of road crashes and join hands for enhancing awareness and improving making the world a safer place. engineering designs for safer roads.  A significant highlight of the conference will be sharing of the expertise by the nations which have gained experience in road safety management with those who are behind in the learning curve. Emphasis will also be on adopting best practices that are emerging in different parts of the world.  Leaders from participating countries will draw up a road-map for reaching

Easy to PICK53 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Kala Kumbh: Handicrafts Thematic Exhibition Syllabus subtopic: issues relating to embroidery, Jodhpur terracota, Jaipur Intellectual Property Rights. handprinted textile, bronze casting, Medinipur mat weaving, Birbhum Prelims and Mains focus: about the artistic leather and Khurdah palm leaf exhibition and handicrafts displayed; about engraving are being displayed. GI certification and its significance  In Mumbai exhibition GI crafts like Context: With an objective to promote Chittoor kalamkari painting, Thrissur Geographical Indication (GI) crafts and screwpine crafts, Pokharan terracotta heritage of India the Ministry of Textiles crafts, Kutch embroidery & crochet is organising Kala Kumbh - Handicrafts crafts, Pingla patachitra, Birbhum Thematic Exhibition in various parts of kantha embroidery, Jajpur photachitra the country through the Office of painting, Madhubani Mithila painting, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). Kolhapur chappal, Palghar Worli painting, Kondagaon wrought iron About the exhibition craft, Agate stone crafts and Krishna  The exhibitions are planned in various handblock printing are being displayed. major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The exhibitions About GI tag sponsored by Export Promotion  The GI tag is used on handicrafts Council for Handicrafts (EPCH) started on 14th February, 2020 and will which correspond to a specific continue till 23rd February 2020 at geographical location or origin (e.g., Bengaluru and Mumbai and will also a town, region, or country). be organized in Kolkata and Chennai in March 2020.  As on August 2019, 178 GI handicraft products were registered  During the 10 day exhibitions, the from all over India. The artisans are visitors will be able to see a wide the backbone of Indian handicraft variety of handicrafts and by buying sector and possess inherent skill, these handicrafts they can directly technical and traditional craftsmanship. contribute in the improvement of the livelihood of these artisans and also create awareness of the rich heritage of the country. GI handicrafts in the exhibition  In Bengaluru exhibition, GI crafts like Mysore rosewood inlay, Channapatna lacquerware, Dharwad kasuti embroidery, Kolhapur chappal, Bidriware, Molakalmur handblock printing, Ananthapur leather puppet, Thrissur screwpine, Vishakapatna lacquerware, Sandur lambani

Easy to PICK54 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Syllabus subtopic: Indian Culture -  Continuous fight with Aurangzeb Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and Architecture from ancient to modern  Shaishta khan captured Poona but times. Shivaji reclaimed it Prelims and Mains focus: about Shivaji and his administration  Aurangzeb sent Raja jai Singh of Context: PM Modi paid tributes to Amber, who besieged Purander Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, on his fort → Treaty of Purander, 1665 Jayanti today (19 Feb).  Treaty of Purander → Shivaji About Shivaji (1627 - 1680) surrendered 23 / 35 forts to Mughals &  Born at Shivner (Father: Shahji said to be loyal to Mughal empire Bhosale, Mother: Jija Bai)  In 1674, Shivaji recaptured all his  Inherited Jagir of Poona from his father lost territory & crowned himself at Raigarh assuming the title of in 1637 Chhtrapati. Administration King was at the centre of the administration, led by Council Of Ministers called “Astapradhan”  Peshwa -- Finance & General administrator (Later became PM)  Amatya -- Accountant General  Sar- i - Naubat / Senapati -- Military commander  Waqnavis -- Intelligence & Household affairs  Sachiv -- Correspondence  Sumanta -- Master of ceremonies  Nyayadhish -- Chief Justice  Pandit Rao -- Charities & Religious admin  Appointed his own revenue official “Karkuns” diminishing the power of existing Deshmukhs & Kulkarnis Taxes From neighboring kingdoms of Mughals & Deccan.  Chauth:- 1 / 4 of the land revenue to Marathas (for not attacking them & keeping safe)  Deshmukhis:- levy of 1/10 on lands Marathas claimed hereditary rights (Maratha land)

Easy to PICK55 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Important events in Shivaji’s Life ruling attributes of valour and 1. Conquest of Torana: It was the first determination at the age of 16. This fort captures by Shivaji as Chieftain of conquest drives him to capture another like Marathas which led the foundation of his Raigarh and Pratapgarh. Due these

Easy to PICK56 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” conquests, the Sultan of Bijapur was get panic and he put Shahji, Shivaji’s father in prison. In AD 1659, Shivaji again tried to attack Bijapur then the Sultan of Bijapur sent his general, Afzal Khan, to capture Shivaji. But Shivaji was manage to escape and killed him with a deadly weapon called Baghnakh or tiger’s claw. Finally, in 1662, the Sultan of Bijapur made peace treaty with Shivaji and made him as an independent ruler of his conquered territories. 2. Conquest of Kondana fort: It was under the control of Nilkanth Rao. It was fought between Tanaji Malusare, a commander of Maratha ruler Shivaji and Udaybhan Rathod, fortkeeper under Jai Singh I. 3. Coronation of Shivaji: In AD 1674, Shivaji declared himself as independent ruler of Maratha Kingdom and crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigarh. His coronation symbolises the rise of people who challenges the legacy of Mughal’s. After the coronation, he gets the title of ‘Haidava Dharmodharka’ (Protector of Hindu faith) of newly formed state of Hindavi Swarajya. This coronation gives legitimate right to collect land revenue and levy tax on the people. 4. Alliance with Qutub Shahi rulers Golconda: With the help of this alliance, he led the campaign into Bijapur Karanataka (AD 1676-79) and conquered Gingee (Jingi), Vellore and many forts in Karnataka.

Easy to PICK57 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Syllabus subtopic: Appointment to have the rank of a Secretary to the various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Government of India. Functions and Responsibilities of various Functions Constitutional Bodies. Constitution of India under Clause (5) of Article 338A has assigned the following Prelims and Mains focus: about NCST: duties and functions to the Commission: composition and functions 1. To investigate and monitor all matters relating to the safeguards provided for Context: The Union Minister for Tribal the Schedule Tribes under the Affairs inaugurated the function to Constitution or under any other law for celebrate 16th Foundation Day of the time being in force or under any National Commission for Scheduled order of the Government and to Tribes (NCST) organised by National evaluate the working of such Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) safeguards. in Delhi. 2. To inquire into specific complaints with respect to the deprivation of rights About NCST and safeguards of the Scheduled It was set up with effect from 19th Tribes. February, 2004 by amending Article 338 3. To participate and advice in the and by inserting a new article 338A in planning process of socio-economic the Constitution through the Constitution development of the Scheduled Tribes (89th Amendment Act, 2003 which inter- and to evaluate the progress of their alia enjoins upon the Commission to development under the Union and any oversee the implementation of various State. safeguards provided to Scheduled 4. To present to the President, annually Tribes under the Constitution or under and at such other times as the any other law for time being in force or Commission may deem fit, report upon under any other order to the Govt. and to the working of those safeguards. evaluate the working of such 5. To make in such reports, safeguards. recommendations as to the measures that should be taken by the Union or Composition: The Commission comprise any State for effective implementation a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and of those safeguards and other measures three full time members (including one for the protection, welfare and socio- female member). economic development of the  The term of office Chairperson, Vice Scheduled Tribes. 6. To discharge such other function in Chairperson and Members of NCST is relation to the protection, welfare and three years from the date of development and advancement of the assumption of charge. Scheduled Tribes as the President may  The Chairperson has been given the subject to the provisions of any law rank of Union Cabinet Ministries, the made by Parliament by rule specify. Vice Chairperson have the rank of a Minister of State and other Members

Easy to PICK58 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” RailMadad Portal Syllabus subtopic: E-governance- subsumes over 15 Helplines, thereby applications, models, successes, giving the customers the comfort of a limitations, and potential single Helplines for all needs. Non- smart phone users can call 139 * to talk Prelims and Mains focus: about the to call centre executives directly, who portal and its features guides him/her in lodging grievance. It is also possible to lodge a complaint Context: RailMadad, the grievance through IVRS (Interactive Voice Response System). This facility is redressal portal of Indian Railways, has available in 12 languages. been awarded Silver under Category II of 3. Ease of Registering complaints: National e-Governance Awards – RailMadad is linked with Railways’ “Excellence in providing Citizen-centric existing ticketing systems like PRS & Delivery”. NTES. Hence journey details of passengers are automatically fetched About the event when passenger enters PNR details, making complaint registration process  This award was conferred during the simpler and easy. 23rdNational Conference on e- Governance which was held in Mumbai on 7-8th Feb, 2020.  To recognize and promote excellence 4. Delayering - Redressal on fast forward: RailMadad is linked with in implementation of e-Governance NTES. So, complaint goes automatically to the concerned field initiatives, Department of unit, which accelerates grievance redressal. Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) presents National e-Governance Awards every year. DARPG received more than 500 nominations, out which 20 5. Accountability: For every registered grievance, the complainant gets a projects were selected for e- unique CRN (complaint reference number), using which one can check Governance Awards in six categories. the status of one’s grievance. After closure of complaint, customer gets an About the portal sms with a link to give his feedback on RailMadad adds to ‘ease of living’ of the quality of redressal. Railway customers in the following ways: 6. Citizen empowerment: RailMadad 1. Convergence & Integration: incorporates citizen charter RailMadad is now the single portal for commitment of Indian Railways. grievance, inquiry and assistance, for all railway customers – passenger, freight & parcel. Customers can also give their suggestions on RailMadad. 2. Ease of Access: Customers can access RailMadad through RailMadad no. 139, Web, App, SMS, Social media & Manual Dak. RailMadad no. 139 itself

Easy to PICK59 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Organic Food Festival for Women Entrepreneurs Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies  Ministry of FPI will showcase and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of achievements of women their Design and Implementation. entrepreneurs through this festival. Prelims and Mains focus: about the event and its significance; about organic Food and Beverage industry in India is potential in India; about APEDA fifth largest sector in manufacturing Context: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries inaugurating the 3- and that, India has the highest number day long organic festival in New Delhi. of organic producers in the world. Need for such events There is a need for providing such  Spread over an area of 6000 sqms of platforms on regular basis for financial inclusion and empowerment of women. space, this is the first such event The Government is planning to hold Organic food festivals more frequently and where 180+ women entrepreneurs in different parts of the country depending on unique organic products of particular and self-help groups are participating region. from over 25 States and Union About the event  The Organic Food Festival for Women Territories with very interesting Entrepreneurs is as an outcome of the products on display from across the MoU (which aims at building capacities of women entrepreneurs) country. These are indigenous to the signed between the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and geography and are otherwise difficult Ministry of Women and Child Development (M/o WCD). to access.  The festival is being organized by National Institute of Food Technology  Kiwi from Arunachal Pradesh, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) with Confederation of Black wheat, pesto Sauce from Indian Industry (CII) as the Industry Partner, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Ladakh, chia seeds cookies and Stadium in New Delhi from 21st – 23rd February 2020. apricot oil from Uttarakhand are all  The Organic Food festival would provide an opportunity to women available with the exhibitors and the entrepreneurs for capacity building and economic empowerment. people can relish these healthy products. This festival will strive to provide linkages to women producers to market and supply chains, thereby facilitating their financial inclusion.  The festival is open to public who can relish numerous varieties of the organic and healthy products of various states. People will also gain knowledge about the organic products grown and produced in different regions of India.  Training and capacity building of women entrepreneurs and SHGs is another key focus area and trainings on Post harvest management, product innovation, packaging and certification processes are being organized over the 3 days. The efforts are targeted towards helping producers understand importance of each step of the organic value chain and

Easy to PICK60 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” develop competence to cater to a naturally organic. While other parts of broader consumer base. world are making special efforts to turn  With focus on innovation, a specially towards organic production, India has curated ‘Innovation Pavilion’ is set up natural advantages which must be to display innovative organic foods, leveraged. packaging solutions and machinery.  Food and Beverage industry in India Leading research institutes from the is fifth largest sector in manufacturing country IIFPT, NIFTEM CFTRI, and, India has the highest number of CIFT, Institute of Himalayan organic producers in the world. Bioresource Technology, C-DAC are  With 9th largest World’s Organic exhibiting in the pavilion to generate Agricultural land and largest interface with the solutions available number of producers, India is fast and identify solutions that suit the growing in the organic food segment. requirement of the entrepreneurs and According to a report by APEDA SHGs to help them diversify their (Agricultural and Processed Food product portfolio. For facilitating Products Export Development business linkages and empowering Authority), India produced around women entrepreneurs through financial 1.70 million MT (2017-18) of certified inclusion, over 200 B2B meetings are organic products which includes all being facilitated by CII. varieties of food products namely Oil  Other interesting elements of the show Seeds, Sugar cane, Cereals & Millets, include interactive session with Cotton, Pulses, Medicinal Plants, Tea, renowned Chefs on how organic Fruits, Spices, Dry Fruits, Vegetables, ingredients can be incorporated in Coffee etc. our daily diets. There is also an  On the demand side, increasing opportunity to hear from successful disposable incomes, increasing women entrepreneur led companies awareness around health and wellness that are not only helping farmers grow and increasing acceptability are driving organic produce but also helping with the growth in the organic food segment certification and enabling the buy-back which is expected to grow at a CAGR of their produce. These successes and of 10% during the period 2016-21 as best practices will offer learnings to per WFI report. The demand for other entrepreneurs on possible Indian organic food products is on expansion avenues. constant increase worldwide with India  The overall effort is targeted towards exporting organic products worth $ strengthening ‘Organic’ Branding 515 million in 2017-18(based on for India by enhancing direct linkage APEDA report). Organic products of local producers with Buyers, mainly oil seeds, cereals & millets, enhancing processing potential of sugar, fruit juice concentrates, tea, organic output and contribute to spices, pulses, dry fruits, medicinal India’s vision of enhancing export plant products etc. are being exported competitiveness and Create a direct to USA, European Union, Canada, impact to women farmer incomes Switzerland, Australia, Israel, South and in turn empowerment. Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand and Japan. Organic potential in India  India has huge potential for organic produce and market. Most of the hilly areas and tribal areas in India are

Easy to PICK61 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 1st anniversary of PM-KISAN Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for data of farmers prepared and uploaded Vulnerable Sections of the population by by them on the PM-Kisan web-portal. the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes Eligibility for availing benefits  The Scheme initially provided Prelims and Mains focus: about the details of the scheme: eligibility and income support to all Small and implementation Marginal Farmers’ families across the country, holding cultivable land Context: 24th February, 2020 is the 1st upto 2 hectares. Its ambit was later anniversary of starting of a new Central expanded w.e.f. 01.06.2019 to cover Sector Scheme, namely, the Pradhan all farmer families in the country Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM- irrespective of the size of their land KISAN). holdings. About PM-KISAN scheme  Affluent farmers have been excluded  The scheme was started with a view to from the scheme such as Income Tax payers in last assessment year, augment the income of the farmers professionals like Doctors, Engineers, by providing income support to all Lawyers, Chartered Accountants etc landholding farmers’ families across and pensioners pensioners drawing at the country, to enable them to take least Rs.10,000/- per month (excluding care of expenses related to agriculture MTS/Class IV/Group D employees). and allied activities as well as domestic needs.  Special provisions have been made for the North-Eastern States where  Under the Scheme an amount of land ownership rights are community Rs.6000/- per year is transferred in based, Forest Dwellers and three 4-monthly installments of Jharkhand, which does not have Rs.2000/- directly into the bank updated land records and restrictions accounts of the farmers, subject to on transfer of land. certain exclusion criteria relating to higher income status. The Scheme was Enrollment under the scheme formally launched on 24th February,  For enrollment, the farmer is required 2019 by PM Modi at a grand function at Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. to approach the local patwari / revenue officer / Nodal Officer (PM-  The scheme is effective from Kisan) nominated by the State 1.12.2018. The cut-off date for Government. Farmers can also do identification of beneficiaries with their self-registration through the regard to their eligibility is 1.2.2019. Farmers Corner in the portal. Farmers The entire responsibility of can also edit their names in PM-Kisan identification of beneficiaries rests database as per their Aadhaar database with the State / UT Governments. / card through the Farmers Corner in The financial benefits are released to the portal. Farmers can also know the the beneficiaries on the basis of the status of their payment through the Farmers Corner in the portal. Village-

Easy to PICK62 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” wise details of beneficiaries are also beneficiaries uploaded on the PM- available on the Farmers Corner. Kisan web portal by the State/UT Governments 8.46 crores farmer  The Common Service Centres (CSCs) families have been given the benefits. have also been authorized to do registration of the farmers for the Implementation Scheme upon payment of fees. The  A comprehensive Monitoring above facilities on Farmers Corner are also available through CSCs. The total Mechanism has been put in place for number of beneficiaries expected to effective implementation of the be covered under the Scheme is 14 scheme. At the Centre a High Level crore on the basis of the Agriculture Committee, comprising Union Census, 2015-16. Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Land Resources exists to make  Beneficiaries are entitled to their necessary modifications in the Scheme. benefit from the 4-monthly period in A Review Committee at the National which their name is registered by the Level under the Chairmanship of State Nodal Officer (SNO) in the PM- Cabinet Secretary with Secretaries of Kisan Portal. Department of Expenditure (DEA), Department of Agriculture,  The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Cooperation & Farmers Welfare Farmers’ Welfare has also launched a (DAC&FW), Land Resources and 24x7 automated IVRS based helpline Ministry of Electronics and for status verification. Farmers can Information Technology (MeITY) as dial 1800-11-5526 or 155261 to know members periodically reviews and the status of their application. State monitors implementation of the Governments are organizing camps scheme. periodically for the farmers to facilitate correction of application details. All  The Central Project Monitoring Units installments falling due on or after 1st (PMU) under JS-level CEO monitors December, 2019 are being paid only on implementation and publicity etc of the the basis of Aadhaar authenticated scheme. At the States/UTs level, Nodal bank data of beneficiaries to ensure Department and PMUs constantly genuine beneficiaries and avoid monitor implementation of the scheme duplicacy in payments, except in while there are State & District Level respect of the States of Assam and Monitoring Committees besides State Meghalaya besides the UTs of Jammu and District Level Grievance Redressal & Kashmir and Ladakh which are Committees. exempted from this requirement till 31.3.2020.  The Central Government has already released more than Rs. 50850 crores till now. Total number of beneficiaries to be covered under the scheme is about 14 crore, based on estimates of the Agriculture Census 2015-16. As on 20.02.2020, on the basis of the data of

Easy to PICK63 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” BAY of Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition (BBSE) Syllabus subtopic: Various Security conducted including harbour sorties for Forces and Agencies and their Mandate. visiting dignitaries. Prelims and Mains focus: about the  The Bay of Bengal Offshore Sailing expedition and its significance Expedition will generate goodwill amongst the visiting nations and Context: Indian Naval Sailing Vessels inspire participation in the Mhadei and Tarini set sail for the Bay of forthcoming BIMSTEC Sailing Bengal Offshore Sailing Expedition on Expedition being planned with mixed 22 February 2020 from the Indian Naval crew of member nations onboard Ocean Sailing Node at Goa. Indian Naval Sailing Vessels. About the expedition and its significance About Indian Naval Sailing Vessels  This would be the maiden major Mhadei and Tarini mixed crew sailing expedition of the Indian Navy with crew composition of  Mhadei and Tarini inducted in the five naval officers including two women officers in each boat, covering Indian Navy on 08 February 2009 a total distance of 6,100 Nautical miles each and will be at sea for 55 days. and 18 February 2017 respectively  The prolonged voyage of nearly have been the vessels of choice for the three months during this expedition would showcase harnessing of naval expeditioners in various sailing renewal energy namely wind energy to propel the boats. expeditions, including three  The expedition is also in pursuance of circumnavigations and thus have the GOI mission of 'Nari Shakti' providing opportunity to women thousands of miles tucked under their officers at par with men. belt.  Mhadei has successfully completed two circumnavigations, three Cape to Rio trans-Atlantic races and several other expeditions around various continents. The vessel has covered in excess of 1,36,000 nautical miles.  The expedition also aims to enhance  Tarini created history in 2017-18 the level of cooperation and when six Indian Naval women camaraderie between the littoral officers sailed the vessel on maiden nations in the Bay of Bengal whilst circumnavigation voyage titled exhibiting the IN expertise in the Navika Sagar Parikrama. She domain of ocean sailing. The sailing thereafter also participated in mixed vessels as part of the expedition would crew Kochi to Seychelles sail training make replenishment halts at ports of expedition during 10th anniversary Phuket, Yangon, Chittagong and celebration of the IONS. Colombo, wherein interaction with various state officials would be

Easy to PICK64 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” International conference on EMDDA Syllabus subtopic: planners and administrators in  Science and Technology- taking timely actions. Developments and their Applications  India has recently operationally and Effects in Everyday Life.  Achievements of Indians in Science & implemented two global EPS which Technology; Indigenization of Technology and Developing New have highest resolution in the world Technology and also a regional EPS of horizontal Prelims and Mains focus: about the details of the conference; about EPS resolution 4km which covers the Context: Although remarkable success has Indian region. A well-coordinated been achieved in improving forecast skill by employing state of the art numerical collaborative research and prediction systems and adopting latest data assimilation techniques, it is well known development work between national that some amount of uncertainty associated with numerical weather and international centres are further prediction is inevitable. required for progressively improving Ensemble Prediction System (EPS)  In order to quantify the forecast the skill of EPS. uncertainty, leading Weather About the conference forecasting centres of the world  In order to provide a platform for including India have developed ‘Ensemble Prediction System’ (EPS) discussions and deliberations on the which provides probabilistic forecasting of weather. present status, future prospects and optimum use of EPS, a three-day  In an EPS, a number of similar models, called the ensemble international conference on members, are run from slightly “Ensemble Methods in Modelling different initial conditions. It and Data Assimilation (EMMDA)” requires high computational is being organised by National resources and in turn provides the flow dependent forecast uncertainty in Centre for Medium Range Weather terms of probability. The probabilistic Forecasting (NCMRWF), Ministry forecasts help the end users in making of Earth Sciences from February 24, decisions and plan their actions 2020 at NCMRWF, Noida, India. suitably.  The major themes of the conference  The forecasts from high resolution are: global and regional EPS provide more accurate probabilistic forecasts of 1. Ensemble methods in Global Weather extreme weather events and help the Prediction 2. Ensemble methods in Data Assimilation 3. Ensemble methods in Monthly and Seasonal Forecasting 4. Convection Permitting Ensemble Prediction Systems 5. Verification of Ensemble weather forecasts

Easy to PICK65 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 6. Applications of Ensemble weather forecasts  Leading International experts from ECMWF of UK, Met Office of UK, NOAA of USA, KMA of South Korea, BoM of Australia, NCAR of USA, University of Maryland of USA, Reading University of UK, NIWA of New Zealand, KAUST of Saudi Arabia, TMD of Thailand will present papers along with distinguished Indian scientists from different lead organizations on latest developments in the field of ensemble data assimilation and modelling. About twenty young scientists and researchers will present their research outcomes. Besides them about 100 participants which include forecasters, stake holder from various sectors and young research scholars will attend this conference.  The latest techniques used in Data Assimilation, Ensemble Methods, and use of Probabilistic Forecasts for developing new applications from Ensemble Products will be discussed. The discussions will lead to development of newer algorithms and will be useful for societal applications related to weather/climate.  This international conference on EMDDA will be inaugurated by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology, Earth Sciences.

Easy to PICK66 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” ‘SPICe+’ Web Form Syllabus subtopic: Important Aspects of 10. Mandatory issue of TAN 11. Mandatory issue of EPFO registration Governance, Transparency and 12. Mandatory issue of ESIC registration 13. Mandatory issue of Profession Tax Accountability, E-governance- registration (Maharashtra) applications, models, successes, 14. Mandatory Opening of Bank Account limitations, and potential; Citizens for the Company and 15. Allotment of GSTIN (if so applied for) Charters, Transparency & Accountability  The new web form would facilitate and institutional and other measures. On-screen filing and real time data validation for seamless incorporation Prelims and Mains focus: about the new of companies. For ensuring ease while initiatives and its features filing, SPICe+ has been structured into various sections. Information once Context: As part of Government of India’s entered can be saved and modified. Ease of Doing Business (EODB) initiatives, the Ministry of Corporate  Registration for EPFO and ESIC shall Affairs has notified a new Web Form be mandatory for all new companies to christened ‘SPICe+’ (Simplified be incorporated through SPICe+ and Proforma for Incorporating Company no EPFO & ESIC registration nos. Electronically Plus) replacing the shall be separately issued by the existing SPICe form. respective agencies.  SPICe+ would offer 10 services by 3  Registration for Profession Tax shall Central Govt Ministries & also be mandatory for all new Departments (Ministry of Corporate companies to be incorporated in the Affairs, Ministry of Labour & State of Maharashtra through SPICe+. Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance) and One State  All new companies incorporated Government (Maharashtra), thereby through SPICe+ would also be saving as many procedures, time and mandatorily required to apply for cost for Starting a Business in India opening the company’s Bank account and would be applicable for all new through the AGILE-PRO linked web company incorporations. form. Following are the features of the new Spice+ web form:  SPICe+ would be an integrated Web Form.  SPICe+ would have two parts viz.: Part A- for Name reservation for new companies and Part B offering a bouquet of services viz. 7. Incorporation 8. DIN allotment 9. Mandatory issue of PAN

Easy to PICK67 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 4th Anniversary of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for basic services, and creating well Vulnerable Sections of the population by planned Rurban clusters. This would the Centre and States and the Performance lead to holistic development of the of these Schemes region and encourage integrated and inclusive rural development. Prelims and Mains focus: about SPMRM: objectives and implementation  Under the mission 300 Rurban clusters are envisaged to be Context: The Union Minister for Rural developed in a timebound manner. Of Development, Panchayati Raj, Agriculture these 296 clusters have been selected and Farmers’ Welfare inaugurated the 4th and number of Integrated Cluster Anniversary celebration of Shyama Prasad Action Plans (ICAPs) approved are Mukherjee Rurban Mission at Dr. 288 and Detailed Project Reports of Ambedkar International Centre in New 240 have been approved. Delhi on 25th February 2020.  SPMRM is a Core Centrally About SPMRM Sponsored Scheme, The Mission has The Mission was launched by PM Modi on two fund streams: 21st February 2016, with the vision to deliver catalytic interventions to rural (1) Convergence through various Central areas on the threshold of growth. sector schemes, centrally sponsored schemes, State sector/ sponsored Objective: To develop the clusters in a schemes/ programmes, CSR funds, holistic manner by providing all the basic and amenities, infrastructure as well as economic development opportunities in an (2) Critical Gap Funds (CGF). It integrated and time bound manner. provides for CGF upto Rs. 30 crore per cluster for Non-tribal clusters,  Undertaken by the Union Ministry and upto Rs. 15 crore per cluster for of Rural Development, the SPMRM Tribal and Hilly State clusters. focuses on cluster-based integrated development through Spatial  Currently, total Central Share funds Planning. Rurban clusters are released till date is Rs. 1,842.97 cr. identified across the country’s rural Total investment approved in 288 areas showing increasing signs of ICAPs is Rs.28,075 cr with urbanization - i.e. increase in convergence being Rs.21,194 cr and population density, high levels of non- Rs. 6,882cr. Of this, total expenditure, farm employment, presence of growing as on 30th November 2019, was economic activities and other Rs.6,689 cr of which Rs. 5,619 cr socioeconomic parameters. formed convergence and Rs. 1,071 cr under CGF. The CGF Funds release is  The Mission aims to transform these expected to cross target of Rs. 1,200 Rurban clusters by stimulating local crore by 31st March, 2020. economic development, enhancing

Easy to PICK68 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Infrastructure planned in these clusters recently shared with Ministry that includes provision of 24/7 water based on learning from the success of supply to all households, Solid and the Rurban clusters, a new and Liquid Waste Management facilities at extended programme for over a 1,000 the household and cluster level, clusters in next 3 years may be planned. provision of Inter and Intra village roads within the cluster, adequate street lights and public transport facilities using green technologies. Economic amenities in a cluster comprise various thematic areas in the sectors of Agri Services and Processing, Tourism, and Skill Development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.  SPMRM clusters focus selecting interventions from the following components depending on locally felt need as identified during baseline survey: (i) Sanitation, (ii) Piped Water Supply, (iii) Solid and Liquid Waste Management, (iv) Village Street Lights and Electrification, (v) Access to Village Streets With Drains, (vi) Inter Village Roads Connectivity, (vii) Public Transport, (viii) Skill Development Training Linked to Economic Activities, (ix) Agri-Services Processing and Allied Activities, (x) Health, (xi) Education, (xii) Digital Literacy, (xiii) Citizens Service Centres, (xiv) LPG Gas Connection, (xv) Environment, (xvi) Employment Generation and SHG Formation, (xvii) Tourism Promotion, (xviii) Sports Infrastructure, (xix) Social Infrastructure, (xx) Rural Housing, (xxi) Social Welfare. Conclusion Going forward, the Ministry of Rural Development is taking steps to expedite Mission’s on-ground progress. The Mission is seeking extension by 2 years to complete all the identified works. Ministry has received requests on several forums and communications from many States and elected officials to allocate more Rurban clusters. NITI Aayog has

Easy to PICK69 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India-Australia Joint Ministerial Commission (16th Session) Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and  Continue collaboration to encourage Global Groupings and Agreements increased direct flights between involving India and/or affecting India’s Australia and India. interests.  India raised the issue of taxing of Prelims and Mains focus: about the off-shore income of Indian firms conference and is highlights through the use of India-Australia Double Tax Avoidance Agreement Context: The 16th Session of the Joint (DTAA) and sought early resolution of Ministerial Commission (JMC) between the issue. Both sides agreed to India and Australia was convened in New intensify discussions. Delhi on 24th February 2020. Attendees to the meeting  The session was attended by officials from Departments of Commerce, Revenue, Agriculture, Fisheries, Department of Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Ministry of External Affairs on the Indian side.  The delegation from Australia included officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Austrade, Export Finance Australia and Australian High Commission. Key highlights of the conference  India and Australia agree to enhancing bilateral trade and investment through revival of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) negotiations, and harmonise standards and regulations on important products;  Work on market access issues in both directions to increase trade;  Work on mutual recognition of educational qualifications of the two countries;

Easy to PICK70 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Exercise Ajeya Warrior-2020 Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. Prelims and Mains focus: about the exercise and its significance Context: Exercise AJEYA WARRIOR - 2020, a joint military training exercise between India & United Kingdom (UK) culminated at West down Camp, Salisbury Plains Training Area, UK. About the exercise and its significance  The fifth edition of the exercise included joint training in urban and semi urban areas. As part of the exercise, important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency and counter terrorist operations were rehearsed and executed jointly.  The highlight of the exercise was the Bonhomie and Camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. The joint training was undoubtedly, an unprecedented success.  Besides promoting understanding and interoperability between the two armies, it further helped in cementing ties between both the nations.

Easy to PICK71 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Conference on Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Syllabus subtopic: Disaster and Disaster reduction and resilience as well as to Management. develop a network mode roadmap for addressing the gaps by engaging with Prelims and Mains focus: about the the institutions, researchers and conference; about Sendai Framework experts. Context: Union Minister of State for Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Home Affairs, presided over the Reduction (2015-2030) valedictory session of the 1st ‘National  It is an international document which Conference on Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (CDRR&R) – was adopted by UN member states 2020’ in New Delhi. between 14th and 18th of March 2015 at the World Conference on About the conference Disaster Risk Reduction held in  It was organised by the National Sendai, Japan and endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015. Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM).  It is the successor agreement to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–  The one-day conference focussed on 2015), which had been the most encompassing international accord to enhancing human capacity in terms date on disaster risk reduction. of better understanding about coastal  The Sendai document emerged from three years' of talks, assisted by the disaster risks and effective United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, during which collaborative actions, by UN member states, NGOs, and other stakeholders made calls for an implementing Prime Minister’s 10- improved version of the existing Hyogo Framework, with a set of point agenda and Sendai common standards, a comprehensive framework with achievable targets, and Framework for Disaster Risk a legally-based instrument for disaster risk reduction. Reduction, for reducing the risk and  Member states also emphasized the enhancing the resilience amongst the need to tackle disaster risk reduction and climate change adaption when affected stakeholders. More than 175 setting the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in light of an participants from various central and insufficient focus on risk reduction and resilience in the original Millennium state organisation/departments attended Development Goals. the conference. Aim of the conference:  To explore and debate the most recent advances in the discipline, to enhance the understanding of the issues and solutions on various facets for coastal disaster risk reduction and resilience.  It also emphasised on dissemination of information related to national and local strategies for coastal disaster risk

Easy to PICK72 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The Sendai Framework sets four through adequate and sustainable specific priorities for action: support to complement their national 1. Understanding disaster risk; actions for implementation of the framework by 2030; 2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; 7. Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early 3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for warning systems and disaster risk resilience; information and assessments to the people by 2030. 4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to \"Build Back Better\" in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction. To support the assessment of global progress in achieving the outcome and goal of the Sendai Framework, seven global targets have been agreed: 1. Substantially reduce global disaster mortality by 2030, aiming to lower average per 100,000 global mortality between 2020-2030 compared to 2005- 2015; 2. Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally by 2030, aiming to lower the average global figure per 100,000 between 2020-2030 compared to 2005-2015; 3. Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global gross domestic product by 2030; 4. Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, among them health and educational facilities, including through developing their resilience by 2030; 5. Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020; 6. Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries

Easy to PICK73 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Science Day 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Achievements of  On this occasion, theme-based science Indians in Science & Technology; communication activities are carried Indigenization of Technology and out all over the country. Developing New Technology  NSD Theme has been chosen for the Prelims and Mains focus: about NSD and purpose of increasing public its significance; about Raman effect appreciation of the scientific issues involved. Celebrations of important Context: National Science Day (NSD) Scientific Days with associated will be celebrated at Vigyan Bhawan on events bring scientific awareness in February 28. the community. Many institutions organize open house for their About the event laboratories and appraise students  “Women in Science” will be the focal about career opportunities available in a particular research theme of the programme. President laboratory/institution. will present several awards for science communication and popularization as  National Council for Science & well as for women scientists. Technology Communication  A total of 21 awards will be given which will include National Science (NCSTC), Department of Science and and Technology and Communication Awards, Augmenting Writing Skills Technology (DST) acts as a nodal For Articulating Research (AWSAR) awards, SERB Women Excellence agency to support, catalyze and Awards and National Award For Young Woman Showing Excellence coordinate celebration of the National Through Application Of Technology For Societal Benefits. Science Day throughout the country in About National Science Day scientific institutions, research  NSD is celebrated every year on 28 laboratories and autonomous scientific February to commemorate the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’. institutions associated with the Government of India designated 28 February as National Science Day Department of Science and (NSD) in 1986. Technology. NCSTC has supported  On this day, Sir C.V. Raman announced the discovery of the various programmes countrywide by 'Raman Effect' for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1930. supporting its State S&T Councils & Departments for organization of lectures, quizzes, open houses, etc.  DST instituted National Awards for Science Popularization in February 1987 to stimulate, encourage and recognize outstanding efforts in the area of science and technology for popularization, communication and promoting scientific temper. These awards are presented every year on National Science Day.

Easy to PICK74 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About Raman Effect  The effect is exploited by chemists  Raman scattering or the Raman effect and physicists to gain information about materials for a variety of is the inelastic scattering of photons purposes by performing various forms by matter, meaning that there is an of Raman spectroscopy. exchange of energy and a change in the light's direction.  Many other variants of Raman spectroscopy allow rotational energy to  Typically this involves vibrational be examined (if gas samples are used) energy being gained by a molecule as and electronic energy levels may be incident photons from a visible laser examined if an X-ray source is used in are shifted to lower energy. This is addition to other possibilities. More called normal Stokes Raman complex techniques involving pulsed scattering. lasers, multiple laser beams and so on are known.

Easy to PICK75 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Meeting on Inter-Linking of Rivers Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies  Bedti-Varda link (IBWT), and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of  Damanganga (Ekdare)-Godavari link their Design and Implementation. (Intra-State), Prelims and Mains focus: about the  Damanganga-Vaitarna-Godavari link meeting; various river linking projects (Intra-State), discussed  Damanganga-Pinjal and Par-Tapi- Context: The Union Minister of State for Narmada Link Projects, Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment, chaired the 17th Meeting  Alternative proposal of Diversion of of the Special Committee for Inter- Godavari waters upto Cauvery basin, Linking of Rivers (ILR) in New Delhi. Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) link and Integration of Inter-Linking of Rivers (ILR) Project Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project  The ambitious project comprises 16 with Parbati- Kalisindh-Chambal link. rivers of Himalayan origin and 14 in peninsular region.  Status of the 47 Intra-State link proposals from nine States, besides  The Detailed Project Report (DPR) in restructuring of the National Water respect of Ken-Betwa Inter-State Development Agency, Task Force for Link Project involving Uttar Interlinking of Rivers and the National Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh has Interlinking of Rivers Authority been completed and work on the (NIRA) were also discussed. project will begin soon. Besides, the DPRs for four projects is in progress.  The meeting also confirmed the minutes of the 16thMeeting of the  The meeting reviewed the status of the Special Committee for Interlinking of various ILR projects, namely Rivers (SCILR) chaired by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti, held in New  Ken-Betwa Link Project, Delhi on August 21, 2019.  Cauvery (Kattalai)-Vaigai-Gundar link (IBWT),

Easy to PICK76 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Higher Education Leadership Development Programme Syllabus subtopic: Issues Relating to  Further to make the programme Development and Management of Social sustainable 30 potential future Sector/Services relating to Health, leadership development programme Education, Human Resources. trainers from among the 300 participants will be chosen and will Prelims and Mains focus: about the be given additional training to train programme and its significance others. Context: The Union Minister for Human  The University Grants Commission Resource Development, launched Higher (UGC) will conduct this programme Education Leadership Development in collaboration with Advance HE as Programme for Administrator’– a joint the training partner with globally initiative of UGC and British Council recognized institutional expertise and under the auspices of UK India leadership excellence from the UK, Education and Research Initiative which is being enabled by the British (UKIERI). Council in India. About the programme Significance  It aims to deliver a leadership  It is a unique programme which will development programme for middle address the critical aspect of and senior level administrative enhancing leadership capacity in the functionaries in Indian Universities. mid and senior level functionaries of Indian Universities.  The main objective of the programme is to train the senior and middle level  The programme will be a step towards academic administrators to enable institutional development in line with them to bring about systemic changes Governments’ commitment to improve with renewed approaches, capacity, the quality of education being imparted tools and skill in Universities in India. in our Universities.  This “Higher Education Leadership  The programme will lead to Development Programme for developing a more global outlook Administrators” ensures effectiveness and promote learning for inclusive on the part of the administrative and internationally connected higher functionaries of the Universities. education systems that support the economic and social growth in UK and  This programme includes two India. workshops conducted by UK trainers, which will train about 300 academic  The programme will serve as a administrators in the level of Registrar stimulant for the functionaries to and Joint/Deputy/Assistant Registrar to improve their performance and enable them to bring about capabilities which consequently shall professional transformation in the enhance institutional profile and higher education institutions. reputation of Universities in India.

Easy to PICK77 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Market Intelligence and Early Warning System Portal Syllabus subtopic: Food Processing and c) When the prices fall less than the Related Industries in India- Scope’ and benchmark, if any, fixed by the State / Significance, Location, Upstream and Central Government for a specified Downstream Requirements, Supply Chain period. Management.  The MIEWS system is designed to Prelims and Mains focus: about the provide advisories to farmers to portal: features and significance; about avoid cyclical production as well as Operation Greens an early warning in situations of gluts. For decision makers, the Context: Union Minister of Food MIEWS system will help in Processing Industries, launched the– Market Intelligence and Early Warning i. monitoring of supply situation for System (MIEWS) Web Portal. timely market intervention, About MIEWS portal: features and ii. assist in rapid response in times of glut significance to move produce from glut regions to  The MIEWS Dashboard and Portal is a deficit/consuming regions and ‘first-of-its-kind’ platform for ‘real iii. providing inputs for export/import time monitoring’ of prices of tomato, decision making. onion and potato (TOP) and for simultaneously generating alerts for  The salient features of the MIEWS intervention under the terms of the portal include: Operation Greens (OG) scheme. i. A dashboard that would indicate low  The portal would disseminate all price and high price alerts as well as relevant information related to TOP price forecasts for 3 month forward crops such as Prices and Arrivals, Area, Yield and Production, Imports ii. Prices and arrivals of TOP crops across and Exports, Crop Calendars, Crop the country including interactive charts Agronomy, etc in an easy to use visual and comparisons with previous seasons format. iii. Area, Yield and Production of TOP  As per the terms of the OG Scheme, crops during a glut situation, evacuation of surplus production from producing iv. Crop Agronomy and Trade Profile of areas to consumption centres will be each of the TOP crops undertaken as determined by the following: v. Regular and special reports on the market situation of the TOP crops. The a) When the prices fall below preceding 3 portal will have public and private years’ average market price at the time sections into which the aforementioned of harvest; features would be divided. Sections like Prices and arrivals, Area, yield and b) When the prices fall more than 50% production, Crop Agronomy and Trade compared to last year’s market price at Profile would be accessible to the the time of harvest; public while the regular and special market intelligence reports and price forecasts would be accessible only to the policy makers.  This portal is a novel initiative of MoFPI leveraging IT tools and

Easy to PICK78 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” furthering the goals of Digital India. iii. Reduction in post-harvest losses by creation of farm gate infrastructure, Previously, the Ministry has been development of suitable agro-logistics, and creation of appropriate storage credited for streamlining the entire capacity linking consumption centres. project application, implementation & iv. Increase in food processing capacities and value addition in TOP value chain evaluation process online through its with firm linkages with production clusters. Sampada portal & Dashboard. MoFPI v. Setting up of a market intelligence has recently received accolades from network to collect and collate real time data on demand and supply and prices the, Ministry of Personnel, Public of TOP crops. grievances & Pensions, Government of The scheme has two-pronged strategy of Price stabilisation measures (for short India for effectively implementing e- term) and integrated value chain development projects (for long term). Office. (I) Price Stabilisation Measures (a) NAFED is the Nodal Agency to  The initiative of MoFPI is expected to implement price stabilisation measures. MoFPI will provide 50% of the subsidy on leverage the strengths of IT in real the following two components: a. Transportation of Tomato Onion time monitoring and timely Potato(TOP) Crops from production to responding to any exigency on storage; b. Hiring of appropriate storage facilities account of supply side irregularity or for TOP Crops; (b) Creation of Market Intelligence and constraints in respect of these three Early Warning System – ‘MIEWS’ Web Portal and Dashboard – a platform for crops. If successful, this model can be monitoring prices of TOP Crops further expanded and emulated by (II) Integrated value chain development projects other concerned a. Formation and Capacity Building of departments/Ministries of Government FPOs b. Quality production of India. c. Post-harvest processing facilities – At Operation Greens (OG) scheme Farm Level  In the budget speech of Union Budget d. Post-harvest processing facilities – At 2018-19, a new Scheme “Operation Main Processing Site Greens” was announced on the line of e. Agri-Logistics “Operation Flood”, with an outlay of f. Marketing / Consumption Points Rs.500 crores to promote Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management.  Accordingly, the Ministry has formulated a scheme for integrated development of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) value chain. The objectives of Operation Greens scheme are: i. Enhancing value realisation of TOP farmers by targeted interventions to strengthen TOP production clusters and their FPOs, and linking/connecting them with the market. ii. Price stabilisation for producers and consumers by proper production planning in the TOP clusters and introduction of dual use varieties.

Easy to PICK79 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) Syllabus subtopic: Science and coastal states and union territories of Technology- Developments and their India. Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.  The warning system is based on the Prelims and Mains focus: about INCOIS ‘Boat Safety Index’ (BSI) derived and new products released by it from wave model forecast outputs such as significant wave height, wave Context: steepness, directional spread and the The Indian National Centre for Ocean rapid development of wind at sea Information Services (INCOIS), which is boat-specific. Hyderabad has launched a trio of products to better cater to its diverse 2. Swell Surge Forecast System: users.  Swell surge forecast system is an About INCOIS innovative system designed for the  INCOIS provides a number of free prediction of Kallakkadal/Swell Surge that occurs along the Indian services for users in the marine coast, particularly the west coast. realm.  Kallakadal/Swell surge are flash-flood  The institute is an autonomous events that take place without any organisation under the Ministry of noticeable advance change in local Earth Sciences. winds or any other apparent signature in the coastal environment. Hence the  INCOIS prioritises requests for local population remains totally specific services from its diverse user unaware of these flooding events until community that ranges right from they actually occur. Such events are fishermen to offshore oil exploration intermittent throughout the year. industries.  Kallakkadal is a colloquial term About the products launched by used by Kerala fishermen to refer to INCOIS the freaky flooding episodes and in 1. Small Vessel Advisory and Forecast 2012 UNESCO formally accepted Services System (SVAS): this term for scientific use. During  It is an innovative impact-based Kallakkadal events, the sea surges into the land and inundates vast areas. advisory and forecast service system These events have attracted attention for small vessels operating in Indian especially after the 2004 Tsunami in coastal waters. The SVA system the Indian Ocean, since most people warns users about potential zones mistake Kallakkadal to be Tsunamis. where vessel overturning can take Tsunami and Kallakkadal/Swell surge place, ten days in advance. The are two different types of waves with advisories are valid for small vessels of entirely separate causes or beam width up to 7 m. This limit mechanisms. covers the entire range of beam widths of the fishing vessels used in all the 9

Easy to PICK80 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”  Kallakkadal are caused by complements INCOIS' marine fishing meteorological conditions in the advisories i.e. Potential Fishing Zone Southern Ocean, south of 30°S. A advisories. study by INCOIS scientists has revealed that specific meteorological  INCOIS-ABIS will provide near-real conditions in the Southern Indian time information on spatio-temporal Ocean support the generation of long occurrence and spread of period swells. These swells once phytoplankton blooms over the generated, travel northward and reach North Indian Ocean. Accordingly, the Indian coasts in 3-5 days time, relevant data retrieved from satellites creating havoc in the coastal areas. i.e. Sea Surface Temperature , chlorophyll-a, Algal Bloom Index -  The system will now predict chlorophyll, rolling chlorophyll Kallakkadal and warnings will be anomaly, rolling sea surface given to concerned authorities at least temperature anomaly, phytoplankton 2-3 days in advance, which will help class/species, phytoplankton size class the local authorities for contingency and a composite image delineating plans and to reduce damage. bloom and non-bloom regions will be disseminated daily through ABIS. 3. Algal Bloom Information Service  In addition, four regions have been (ABIS): identified as bloom hotspots viz. a) North Eastern Arabian Sea b) coastal  The increasing frequency of algal waters off Kerala c) Gulf of Mannar and d) coastal waters of Gopalpur. blooms is a major concern due to its ill effects on fishery, marine life and water quality. INCOIS has developed a service for \"Detection and Monitoring of Bloom in the Indian Seas\". The target users are fishermen, marine fishery resource managers, researchers, ecologists and environmentalists. The service also

Easy to PICK81 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes Prelims and Mains focus: about PMEGP and its significance; challenges faced by MSMEs Context: In a meeting chaired by Minister of MSME, some of the key schemes of Ministry of MSME which generate large number of jobs with low capital investment were reviewed. About the meeting The focus of the meeting was on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a flagship scheme of the Ministry of MSME, and Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE). In addition, the issue of restructuring of stressed loans to MSMEs was also discussed to find a way forward to support MSMEs. About PMEGP  PMEGP is a credit linked subsidy scheme which promotes self-employment through setting up of micro enterprises, where subsidy up to 35 percent is provided by the Government through Ministry of MSME for loans up to Rs. 25 lakhs in manufacturing and Rs 10 lakhs in service sector.  Banks have been supporting setting up large number of enterprises under PMEGP over the past years, which has particularly seen a two-fold increase in last Financial Year when more than 73,000 micro enterprises were assisted.  To give further boost to the scheme, the target in the current year has been increased to support the establishments of 80,000 units. In the current year, more than 46,000 units have already been provided with loans by the various Banks and additionally 22,000 loan applications have also been sanctioned and are awaiting disbursement. Banks were requested to release the loans in such approved cases immediately. Besides, the Banks were requested to take up about 1.18 lakh pending loan applications latest by 15th March, with special emphasis on North Eastern Region (NER). CMDs of the Banks, while supporting the scheme, confirmed that they will clear all pending cases by 15th March. Stresses loans challenge faced by MSMEs One of the major challenges faced by MSMEs is in restructuring stressed loans due to sector related problems or issues with the large industries to which they supply. There is a need for providing support to the MSMEs by suitably restructuring the stressed loans at an early stage. In accordance with the Budget announcement, the cut-off date for restructuring of loans to MSMEs has been already extended up to 31st December 2020.

Easy to PICK82 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Biofuel from microorganisms Syllabus subtopic: Achievements of much higher than that of land-based Indians in Science & Technology; crops. Further, unlike plant-based Indigenization of Technology and sugars, cyanobacterial biomass Developing New Technology. provides a nitrogen source in the form of proteins. Prelims and Mains focus: about the research and its significance; about using  Cyanobacteria are found in both cyanobacteria in sugar production fresh and marine waters. Using marine cyanobacteria could be better Context: The biofuel sector could get a as freshwater is increasingly getting boost, with researchers at the scarce. However, there is a need to International Centre for Genetic significantly improve their growth Engineering and Biotechnology rates and sugar content in order to (ICGEB) developing a method to improve the economic feasibility of improve the growth rate and sugar marine cyanobacteria-based sugar content of a marine microorganism production. called Synechococcus sp. PCC 7002.  Department of Biotechnology sponsored the research. The scientists have published a report on their work in journal `Biotechnology for Biofuels’. (Vigyan Samachar) Cyanobacteria-based sugar production  Most biotechnological processes, including biofuel production, are dependent on the availability of low- cost and sustainable supply of sugars and a nitrogen source.  The sugars typically come from plants. Plants utilize light energy through the process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide in the atmosphere into biological components such as sugars, proteins and lipids.  However, some bacteria, such as the cyanobacteria (also known as blue- green algae), too can perform photosynthesis and produce sugar by fixing the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The yield of sugars from cyanobacteria could potentially be

Easy to PICK83 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference -2020 Syllabus subtopic: Government Policies  On-farm testing to assess the location and Interventions for Development in specificity of agricultural technologies various sectors and Issues arising out of under various farming systems. their Design and Implementation.  Frontline demonstrations to establish Prelims and Mains focus: about the production potential of technologies on conference; about KVKs: objective and the farmers’ fields significance  Capacity development of farmers Context: The Union Minister for and extension personnel to update their Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Rural knowledge and skills on modern Development & Panchayati Raj has agricultural technologies urged the agricultural scientists in the field to reach out to the marginalised farmers.  To work as Knowledge and Resource Centre of agricultural technologies for About the event supporting initiatives of public, private Inaugurating the 11th National Krishi and voluntary sectors in improving the Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Conference - agricultural economy of the district. 2020 in New Delhi, the minister said the KVKs should serve not only the affluent,  Provide farm advisories using ICT resourceful and Progressive farmers but and other media means on varied also focus on the small and deprived subjects of interest to farmers. In farmers. addition, KVK would produce quality technological products (seed, planting About Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) material, bio-agents, livestock) and The first KVK, on a pilot basis, was make it available to farmers, organize established in 1974 at Puducherry frontline extension activities, identify (Pondicherry) under the administrative and document selected farm control of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural innovations and converge with University, Coimbatore. At present there ongoing schemes and programmes are 717 KVKs, out of which 498 are under within the mandate of KVK. State Agricultural Universities (SAU) and Central Agricultural University (CAU), 63 Krishi Vigyan Kendras Portal under ICAR Institutes, 101 under NGOs, The Government has launched Krishi 38 under State Governments, and the Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) Portal which will remaining under other educational help in monitoring the functioning of institutions. KVKs at the National level and in providing timely information and advisory Mandate of KVK to the farmers. The mandate of KVK is Technology Assessment and Demonstration for its Aim Application and Capacity Development. The aim of the portal is to transfer the To implement the mandate effectively, the technologies developed by the following activities are envisaged for each agricultural scientists to the farmers in a KVK. fast and effective manner using web and mobile technology as well as to monitor

Easy to PICK84 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” the activities of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs). Objectives The objectives of the portal is  To create a platform to monitor the various activities as well as resource utilization by various KVKs;  To create a database of the various programmes organized by the KVKs along with their detailed information and learning resources;  To help the farmers in resolving their queries using web and mobile technologies;  To provide information about various facilities and activities performed by the KVKs and to provide linkage to other important information such as weather and market information. The farmers and the Agricultural Officers may register themselves and seek different information related to KVKs.

Easy to PICK85 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Project Monitoring Group (PMG) of DPIIT Syllabus subtopic: Infrastructure: Energy, projects, with investments upward of Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. Rs. 500 crores in India. Prelims and Mains focus: about the  Invest India provides meeting; about PMG; about Invest India and its functions implementational support to PMG in Context: Minister of Railways and identifying and following up on issues Commerce & Industry chaired a meeting for the review of 17 large-size with the States. infrastructure projects on 27th of February in Department of Promotion of  PMG enlists unresolved project Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), New Delhi. issues of all Public, Private and ‘Public–Private Partnership’ (PPP) About the meeting  The meeting was attended by Minister projects and undertakes fast-tracking of approvals, sectoral policy issues and of State for commerce and industry, senior officers of DPIIT, Chief removal of bottlenecks for expeditious Secretaries of Karnataka and commissioning. Maharashtra, and senior officers of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh  It has till date resolved more than 3500 (through Video Conference). Senior issues in 809 projects and has unlocked officials of key ministries including anticipated financial investment of Railways, Power, Petroleum and more than Rs. 32 lakh crores. At the Natural Gas, Road Transport and moment, PMG and Invest India are Highways as well as Invest India were handling 588 issues in 260 projects, also present to address the issues raised with total anticipated investment of through the Project Monitoring Group Rs.10 lakh crore. (PMG). About Invest India  In the meeting, Ministers and senior officials assessed critical projects, with  Invest India is the National important socio-economic and Investment Promotion and industrial significance. A total of 36 Facilitation Agency of India and acts issues in 17 projects with total as the first point of reference for anticipated investment of Rs. 32,910 investors in India. crores were reviewed.  It is set up as a nonprofit About Project Monitoring Group venture under the Department of (PMG). Industrial Policy and Promotion,  Project Monitoring Group (PMG) is an Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India. institutional mechanism of DPIIT to expedite resolution of issues and  Operationalized in early 2010, Invest removal of regulatory bottlenecks in India is set up as a joint venture company between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry (35% equity), Federation of Indian Chambers of

Easy to PICK86 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Commerce and Industry (FICCI) (51% equity), and State Governments of India (0.5% each).  Thus, essentially, Invest India is a private company, unlike India Brand Equity Foundation – another investment promotion agency in India set up by the same Ministry – Ministry of Commerce & Industry.  Invest India’s specialists provide multiple forms of support such as market entry strategies, deep dive industry analysis, partner search and location assessment, and policy advocacy with decision makers. Functions:  The core mandate of Invest India is investment promotion and facilitation.  It provides sector-specific and state- specific information to a foreign investor, assists in expediting regulatory approvals, and offers hand- holding services.  Its mandate also includes assisting Indian investors to make informed choices about investment opportunities overseas.  Its experts, specializing across different countries, Indian states and sectors, handhold investors through their investment lifecycle ? from pre- investment to after-care.

Easy to PICK87 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Renewable Energy Management Centers (REMCs) Syllabus subtopic: Achievements of enhanced situational awareness to Indians in Science & Technology; the grid operators. Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology  The REMCs are co-located with the State Load Dispatch Centres Prelims and Mains focus: about the (SLDCs) in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, event; about REMCs Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan; and in Context: Power Minister dedicated to the Regional Load Dispatch Centres nation 11 Renewable Energy (RLDCs) at Bengaluru, Mumbai and Management Centres (REMCs) for New Delhi; and at the National Load renewable energy integration. The Dispatch Centre (NLDC) in New minister also inaugurated the Northern Delhi. Presently, 55 GW of Region Renewable Energy Management renewable power (solar and wind) is Centre (NR-REMC) at a function in New being monitored through the eleven Delhi. REMCs.  During the event the minister also  The government had approved the released a Report by POSOCO on implementation of the REMCs as a “Analysis of Impact of Solar Eclipse central scheme and had mandated – 26th Dec’19 on Indian Power PowerGrid, a Maharatna CPSE System”. The report covered various under the Ministry of Power, as the areas such as solar generation implementing agency. forecasting, ramp estimation, behavior of PV plants during solar eclipse. The  These REMCs are being managed by variation in Global Horizontal the Power System Operation irradiance during solar eclipse for Corporation of India Ltd plants falling in annular and partial (POSOCO) at the regional and eclipse zone have been analysed in the national level, and at the state level by report. SLDCs. Background Significance The government's target of 175 GW The eleven REMCs, place India among a renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2022 league of few nations, which have state-of- poses challenges to grid management due the-art management centers for renewable to intermittent and variable nature of RE energy integration. generation. About REMCs  The REMCs are equipped with artificial intelligence-based RE forecasting and scheduling tools and provide greater visualisation and

Easy to PICK88 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” ICGS Varad Syllabus subtopic: Various Security with low level fuel consumption, high Forces and Agencies and their Mandate TBO and comply to IMO Tier-II norms. Prelims and Mains focus: about ICGS Varad and its significance  The ship will be fitted with one CRN - 91 and two 12.7 mm guns and will be Context: Union Minister of State for capable of carrying an Integral Twin Shipping (I/C) & Chemicals and Fertilizers Engine Helicopter which will enhance commissioned Indian Coast Guard’s its operational, surveillance, and search Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS Varad & rescue capability. today in Chennai. Significance About ICGS Varad  An exponential growth of ship-  The newly commissioned ICGS Varad building industry is perceived as ICGS with gross tonnage of 2100 tons is 98 Varad has been built indigenously by metres long and has 15 metres M/s L&T that will contribute breadth. immensely towards the vision of Make in India.  The endurance of the vessel is 5000 nautical miles, with a maximum speed  Commissioning of ICGS Varad will of 26 Knots. enhance the ICGS fleet of ships which will contribute in monitoring and  The ship is propelled by 2 diesel constant vigil for coastal security of driven engines of 9000 KW each, Indian maritime borders.