Easy to PICK51 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to provide prioritised treatment to control development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, the disease. Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger. Key features of the programme: News: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a campaign A child suffering from pneumonia will in Gujarat named Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia be treated with a pre-referral dose of Successfully (SAANS). Prelims and mains focus: Key features antibiotic amoxicillin by Accredited and significance of the programme. Social Health Activist Aims: 1. To reduce child mortality due to (ASHA) workers. pneumonia, which contributes to Pulse Oximeter (device to monitor around 15% of deaths of children under the age of five annually. oxygen saturation) will be used at the 2. To mobilise people to protect children from pneumonia, and train health Health and Wellness Centre for personnel and other stakeholders to identification of low oxygen levels in the blood of child and if required, the child can be treated by the use of oxygen cylinders. A mass awareness campaign will be launched about the effective solutions for pneumonia prevention like breastfeeding, age-appropriate complementary feeding and immunization etc.
Easy to PICK52 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Rajya Sabha passed 3,817 Bills in the last 67 years; Held 5,466 sittings since 1952 Syllabus subtopic: Parliament and State Reprimand: Former Member of Rajya Legislatures - structure, functioning, Sabha K.K.Tiwari was summoned to the conduct of business, powers & privileges Bar of the House and was reprimanded in and issues arising out of these. 1990 for a statement published in newspapers the same day that brought the News: The first ever effort by the Rajya office of Chairman and the House to Sabha secretariat to quantify and analyse indignity and contempt. the legislative work done by the Upper House since it came into being in 1952 has Bill passed by Rajya Sabha but negated revealed that the House has passed 3,817 by Lok Sabha: Bills till the end of the last and the 249th The Constitution (Sixty-fourth session. Amendment) Bill, 1990 seeking to amend Article 356 relating to extension of Prelims and Mains Focus: about President’s Rule in Punjab. significance of RS vis-a-vis Lok Sabha Bills passed by Lok Sabha but negatived Unique events relating to Rajya Sabha: by Rajya Sabha (5): Casting vote by the Chair: The first and The Constitution (24th Amendment) Bill, the only time when a Presiding Officer of 1970 seeking to terminate privy purses and Rajya Sabha cast his vote was when the privileges of former Indian States, Panel Chairman M.A. Baby did so in 1991 when the voting was tied on the Statutory The Banking Service Commission Resolution moved by the opposition (Repeal) Bill, 1977, seeking disapproval of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) The Constitution (64th Amendment) Bill, Ordinance resulting in the victory of the 1989 seeking to insert a new Part IX in the opposition in the House. constitution relating to Panchayats, President Rule approved only by Rajya The Constitution (65th Amendment) Bill, Sabha: It happened only twice in respect 1989 relating to Nagar Panchayats and of extension of President Rule in Municipalities Tamilnadu and Nagaland in 1977 and in case of Haryana in 1991 when Lok Sabha The Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002. was dissolved. Bills passed at the joint sittings of both Removal of a Judge: The only time Rajya the Houses of Parliament (3): Sabha adopted a motion for removal of a The Dowry Prohibition Bill, 1959 Judge was in respect of Justice Soumitra The Banking Service Commission Sen of Calcutta High Court in 2011 but he (Repeal) Bill, 1978 resigned before the motion was taken up in The Prevention of Terrorism Bill, 2002 Lok Sabha. Women representation in RS The representation of women in Rajya Sabha increased from 15 (6.94%) in 1952 increased to 31 (12.76%) in 2014 and is now 26 (10.83%) in 2019.
Easy to PICK53 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”
Easy to PICK54 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” WCD Ministry launches Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh (BPKK) Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to occasion, eminent agricultural scientist, development and management of Social Dr. M. S. Swaminathan said that to make Sector/Services relating to Health, India nutrition secure, a five-point action Education, Human Resources. programme has to be implemented: News: The Union Minister of Women and Ensure calorie rich diet for women, Child Development (WCD) and Textiles, expectant mothers and children along with Bill Gates, co-chair of Bill & Ensure intake of proteins in the form of Melinda Gates Foundation launched the pulses to eradicate protein hunger in Bharatiya Poshan Krishi Kosh (BPKK) in women and children New Delhi. Eradicate hidden hunger due to deficiency Prelims and Mains focus: About BPKK of micro nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin and its significance B, Iron and Zinc About (BPKK) Ensure clean drinking water supply The BPKK is a repository of diverse crops Spreading nutrition literacy in every across 128 agro-climatic zones in India for village particularly in mothers with better nutritional outcomes. On this children less than 100 days’ old.
Easy to PICK55 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Inauguration of KPCS Plenary 2019 Syllabus subtopic: Bilateral, regional and Committees except Working Group on global groupings and agreements Artisanal and Alluvial Production involving India and/or affecting India's (WGAAP). interests As per the Scheme, each shipment of rough diamonds being exported and News: The Plenary meeting of the imported by crossing an international Kimberley Process Certification Scheme border should be transported in a tamper (KPCS) is being hosted by India, the proof container and accompanied by a present Kimberley Process (KP) Chair, validated Kimberley Process Certificate. from 18th to 22nd November, 2019 in New Delhi. Prelims and Mains focus: About KPCS, its significance, merits and challenges About Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme (KPCS) that regulates trade in rough diamonds. First implemented in 2003, it aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds, while helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds. The KP cannot be considered as an international agreement from a legal perspective, as it is implemented through About Conflict Diamonds Conflict diamonds, also known as ‘blood’ the national legislations of its participants. diamonds, are rough diamonds used by Also, it is not an international rebel movements or their allies to organization as it has no permanent finance armed conflicts aimed at offices or permanent staff. undermining legitimate governments. The Kimberley Process participants are The only current case of rebel forces states and regional economic integration controlling diamond-producing areas is organizations that are eligible to trade in in Côte d’Ivoire. These conflict diamonds constitute less than 0.1% of the world’s rough diamonds. diamond production. The KPCS prohibits participants from trading with non- KP participants. The KP is underpinned by the United Nations mandate. KP members are responsible for stemming 99.8% of the global production of conflict diamonds. Among six committees of KPCS, India is member of all the Working Groups and
Easy to PICK56 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India had earlier chaired KPCS in the year 2008. Members: The Kimberley Process (KP) is open to all countries that are willing and able to implement its requirements. Currently, there are 55 participants representing 82 countries, with the European Community counting as a single participant. Out of 55, 54 participants (including the EU) meet the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Certification except Central African Republic. Requirements: Under the terms of the KPCS, members must: Satisfy minimum requirements and establish national legislation, institutions and import/export controls Commit to transparent practices and to the exchange of critical statistical data Trade only with fellow members who also satisfy the fundamentals of the agreement Certify shipments as conflict-free and provide the supporting certification Chair of Kimberley Process: Background The position of Chair rotates annually, In 1998, certain rebel movements in Africa following validation of the previous Vice (Sierra Leone, Angola, Congo, Liberia) Chair. i.e., The Participant selected as were selling illegally obtained diamonds to Vice-Chair becomes Chair the following fund their wars against legitimate year. governments. India is one of the founder members of With a view to find ways to stop trade in Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Conflict Diamonds, world’s diamond and is the Chair of Kimberley Process for industry, United Nations and the year 2019 with Russian Federation as Governments, in 2002 in Switzerland, Vice Chair. ratified the final draft of the Kimberley Process. The KPCS came into effect from 1stJanuary, 2003 and evolved into an
Easy to PICK57 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” effective mechanism for stopping the trade in Conflict Diamonds. Additional Information Currently, India exports around $ 24 billion cut and polished diamonds. It is expected that India will reach an export target of USD 1 trillion in coming years. World’s largest gem-quality diamond, the Cullinan diamond was found in South Africa in 1905 weighing 3,106 carats uncut. Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is designated as the KPCS Importing and Exporting Authority in India. GJEPC is responsible for issuing KP Certificates and is also the custodian of KP Certificates received in the country.
Easy to PICK58 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for The Scheme was formulated in 2014 under vulnerable sections of the population by overall ambit of National Sports the Centre and States and the performance Development Fund (NSDF). of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the The idea of the Scheme is to fund a Group protection and betterment of these of Athletes who are medal prospects for vulnerable sections the Olympic Games (and Paralympics News: 352 athletes have received games) in Paris in 2024 and Los Angeles assistance under TOP Scheme in the Games in 2028. various sports disciplines. Prelims and Mains focus: about TOP Under TOPs, High priority category has scheme and its significance been created to incentivize those sports in which India has won medals in the last About TOPS Asian Games as well as Commonwealth The ‘Target Olympic Podium Scheme’ is a Games or in which India has good chance of winning medals. flagship program of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Easy to PICK59 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Evolution of TOPS In the 2016 Paralympic Games, the TOPS In order to realize India’s Olympic medal Athletes won 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal. dream, at the 2016 (Rio) and 2020 (Tokyo) Olympics, TOPS was established in 2014. Out of the 70 athletes who won medals at The first committee was constituted under the Commonwealth Games (CWG), 47 of the chairmanship of Anurag Thakur and them were supported under the TOP comprised of eminent athletes – Pulella Scheme. Gopichand, Rahul Dravid, Abhinav Bindra, and Manisha Malhotra. Mission Olympic Cell The Mission Olympic Cell is created to Achievements TOPS sponsored P V Sindhu and Sakshi assist the athletes who are selected under the TOP Scheme. Malik captured silver and bronze in MOC is headed by Director General, Badminton and Wrestling respectively at Sports Authority of India (SAI). the 2016 Rio Olympics. The idea of the MOC is to debate, discuss and decide the methods so that the athlete receives best assistance.
Easy to PICK60 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Over 18 lakh farmers registered under PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for 4. The spouse is also eligible to get a separate vulnerable sections of the population by pension of Rs.3000/- upon making the Centre and States and the performance separate contributions to the Fund. of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, 5. The Life Insurance Corporation of India institutions and bodies constituted for the (LIC) shall be the Pension Fund Manager protection and betterment of these and responsible for Pension pay out. vulnerable sections 6. In case of death of the farmer before News: The Union Minister of Agriculture retirement date, the spouse may continue and Farmers Welfare said that 18,29,469 in the scheme by paying the remaining farmers have been registered under the PM contributions till the remaining age of the Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana, including deceased farmer. If the spouse does not 61,496 farmers of Gujarat. wish to continue, the total contribution Prelims and Mains focus: about the made by the farmer along with interest will scheme and its significance, achievements be paid to the spouse. If there is no spouse, and challenges then total contribution along with interest About the scheme will be paid to the nominee. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana 7. If the farmer dies after the retirement date, (PM-KMY) is an old age pension scheme the spouse will receive 50% of the pension for all land holding Small and Marginal as Family Pension. After the death of both Farmers (SMFs) in the country. It is a the farmer and the spouse, the accumulated voluntary and contributory pension scheme corpus shall be credited back to the for the entry age group of 18 to 40 years. Pension Fund. The Scheme is effective from the 8. The beneficiaries may opt voluntarily to 9thAugust, 2019. exit the Scheme after a minimum period of Salient features 5 years of regular contributions. On exit, 1. It is voluntary and contributory for farmers their entire contribution shall be returned in the entry age group of 18 to 40 years by LIC with an interest equivalent to and a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- will prevailing saving bank rates. be provided to them on attaining the age of 9. The farmers, who are also beneficiaries of 60 years. PM-Kisan Scheme, will have the option to 2. The farmers will have to make a monthly allow their contribution debited from the contribution of Rs.55 to Rs.200, depending benefit of that Scheme directly. on their age of entry, in the Pension Fund 10. In case of default in making regular till they reach the retirement date i.e. the contributions, the beneficiaries are allowed age of 60 years. The farmers will have to to regularize the contributions by paying make a monthly contribution of Rs.55 to the outstanding dues along with prescribed Rs.200, depending on their age of entry, in interest. Until 1 month from first unpaid the Pension Fund till they reach the contribution, no late fee would be charged. retirement date i.e. the age of 60 years. Three payment cycles demand would be 3. The monthly contributions will fall due on raised for payment of contribution without the same day every month as enrolment any interest. date. The beneficiaries may also chose an Eligibility option to pay their contributions on 1. Small and Marginal Farmer (SMF) - a quarterly, 4-monthly or half-yearly basis. farmer who owns cultivable land upto 2 Such contributions will fall due on the hectare as per land records of the same day of such period as the date of concerned State/UT. enrollment 2. Age of 18- 40 years
Easy to PICK61 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Farmers who are not eligible for the 1. The Eligible SMFs desirous of joining the scheme shall visit nearest Common scheme Service Centre (CSC) along with his Aadhaar card and bank passbook or The following categories of farmers have account details. been brought under the exclusion criteria: 2. The Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) present at the CSC shall complete the on- SMFs covered under any other statuary line registration process after taking details of Aadhaar number, name, date of birth, social security schemes such as National spouse and nominee particulars, mobile Pension Scheme (NPS), Employees’ State number (optional), address and a few other details. Insurance Corporation scheme, 3. The on-line registration process includes Employees’ Fund Organization Scheme capturing of bank account particulars and completion of an auto-debit mandate to the etc. bank account of the subscriber for debiting contribution amount to the subscriber’s Farmers who have opted for Pradhan bank account every month. The demand will be made by the sponsor bank/IDBI, on Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana behalf of LIC of India. (PM-SYM) administered by the Ministry 4. The data would be checked by the CSC through manual verification of bank of Labour & Employment particulars from supporting documents, demographic authentications of Aadhaar, Farmers who have opted for Pradhan etc. Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana 5. The mobile number (optional) given by the subscriber will be verified by OTP (PM-LVM) administered by the Ministry verification process. of Labour & Employment 6. The subscriber will authenticate the data in on-line generated enrolment form by Further, the following categories of putting his / her signature. beneficiaries of higher economic status 7. The VLE will upload scanned copy of signed enrolment-cum-debit mandate form shall not be eligible for benefits under the and thereafter enable his/her online payment of initial contribution and give scheme: him a receipt. All Institutional Land holders; and 8. At this stage, the online registration process would be complete and the system Former and present holders of would generate a Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan (PM-KMY) Pension Card constitutional posts with a unique Pension Account Number prominently printed on it. Former and present Ministers/ State 9. Upon completion of enrolment process and Ministers and former/present Members of payment of initial contribution, an enrolment-cum-auto-debit-mandate form Lok Sabha/ Rajya Sabha/ State Legislative for taking consent of farmers for auto- debiting from their PM-Kisan benefits Assemblies/State Legislative Councils, through their bank accounts will be generated and signed by the subscriber. former and present Mayors of Municipal Corporations, former and present Chairpersons of District Panchayats. All serving or retired officers and employees of Central/ State Government Ministries/ Offices/Departments and their field units, Central or State PSEs and Attached offices/ Autonomous Institutions under Government as well as regular employees of the Local Bodies (Excluding Multi Tasking Staff / Class IV/Group D employees) All Persons who paid Income Tax in last assessment year.(f) Professionals like Doctors, Engineers, Lawyers, Chartered Accountants, and Architects registered with Professional bodies and carrying out profession by undertaking practice. Registration process
Easy to PICK62 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Remembering the Queen of Jhansi on 191st Birth Anniversary Syllabus subtopic: Modern Indian history After her son died, Lakshmibai and from about the middle of the eighteenth Gangadhar Rao adopted Rao’s cousin’s century until the present- significant son, Anand Rao, who was later events, personalities, issues renamed as Damodar. Context: The warrior queen of Jhansi is best known for her rebellion against the Soon after they adopted Anand, British Raj in the face of adversity that Maharaja died due to an illness in etched her name in the pages of Indian 1853, when Rani Lakshmibai was just history. 18 years. Prelims and Mains Focus: about Rani Laxmibai and her contribution in the 1st The East India Company took war of independence 1857 advantage of the Maharaja’s death and applied the Doctrine of Lapse. About Rani Laxmibai Rani Lakshmibai was born About the Doctrine of Lapse as Manikarnika Tambe in 1828 in Varanasi. She lost her mother at the age of four and was raised by her father who worked as an advisor in the court of Peshwa. In 1842, Lakshmibai got married to Gangadhar Rao Newalkar, the Maharaja of Jhansi and got the name of Rani Lakshmibai. The Doctrine of Lapse was an annexation policy followed widely by Lord Dalhousie when he was India’s Governor- General from 1848 to 1856. According to this, any princely state under the direct or indirect control of the East India Company, where the ruler did not have a legal male heir, would be annexed by the company. As per this, any adopted son of the Indian ruler could not be proclaimed as heir to the kingdom. Hence, due to the Doctrine of Lapse, Britishers did not accept Damodar Rao as the legal heir. Displeased by the injustice, Rani Lakshmibai even appealed to a court in London which discarded her case.
Easy to PICK63 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Britishers annexed Jhansi and seized the state jewels, granted her an annual pension and asked her to leave the fort forever. About the revolt of 1857 Many factors led to the revolt of 1857 but the main factor was the introduction of greased cartridges by the East India Company. The sepoys had to bite the cartridge of the rifle by their teeth. This was unacceptable to the soldiers as the cartridges were greased with beef and pork. Shocked at the Britishers’ attempt to taint their religion, the soldiers joined hands in the collective mutiny. It is believed that prior to sepoy mutiny, Lakshmibai was unwilling to rebel against the British but changed her mind in 1858 when commanding officer of the British forces, Sir Hugh Rose, demanded the surrender of Jhansi. She started assembling an army of rebellions, including women. She was supported by Tantia Tope and Nana Sahib. After a fierce war, she escaped to Kalp. She then departed to Gwalior and a fierce battle was fought between the British and Lakshmibai’s army. She died in that battle in 1958. Rani Lakshmibai’s tomb is situated in the Phool Bagh area of Gwalior.
Easy to PICK64 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Cabinet approves code to allow fixed-term employment Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and Key Highlights of the Code issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment. News: The Union cabinet approved the Labour Code on Industrial Relations 2019, allowing companies to hire workers on fixed-term contract of any duration. Prelims and Mains focus: about the new code and its significance Background The industrial relations code is the third out of four labour codes that have got approval from the cabinet. The Labour Code on Wages has already been approved by Parliament in August while the Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions has been referred to the standing committee of labour. In June 2019, the central government has decided to merge 44 labour laws under four categories: 1. Labour Codes on Wages 2. Labour Codes on Industrial Relations 3. Labour Codes on Social Security 4. Labour Codes on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions The Labour Code on Wages has already Allows companies to hire workers on been approved by Parliament while the fixed-term contract of any duration. Labour Code on Occupational Safety and Fixed-term employment means a worker Code on Social security are not been can be hired for any duration, three months approved yet. or six months or a year depending on season and orders. About the Labour Code on Industrial Relations 2019 Retained the threshold on the worker Labour Code on Industrial Relations is one count at 100 for prior government of the four labour codes. approval before retrenchment. It also The code on Industrial Relations will means that all workers will be treated at combine Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Trade Unions Act, 1926, and the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946.
Easy to PICK65 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” par with regular workers for benefits. and the rest by a single member, resulting However, it has provision for changing speedier disposal of cases. such number of employees through Vested powers with the government notification. officers for adjudication of disputes Provide for setting up of a two-member involving penalty as fines, tribunal (in place of one member) wherein thereby lessening the burden on important cases will be adjudicated jointly tribunal.
Easy to PICK66 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Parliament passes Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill 2019 Syllabus subtopic: Government policies The Act provides that the three trustees and interventions for development in nominated by the central government will various sectors and issues arising out of be trustees for a period of five years and their design and implementation. will be eligible for renomination. The Bill News: Jallianwala Bagh National allows the central government Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 which to terminate the term of a nominated seeks the removal of the Congress trustee before the expiry of his president as a trustee of the memorial was term without assigning any reason. passed by the Parliament. Prelims and Mains focus: key features of Changes made in the Bill the bill, about Jallianwala Bagh Massacre The 2019 amendment bill removes the About the Jallianwala Bagh National President of the Indian National Congress Memorial (Amendment) Bill as a Trustee. The Bill amends the Jallianwala Bagh It clarifies that when there is no Leader of National Memorial Act, 1951. Opposition in Lok Sabha, the leader of the The Act provides for the erection of a single largest opposition party in the Lok National Memorial in memory of those Sabha will be the Trustee. killed on April 13, 1919, in Jallianwala The 1951 act provided that the three Bagh, Amritsar. In addition, the act creates eminent persons nominated by the central a Trust to manage the National Memorial. government will have a term of five years and will be eligible for re-nomination. The Key Features of the Bill 2019 bill added a clause to allow the Composition of Trustees: Under the 1951 central government to terminate the term of a nominated trustee before the expiry of Act, the Trustees of the Memorial include: his term without assigning any reason. (i) the Prime Minister as Chairperson, (ii) President of the Indian National Congress, (iii) Minister in-charge of Culture, (iv) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, (v) Governor of Punjab, (vi) Chief Minister of Punjab, and (vii) three eminent persons nominated by the central government. The Bill amends this provision to remove the President of the Indian National Congress as a Trustee. Further, it clarifies that when there is no Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, then the leader of the single largest opposition party will be the Trustee. Trustees nominated by the central government
Easy to PICK67 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Cabinet approves establishment of the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa (NISR) at Leh Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to It will facilitate quality education, development and management of Social standardization and safety evaluation of Sector/Services relating to Health, Sowa-Rigpa products, standardized Education, Human Resources. Sowa-Rigpa based tertiary health delivery. News: The Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Institute for About Sowa Rigpa Sowa-Rigpa in Leh as an autonomous Sowa-Rigpa is a Traditional Medical organization under the Ministry of AYUSH and to create the post of Director system of the Himalayan belt in India. in Level -14 to oversee implementation of It is commonly known as Amchi system of the project from the construction stage itself. medicine and is one of the oldest and well Prelims and Mains Focus: About Sowa documented medical tradition of the world. Rigpa and its significance It originated in Tibet and popularly practiced in countries namely, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and Russia. Yuthog Yonten Gonpo from Tibet is believed to be the father of Sowa Rigpa. It has been popularly practiced in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Darjeeling (West Bengal), Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh and now all over India. Dharamshala in Himanchal Pardesh and Ladakh region of J&K are the main Centers for Sowa-Rigpa in India. Bachelor in Tibetan Medical System (Amchi Chikitsa Acharya) is presently conducted in four Institutions in India. About National Institute of Sowa Rigpa The basic theory of Sowa-Rigpa may be It is an as an autonomous organization adumbrated in terms of the following five points: under the Ministry of AYUSH. The body in disease as the locus of It is located at Leh. treatment It aims to promote Sowa-Rigpa system of Antidote, i.e., the treatment The method of treatment through antidote medicine and to promote interdisciplinary Medicine that cures the disease research & education of Sowa-Rigpa. Materia Medica, Pharmacy & It will also aim for possible co-relation Pharmacology with bio-molecular western medicine in providing health care facilities. Principles of Sowa-Rigpa Majority of theory and practice of Sowa- Rigpa is similar to Ayurveda.
Easy to PICK68 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Based on the principles of Jung-wa-nga proportion of these elements is in (panchamahabhutas) and Ngepa-Sum imbalance in our body disorder results. (Tridosa). In drugs, diet and drinks exist in the form of Ro-dug (Shast-rasa) Nus-pa (Virya), Bodies of all the living beings and non- Yontan (Guna) and Zhu-jes (Vipaka). living objects of the universe are composed of Jung-wa-nga (Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu and Akash). When the
Easy to PICK69 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNS) Syllabus subtopic: Major crops cropping Farming Systems Research initiated a patterns in various parts of the country, study on Evaluation of Zero Budget different types of irrigation and irrigation Natural Farming practices in Basmati/ systems storage, transport and marketing coarse rice-wheat system from Rabi 2017 of agricultural produce and issues and at 4 locations namely Modipuram, related constraints; e-technology in the aid Pantnagar, Ludhiana, Kurukshetra of farmers Prelims and Mains focus: about ZBNS News: The ICAR-Indian Institute of and its significance for Indian agriculture
Easy to PICK70 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The details of States practicing ZBNF are as follows: 1. Karnataka – has initiated implementation of ZBNF on pilot basis in an area of 2000 ha in each of the 10 Agro Climatic Zones of the State through the respective State Agriculture/ horticulture Universities as demonstrations/ Scientific experimental trials in farmer’s fields and in the research stations of the concerned universities. 2. Himachal Pradesh - is implementing State funded scheme ‘Prakritik Kheti Khushal Kisan’ since May, 2018, the details of which are as: 2018-19- 2669 farmers, Area: 357 ha. 3. Kerala – only awareness programmes, trainings and workshops to draw interest of farmers towards ZBNF has been imparted. 4. Andhra Pradesh - launched ZBNF in September 2015 under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh is conducting experiments to generate the scientific evidence of the ZBNF in collaboration with University of Reading, UK World Agro forestry Centre, Nairobi, FAO & resource NGOs/Civil Society Organizations like Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Hyderabad. 5. Himachal Pradesh: The findings of studies conducted by the state indicated that ZBNF practice showed an improvement in soil quality within a single cropping season and incidence of Invasive leaf miner was significantly less in ZBNF system as compared to the organic farming and conventional farming.
Easy to PICK71 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India’s first largest biotechnology conference Global Bio-India Summit, 2019 concludes Syllabus subtopic: Science and Bio-Agri, Bio-Industrial, Bio-Energy Technology- developments and their and Bio-Services and allied sectors. applications and effects in everyday life Industry Scenario Achievements of Indians in science & The Indian Biotechnology industry technology; indigenization of technology that was valued at $51 bn in 2018, and developing new technology. growing at 14.7% year-on-year. News: India’s first largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomerate, - the Global The sector is divided into five major segments- Bio-pharma, Bio-services, Bio-India (GBI) Summit, 2019 concluded Bio-agri, Bio-industrial, and Bio- today in Delhi informatics. Prelims and Mains focus: about the event and the significance of bio-technology for India’s ambition of $5 trillion economy The three-day event was organized by The biopharmaceutical sector accounts for the largest share of the biotech the Department of Biotechnology industry with a share of 55% of total revenues, followed by bio-agri with (DBT), Ministry of Science & 22% market share (2018). Technology, Government of India Bio-services accounted for 16% of the Biotech industry as India is becoming along with its Public Sector a leading destination for clinical trials, contract research, and manufacturing Undertaking, Biotechnology Industry activities, which is further fuelling the growth of the bio-services sector, while Research Assistance Council the remaining market is catered by bio- industrial (8%). (BIRAC). The associated partners for India currently has 4,50,000+ sq. ft. of this event were Confederation of incubation space Indian Industry (CII), Association of 41 bio-incubators have been supported by BIRAC and established since 2014, with Biotechnology Led Enterprises more planned across the country. (ABLE) and Invest India. India is also one of the first countries to have a department dedicated to In her remarks at the Closing Biotechnology. The Department of Biotechnology has also set up BIRAC Ceremony, Dr. Renu Swarup, (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council). This not-for-profit an Secretary, Department of interface agency to strengthen and empower emerging biotechnology Biotechnology & Chairperson BIRAC, enterprises to undertake strategic research and innovation. said, going by the tremendous success of the mega event, the Department plans to turn the GBI into an annual event with support from all stakeholders. Biotechnology is recognized as the sunrise sector- a key driver for contributing to India’s USD 5 Trillion economy target by 2025. The Summit provided an opportunity to showcase the potential of India’s biotech sector to the international community, identify, create opportunities and deliberate on the key challenges in the areas of Bio-pharma,
Easy to PICK72 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Khelo India Programme Syllabus subtopic: Welfare schemes for athletes. Remaining athletes opted for vulnerable sections of the population by training with their own arrangement and the Centre and States and the performance are being given maximum Out of Pocket of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, Allowances @ Rs. 10,000. institutions and bodies constituted for the The existing 46 SAI Training Centres protection and betterment of these (STCs) are being supported under “State vulnerable sections Level Khelo India Centre (SLKIC)” News: Under the aegis of 'Khelo India' vertical of Khelo India scheme. The list of programme, the 1st Khelo India School 46 established centers is at Annexure II. Games (KISG) 2018 were conducted in An amount of Rs. 156.83 crore has been 2018 at New Delhi with participation of provided to various 3507 athletes. The 2nd edition of Games, National/Regional/State sports academies i.e. ‘Khelo India Youth Games, 2019’ under Khelo India Scheme. were conducted in Pune in 2019 with participation of 5925 athletes. Indigenous sports such as Kho Kho, Competitions for mentally challenged Kabaddi, Mallakhamb, Kalaripayattu, athletes were also organized through Gatka and Thang-Ta are being supported Special Olympic Bharat in 2018. by the Ministry of Youth Affair & Sports. Prelims and Mains focus: about Khelo Last year 23 sports events were held in India Program, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Rural and Indigenous Games at 23 Bharat, Fit India Movement different locations across the country as About the event: part of the ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha A total of 2741 young athletes in 24 sports Bharat’ programme. In these events disciplines (including Para sports) have about 1500 players participated. These been identified under the Talent Search disciplines included Sqay, Kho-Kho, and Development vertical of Khelo Kalaripayattu, Mallakhamb and Roll Ball. India Scheme. Out of 2741 identified Under the Fit India Movement, all State / athletes, 1388 athletes opted for UT Governments have been advised to residential/ day-boarding training at encourage all schools to provide for accredited academies under Khelo India. regular sports, including a local / Ministry of Youth Affairs and indigenous game, by all students. Sports bears the full expenditure of these
Easy to PICK73 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” About Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Union Territories through a year-long programme planned engagement between States; “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister on To SHOWCASE the rich heritage and 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the culture, customs and traditions of either 140th birth anniversary of Sardar State for enabling people to understand Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the and appreciate the diversity that is India, Finance Minister announced the initiative thus fostering a sense of common identity; in his Budget Speech for 2016-17. Through this innovative measure, the TO ESTABLISH long-term engagements knowledge of the culture, traditions and and practices of different States & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and TO CREATE an environment which bonding between the States, thereby promotes learning between States by strengthening the unity and integrity of sharing best practices and experiences. India. All States and UTs will be covered under Fit India Movement the programme. There will be pairing of Envisioned by the Prime Minister, the States/UTs at national level and these pairings will be nation-wide Fit India Movement in effect for one year, or till the next round aims to motivate every Indian to of pairings. The State/UT level pairings incorporate simple, easy ways of would be utilized for state level activities. staying fit in their everyday life. District level pairings would be The initiative is the need of the hour independent of the State level pairings. and it will lead the country towards a The activity will be very useful to link healthy future. various States and Districts in annual programmes that will connect people through exchanges in areas of culture, tourism, language, education trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity of a much larger number of States/UTs while realising that India is one. Objectives of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat The broad objectives of the initiative are as follows:- To CELEBRATE the Unity in Diversity of our Nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of traditionally existing emotional bonds between the people of our Country; PROMOTE the spirit of national integration through a deep and structured engagement between all Indian States and
Easy to PICK74 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” AYUSH Ministry hosting WHO Meetings on developing Standardized Terminologies and Benchmarks documents of Practice for Traditional Medicine Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to WHO is developing Benchmarks development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Document for Practice of Ayurveda, Education, Human Resources. News: Ministry of AYUSH is hosting two Panchakarma & Unani and important WHO meetings during the last week of November and first week of International Terminologies December 2019 at the Institute of Prost Graduate Teaching and Research in Documents in Ayurveda, Siddha & Ayurveda (IPGT & RA), Jamnagar, Gujarat and another is Morarji Desai Unani as part of its global strategy to National Institute of Yoga & Naturopathy, New Delhi. strengthen the quality, safety and Prelims and Mains focus: about WHO, India’s collaborative efforts with WHO in effectiveness of Traditional and the field of medicine Complementary Medicine (T&CM). About the WHO meetings The WHO - International Experts Development of this benchmarks Consultation Meeting (IECM), held document is included in the Project from 26th to 29th November 2019, shall host 51 selected international experts Collaboration Agreement (PCA) (from all six WHO regions) of Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma, signed between World Health as well as Traditional Medicine practitioners, researchers, health policy Organization (WHO) and Ministry of makers, regulators and administrators. The WHO Working Group Meeting AYUSH, Government of India on (WGM), held from 2nd to 4th December 2019, shall host 42 selected Cooperation in the field of Traditional international experts (from all six WHO regions) of Traditional Medicine and Complementary Medicine under literary research, and other related academics including different WHO strategy on T&CM covering the language experts (Sanskrit, Arabic, Persian, Urdu, and Tamil) with period 2014-2023. specific knowledge and considerable experience in working in the area of The consultation meeting of Traditional Medicine languages and scripts. international experts (IECM) on the benchmarks for practice is a continuation of the Working Group Meeting (WGM) WHO organized on the same subject during the September of 2018 at National Institute of Ayurveda at Jaipur. The practice benchmark documents are expected to serve as international benchmarks for qualified practice of Ayurveda, and Unani. They will frame the safety requirements for practicing Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Unani and provide qualifying criteria for practitioners of Ayurveda and Unani among addressing other details and nuances of medical practice. These documents shall serve as reference to national authorities to establish/strengthen regulatory
Easy to PICK75 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” standards and ensure practice of Iran, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Ayurveda, Panchakarma, and Unani, Germany, Latvia, Austria, Denmark, and assure patient safety. Russia, Hungary, USA, Canada, and Argentina. Purpose of WHO Working Group Meeting(WGM) About World Health Organisation The purpose of the WHO Working (WHO) The World Health Organization Group Meeting (WGM) is to review, comment and revise the draft (WHO) is a specialized agency of the documents prepared on the Standard United Nations (UN) that is concerned Terminologies of Ayurveda, Unani and with international public health. Siddha by a select group of nine It was established on 7 April 1948, experts. headquartered in Geneva, The WGM shall help in arriving at an Switzerland. international consensus regarding the The WHO is a member of the United structure and content of each of the Nations Development Group. Its documents, including on occasions, predecessor, the Health Organization, consensus on the meanings and was an agency of the League of definition of words used in these Nations. systems. UN Economic and Social Council The documents are expected to organised an international conference provide: list of terms in the respective to counter formation of a single health systems, their definitions (short or institution which finally adopted the explanatory descriptions as required) Constitution of WHO on 22 July, including contextual meanings of the 1946. The WHO came into existence terms, classical usage/ of the terms on 7th April, 1948. with references to the definitions, suggested English terms, synonyms, Functions of World Health and even define exclusions to the Organisation (WHO) meanings of the term in medical The objective is the attainment of the context. The documents shall cover terms highest possible level of health for all related to basic principles, fundamental the people. theories, human structure and function, It establishes and maintains diagnosis, pathologies, patterns, and collaboration with the UN specialised body constitutions, pharmacognosy, agencies, governmental health pharmacology, preparation of food and administration, professional and other medicines, therapeutics, and preventive groups related with the health. and health promotion interventions, Assist governments to strengthen their and miscellaneous terms in the public health services. respective medical systems. To stimulate and advance work to The 93 International experts are being eradicate diseases. invited from nearly 30 different To promote maternal and child health. countries (Covering all six regions of To ensure mental health, medical WHO ) including Japan, New Zealand, research and prevention of accidents. Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, To improve standards of training and Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, Mauritius, teaching for study in the member Ghana, South Africa, Tanzania, UAE, health professions.
Easy to PICK76 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” To improve nutrition, sanitation, working conditions and other aspects of environmental health. Empowered to propose conventions, agreements and regulations and make recommendations about international health matters. Empowered to revise the international nomenclature of diseases, cause of death and public health services. WHO can also develop, establish and promote inter- national standards relating food, biological, pharmaceutical and similar substances.
Easy to PICK77 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Bill seeks national official language stature for those in Eighth Schedule Syllabus subtopic: Government policies Article 351: It shall be the duty of the and interventions for development in Union to promote the spread of the various sectors and issues arising out of Hindi language and to secure its their design and implementation. enrichment by assimilating without News: A Tamil leader introduced a private interfering with its expressions used in member’s Bill, seeking to give all 22 Hindustani and in the other languages languages mentioned in the Eighth of India specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution the stature of Schedule, and by drawing for its national official languages. vocabulary, primarily, on Sanskrit and Prelims and Mains focus: About the Bill, secondarily on other languages. official language status, Eighth Schedule of the constitution, List of languages in the Eighth Schedule Demand of the proposed Bill: The Constitution Amendment Bill, 2019, seeks to amend Article 343, which states that the “official language of the Union shall be Hindi in Devanagari script”. The Bill proposed by Tamil leader wants that the all 22 languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution should be national official languages. The Eighth Schedule The Constitutional provisions relating to the Eighth Schedule occur in Article 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution. Article 344(1): provides for Committee on Official Languages: the constitution of a Commission by As the evolution of dialects and the President on expiration of 5 years from the commencement of the languages is dynamic, influenced by Constitution and thereafter at the socio-political developments, it is expiration of 10 years from such difficult to fix any criterion for commencement, which shall consist of languages, whether to distinguish them a Chairman and other members from dialects, or for their inclusion in representing the different languages the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution specified in the Eighth Schedule of India. to make recommendations to the Consequently, two committees viz. President for the progressive use of the Pahwa (1996) and Sitakant Hindi for official purposes of the Union.
Easy to PICK78 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Mohapatra (2003) Committees were The Committee submitted its report in formed by the government. A Committee was set up in September 2004, which is still under the 2003 under the Chairmanship of Shri government’s consideration in Sitakant Mohapatra to evolve a set of objective criteria for inclusion of more consultation with the concerned languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Minorities/Departments.
Easy to PICK79 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” GES 2019 to showcase India’s service sector Syllabus subtopic: Indian Economy and overseas delegates from 74 countries issues relating to planning, mobilization of will be participating in the GES 2019. resources, growth, development and There are also Indian and foreign employment. business leaders from the services News: Union Minister of Commerce and industry participating in over 4370 Industry & Railways, Piyush Goyal will scheduled B2B meetings over the 3 inaugurated the Global Exhibition on days. Services (GES) 2019 Bengaluru, GES will see representation of the Prelims and mains focus: About GES public and private Sector, besides the event and its significance, SEPC participation of 10 Ministries from the Central Government and select State About GES 2019: Governments showcasing their This is the 5th edition of GES and is strengths in the services sector. Through GES the Government of an attempt towards escalating the India seeks to engage industry and Indian services bar in the global Governments across the world and arena by exploring 12 Champion promote greater exchange of trade Services Sectors, encompassing in services between India and rest of participation from 74 countries and the world, Department of Commerce, hosting sector specific knowledge Ministry of Commerce and Industry in sessions. association with Services Export India is looking to attract investments Promotion Council (SEPC) and and partnerships in strategic areas like Confederation of Indian Industry aviation and space programme, (CII) has created a dedicated platform, infrastructure, telecom projects, the which is an annual event. financial management and accounting, GES also looks to enhance strategic content, design, media distribution and cooperation and develop synergies to outsourcing publishing work, strengthen multilateral relationships Intellectual Property management between all stake holders, tap the services and environmental/ social potential for services exports and impact assessment. increase FDI inflow. GES 2019 is spread across 19,000 square meters. Over 400 exhibitors and over 3000 delegates including 400
Easy to PICK80 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” In GES 2019 SEPC is also looking to Myanmar and Vietnam) countries are promote eSports. The eSports expected. industry is expected to grow rapidly India is also aspiring to promote and in 2017 worldwide revenue niche tourism like the Buddhist generated in eSports market circuit, adventure and camping amounted to USD 655 million. tourism. Uttar Pradesh is the partnering state mainly to promote the tourism The market is expected to generate sector and will have a separate state close to USD 1.8 billion in revenue by pavilion in GES 2019. 2022. The regular monthly salaries of average pro-gamers may range from India’s efforts to promote tourism USD 1000 to USD 5000 apart from the In order to attract more players in the money that they win from prizes. There were 270 million global fans of services sector India has liberalized eSports in 2016 and the number is its e-visa regime in three categories: expected to grow to 495 million in e-tourist, e-medical and e-business to 2020. promote these sectors. Multiple entry tourist and business For GES 2019 India has invited visas for a period of five years are eSports federations from several now available to nationals of all countries. Participants are expected countries for the benefit of medical from Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal, Sri tourists. Separate immigration counters Lanka, Japan, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, and facilitation desks have been New Zealand, Australia, South Africa provided at six Indian international and Korea. airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. SEPC is organizing Nations Cup (International eSports Championship) About SEPC in association with Electronic Sports SEPC is an export promotion council Federation of India (ESFI) during GES 2019. The Nations Cup will be one of set up by Ministry of Commerce and the key highlights during GES and will Industry, Government of India in open up multiple avenues for the 2006 as an apex trade body to services industry particularly in facilitate service exporters of India. eSports, gaming and animation. SEPC actively contributes to the formulation of policies of Government GES 2019 will host focused of India and acts as an interface knowledge sessions on key Champion between the services industry and the Services Sectors and will cater to many Government. It has a membership base B2B, B2G and B2C meetings. of 4800 members from the 14 service sectors. An International Moot Court competition is also being organized during GES 2019 for young lawyers,who along with their seniors, will argue cases related to intellectual property rights. In this competition participants from BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Bhutan) and CLMV (Cambodia, Laos,
Easy to PICK81 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” PM congratulates ISRO team on successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite Syllabus subtopic: Awareness in the indigenous Cartosat-3 satellite and over fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, a dozen nano satellites of USA. nano-technology, bio-technology and Prelims and Mains focus: about PSLV- issues relating to intellectual property C47, Cartosat-3 rights. News: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra With this, ISRO has launched a total Modi has congratulated the of 310 foreign satellites. entire ISRO team on yet another successful launch of PSLV-C47 carrying
Easy to PICK82 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Cartosat 3 While ISRO has not revealed the Cartosat-3, the ninth in the Cartosat specifications of the imagers onboard the satellite, it is expected to have a series, is the first of the third- spatial resolution of less than 30cm, generation agile advanced earth which is far better than that of its observation satellites having high predecessors- Cartosat-1 with 2.5m resolution imaging capability. resolution and Cartosat-2 series with less than 1m resolution. According to the space agency, the satellite shall address the increased With a resolution of less than 30cm, user demands for large scale urban the cameras onboard Cartosat-3 could planning, rural resource and capture images with greater accuracy infrastructure development, coastal that could help urban planners go as far land use and land cover and others. as taking a headcount of pedestrians at The satellite is expected to help in a busy junction. military reconnaissance and mapping.
Easy to PICK83 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Center approves 3.31 lakh more houses under PMAY(U) Syllabus subtopic: Government policies grounded for construction of which and interventions for development in 28.4 Lakh have been completed. various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. About PMAY- Urban: The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) News: The 49th Meeting of the Central Programme launched by the Ministry of Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (CSMC) under Pradhan Mantri Awas (MoHUPA), in Mission mode envisions Yojana (Urban), approved 606 proposals provision of Housing for All by 2022, from participating States for the when the Nation completes 75 years of its construction of 3,31,075 houses with an Independence. overall investment of Rs 15,125 Cr involving central assistance of Rs 5,092 Cr. This includes six Light Houses Projects (LHPs) for construction of 6368 houses to be built across 6 States namely Gujarat (1,144), Jharkhand (1,008), Madhya Pradesh (1,024), Tamil Nadu (1,152), Tripura (1,000 ) and Uttar Pradesh (1040). Prelims and Mains focus: About PMAY, its significance, challenges and Govt.’s efforts to address them Context: Significance of the scheme: The proposal received are under PMAY-U does offer a huge Beneficiary Led Construction or opportunity for several sectors by Enhancement (BLC) and Affordable setting off a virtuous cycle. Housing Project (AHP) verticals of the One crore houses would mean an scheme. The houses proposed under opportunity for over Rs 2 lakh crore of Light Houses Projects (LHPs) will be home loans, and incremental constructed by using new and consumption of 80-100 million tonne innovative technologies and will serve of cement and 10-15 million tonne of as live laboratories for research, steel. testing, technology transfer, increasing The construction opportunity is of mass awareness and for mainstreaming about four billion square feet over the them in the country. life of PMAY-U. And all that would As on date, PMAY(U) Mission has translate into 9-10 crore incremental sanctioned more than 96.50 Lakh jobs over the execution period. houses under PMAY(U) against the validated demand of 1.12 crore houses. A total of 56 Lakh houses are
Easy to PICK84 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The Mission seeks to address the 2015 to March 2017. In phase two, 200 housing requirement of urban poor cities will be covered from April 2017 including slum dwellers through to March 2019. In the third phase, the following programme verticals: leftover cities will be covered from Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers April 2019 to March 2022. with participation of private developers The government is providing an using land as a resource. interest subsidy of 6.5% on housing Promotion of Affordable Housing for loans which can be availed by weaker section through credit linked beneficiaries for 15 years from start of subsidy. loan date. Affordable Housing in Partnership with Public & Private sectors. The government will grant Rs 1 lakh to Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual all the beneficiaries of the scheme. In house construction /enhancement. addition, Rs 1.5 lakh will be given to all eligible urban poor who want to Key facts: construct their houses in urban areas or The beneficiaries are poor and people plan to go for renovation in their existing houses. One can also avail living under EWS and LIG categories loans under this scheme to build toilets in the country. in existing houses. The scheme is divided into three phases. In the first phase, a total of 100 cities will be covered from April
Easy to PICK85 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Char Dham Programme Syllabus subtopic: Government policies About the Char Dham Programme and interventions for development in The projects under Char Dham various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. Programme include widening of News: An amount of Rs. 1850 crore is existing roads along with likely to be spent on the Char Dham adequate/sufficient slope protection by Programme in the current financial year. way of erection of retaining walls and Prelims and Mains focus: About Char breast walls and by deploying drapery Dham Pariyojana, challenges and its system, netting, anchoring, reinforced significance wall etc. as per Detailed Project Reports. The projects also include Context: mitigation measures/ stabilisation of The Char Dham Programme was chronic landslide & sinking spots/zones as standalone project or initially targeted for completion by part of road widening projects to avoid March, 2020. However, the schedule land slide and safety of road users. Bio date of completion of the programme engineering methods like hydro has been delayed mainly due to seeding are being used for vegetative litigation in the Hon’ble NGT and growth on fragile slopes for their further Civil Appeal by the petitioner stability. All these measures shall in the Hon’ble Supreme Court. safeguard the highway and habitation against natural calamity. Further, the section from Dharasu bend to Gangotri (94km) lies under The works under Char Dham Pariyojna Bhagirathi Eco- Sensitive Zone on are being implemented on which works can be taken up only after Engineering Procurement and approval of Masterplan by Construction (EPC) mode of MoEF&CC. contract. The Hon’ble Supreme Court vide order These projects are being implemented dated 08.08.2019 has disposed of the by 3 executing agencies of Ministry of Civil Appeal and constituted a High Road Transport and Highways, viz, Power Committee (HPC) to look into Uttarakhand State PWD, Border Road the environmental and other issues Organization (BRO) and National related to the Char Dham Programme Highway & Infrastructure as per the terms of reference set by the Development Corporation Limited Hon’ble Supreme Court. (NHIDCL). For each project, a Supervision Consultant called The HPC has been mandated to Authority’s Engineer comprising of a submit its report within 4 months team of Key Experts has been from the date of the order. The date of appointed for day-to-day supervision completion of the programme and monitoring of the construction depends on the report of the HPC works, which includes monitoring of and approval of Masterplan for quality control of the works as required Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone by under the contract agreement. MoEF&CC.
Easy to PICK86 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” This Supervision Consultant reports under this EPC mode of contract, the directly to the concerned executing contractor is directly responsible for agencies in respect of day to day ensuring quality of the work as well as progress and various other aspects of rectification of defects and the project. Regular monitoring of maintenance of the project stretch for a progress of the work is done at the period of 4 years after completion of level of concerned executing agencies construction. and also at Ministry’s level., Further,
Easy to PICK87 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Boosting Textile Industry Through Technology Upgradation Syllabus subtopic: Government policies The Scheme for Production and and interventions for development in Employment Linked Support for various sectors and issues arising out of Garmenting Units (SPELSGU) under their design and implementation. ATUFS is to incentivise production and employment generation in the Prelims and Mains focus: about the garmenting sector. current issues impacting textile industry and steps taken by the government to The additional incentive of 10% will address them be provided to both the garmenting and made-ups units registered under Context: ATUFS on achievement of After extensive discussions with employment projected by them. stakeholders and with a view to promote ease of doing business in the country and In order to promote handloom sector achieve the vision of generating across the country, financial assistance is employment and promoting exports by provided under the following schemes for way of technology upgradation in textile raw materials, purchase of looms and sector through “Make in India’’ with \"Zero accessories, design innovation, product effect and Zero defect\", the old version of diversification, infrastructure development, Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme skill upgradation, marketing of handloom (TUFS) was revised and accordingly a products and loan at concession rates: new scheme viz. Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) National Handloom Development was launched in January 2016 with an Programme (NHDP) outlay of Rs. 17,822 crore upto 2022. 1. Comprehensive Handloom Cluster About ATUFS Development Scheme (CHCDS) The objective of the scheme is to 2. Handloom Weavers’ Comprehensive facilitate augmenting of investment, Welfare Scheme (HWCWS) productivity, quality, employment, exports along with import substitution 3. Yarn Supply Scheme (YSS). in textile industry and also to indirectly Measures taken to streamline the promote investment in textile process under ATUFS machinery manufacturing. Delegation of Powers: Financial Under the scheme, higher incentives powers were delegated to Textiles have been provided to Commissioner to approve all JIT garmenting/technical textiles for reports and release payments upto Rs. reimbursement of Capital Investment 5 crore. All individual cases with a Subsidy. The guidelines of ATUFS subsidy amount more than Rs. 5 crore, have been further revised with a view will be forwarded to the Ministry of to make online portal for Textiles after according approval of implementation (i-TUFS) an end to Textile Commissioner for obtaining end solution. concurrence of Internal Finance Wing
Easy to PICK88 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” and release to the banks/lending i. Special Package for Textile and agencies. Apparel sector: Rs 6000 crore package was launched in June 2016 to Geo-tagging and digital signature: boost employment and export potential System of geo-tagging of machinery in the apparel and made up segments. has been implemented and digital This package consists of Remission of signatures by the units/ banks/ offices State Levies for garmenting and made- of Textile Commissioner have also ups; additional production and been introduced in the i-TUFS employment linked subsidy of 10% software. under ATUFS for garmenting; assistance for the entire 12% Admissibility of Packing List for employers’ contribution towards EPF; fixed term employment in garmenting, verification of serial number of increasing overtime caps; and income tax concessions under section 80JJAA imported machinery: Inter for the garmenting sector. Ministerial Steering Committee ii. Textiles India 2017: The Ministry of Textiles organized a 3-day mega textile (IMSC) in its meeting held on exhibition namely, Textiles India 2017 from 30th June to 2nd July, 2017 at 27.02.2019 had decided to seek a Gujarat. The principal objective of organizing the said mega event was to clarification from D/o Revenue with bring all segments of the Textiles sector under one umbrella trade event regard to acceptability of packing list and showcase the strength of the Indian Textiles sector to the world. This event for verification of machine serial witnessed participation of buyers from 105 countries, international delegates number in respect imported machinery. and representatives and artisans and weavers. In view of advice of Department of iii. Enhanced Customs Duty to boost Revenue, it has been clarified that domestic manufacturing: To boost indigenous production and Make in Packing List in respect of imported India, Government has increased Basic Customs Duty from 10% to 20% on machinery be allowed for verification 501 textile products. of machinery serial number. iv. Power Tex India: A comprehensive scheme for powerloom sector was Serial Number of machineries not launched in April, 2017 with an outlay mentioned in the invoice, packing of Rs. 487 crore for three years. This list or any other shipping scheme has components relating to document: IMSC in its meeting held powerloom upgradation; infrastructure on 24.10.2019 decided that in case the creation and concessional access to machine serial number is not mentioned in the original invoice / shipping documents, a certificate indicating the machine serial numbers against the machines supplied through a particular invoice can be obtained from the OEM and the claim can be accepted if such machinery with specified serial number is verified by the Joint Inspection Team (JIT) at the time of physical inspection of the unit. Details of various other actions taken by the Government to boost textile sector
Easy to PICK89 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” credit,. The scheme has been designed Sector Scheme “Silk Samagra” for to attract investment of Rs. 1000 crore development of sericulture in the and employment to 10000 persons in country with components such as the powerloom sector and will also Research & Development, Training, result in higher returns to powerloom Transfer of Technology and I.T units. Initiatives, support to seed organisations, coordination and market v. National Handloom Development development and, quality certification Systems (QCS)/ Export Brand Programme and National Promotion and Technology Upgradation. R&D efforts have also Handicrafts Development been initiated to evolve new products by blending silk with other fibres such Programme: These programmes aim as wool, coir, cotton etc., which have demand in international markets. at holistic development of handloom ix. Scheme for Integrated Textile Park and handicrafts clusters through (SITP): This scheme is implemented in Public Private Partnership mode to integrated approach. The strategic attract private investments in developing new clusters of textiles interventions under the programme manufacturing. Government of India provides financial assistance up to 40% include financial assistance for new of the project within a ceiling of Rs. 40 crores. 19 new projects were upgraded looms and accessories, sanctioned from 2014 onwards. design innovation, product and x. North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS): This infrastructure development, skill scheme promotes textiles industry in the North Eastern Region by providing upgradation, training, setting up of infrastructure, capacity building and marketing support to all segments of Mega clusters for increasing textile industry. The scheme has an outlay of Rs. 500 crores during 2017- manufacturing and exports, easy access 18 to 2019-20. to working capital through customized xi. Integrated Wool Development Programme (IWDP): Government of Mudra loans for weavers and India has recently approved IWDP for implementation during 2017-18 to artisans and direct marketing support 2019-20 after integrating and rationalization of various schemes for to weavers and artisans. holistic growth of wool sector by providing support to entire chain of vi. 'India Handloom Brand' Scheme has wool sector from wool rearer to end been launched by the Government in consumer to increase the wool 2015 to enhance the quality in production as well as its quality. weaving, designing and defect free handloom products for safeguarding the interest of the buyers in the domestic and international markets. It will promote production of niche handloom products with high quality, authentic traditional designs with zero defect and zero effect on environment. vii. SAMARTH- The Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS): The scheme has been approved with an outlay of Rs 1300 crore with a target to train 10 lakh people in various segments of textile sector by March 2020. viii. Silk Samagra: Government of India has been implementing a Central
Easy to PICK90 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” xii. Jute (ICARE): A project Jute ICARE under Merchandise Exports from India (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Scheme (MEIS) has been enhanced Retting Exercise) was introduced in from 2% to 4% for apparel, 5% to 7% 2015 for improving productivity and for made-ups, handloom and quality of raw jute through carefully handicrafts w.e.f. 1st November, 2017. designed interventions. The project has benefitted more than 1.33 lakhs xvi. Interest rate subvention: Credit farmers in various states in the country. interest rate subvention for pre and post shipment was restored in 2015 for xiii. JUTE - SMART: The Office of the three years. The Government has Jute Commissioner has developed an enhanced interest equalization rate for end-to-end web-based platform for pre and post shipment credit for the procurement, inspection and dispatch textile sector from 3% to 5 % from of jute bags which is transparent, rule 02.11.2018. based, simple to use and real time. xvii. Market Access Initiative (MAI): The objective of scheme is to promote xiv. The Export Promotion Councils India's exports on a sustained basis. (EPCs) work in close co-operation The scheme is formulated on product- with various organizations of the focus country approach to evolve Government to promote the growth specific market and specific product and export of their respective sectors through market studies/survey. The viz. readymade garments, cotton, silk, following activities are eligible for jute, powerloom, handloom, financial assistance under the scheme: handicrafts and carpets, in global markets. EPCs participate and o Marketing Projects Abroad organize fairs and exhibitions and o Capacity Building standalone shows in India & overseas o Support for Statutory Compliances markets to enhance exports and access o Studies new markets. o Project Development o Developing Foreign Trade Facilitation xv. Enhancement of rates web Portal under Merchandise Exports from o To support Cottage and handicrafts India Scheme (MEIS): To further units boost exports of apparel & made-up sectors, interest rates
Easy to PICK91 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine”
Easy to PICK92 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Indo-Nepal joint military Exercise SURYA KIRAN – XIV Syllabus subtopic: India and its terrorism operations as also various neighbourhood- relations. humanitarian assistance missions by both the Armies. News: Joint military exercise ‘SURYA KIRAN – XIV’ between India and Nepal India – Nepal Relations will be conducted at Salijhandi, Rupendehi India and Nepal share a unique district of Nepal from 03 to 16 December 2019. relationship of friendship and cooperation as close neighbours Prelims and Mains focus: About the characterized by open borders and exercise and its significance, Indo-Nepal deep-rooted people-to-people contacts relations of kinship and culture. Nepal shares a border with five Indian States – About the exercise: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Exercise SURYA KIRAN - XIV is an Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Historical ties annual event which is conducted Hinduism and Buddhism alternatively in Nepal and India. Nepal and India share a cultural history Notably, in the series of military around the development of the two major training exercises undertaken by India religions of the world – Hinduism and with various countries, exercise Buddhism. SURYA KIRAN with Nepal is an Buddha was born in Lumbini located in important exercise in terms of the present-day Nepal. Later Buddha came to security challenges faced by both the India, where he got enlightenment. Later nations in the realm of changing Buddhism spread to other parts of the facets of global terrorism. World. The aim of this exercise is to conduct Hinduism originated in India. Hinduism is a Battalion level combined training a major religion in present-day Nepal. between Indian Army and Nepal Army ‘Roti-Beti ka Rishta’ to increase interoperability in jungle People of both countries benefit from the warfare and counter terrorist operations open borders and unhindered movement in mountainous terrain, humanitarian across it. assistance and disaster relief, medical This helps the citizens of both countries in and environmental conservation both livelihoods as well as to have strong including aviation aspects. people to people contact and close bonds The joint military exercise will through marriages and familial ties. enhance the level of defence India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and cooperation which will further foster Friendship of 1950 the bilateral relations between the two The special relations between the two nations. nations date back to the India-Nepal Treaty The exercise will comprise of 300 of Peace and Friendship of 1950. soldiers from both Indian and Nepal It is a bilateral treaty establishing a close Army who would be sharing their strategic relationship signed at experience in conduct of various Kathmandu. counter insurgency and counter
Easy to PICK93 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” The treaty allows free movement of people Cultural ties and goods between the two nations and a Hinduism and Buddhism have served close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign policy. India’s soft power in Nepal. Lumbini is part of the Buddhist circuit being The treaty talks about reciprocal treatment developed. of Indian and Nepali citizens, establishes India has sister city agreements with Nepal national treatment for both Indian and Nepalese businesses, and gives Nepal o Kathmandu-Varanasi access to weaponry from India. o Lumbini-Bodhgaya o Janakpur-Ayodhya The Treaty has enabled Nepal to overcome Apart from these initiatives promote the disadvantages of being a land-locked people-to-people linkages in the area of art country. & culture, academics and media with different local bodies of Nepal. Economic Ties Defence Ties Trade and businesses India trains and equips the Nepalese Army India is Nepal’s largest trade partner as and assist in its development in modern well as the largest source of foreign lines. investments. According to the 1950 friendship treaty, India also provides transit for almost the Nepal can buy arms from India. entire third-country trade of Nepal. Nepal The joint military exercise of India with uses Kolkata port for its sea trade. Nepal is known as Surya Kiran. Indian companies also engage in various The Gorkha Regiments of the Indian Army economic activities in Nepal. There is are raised partly by recruitment from hill Indian presence in their manufacturing, districts of Nepal. power, tourism and service sector. Disaster Management Development Aid and Assistance Nepal is frequently prone to natural India gives financial and technical aid to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides Nepal’s developmental activities. and avalanches, cloudbursts and flash The focus areas include grass-root floods. This is mainly due to geographical infrastructure, health and education, water factors that Nepal lies in a fragile zone resources and rural development. (Himalayas – suture line of Indo- Connectivity Australian and Eurasian plates). The biggest disadvantages of Nepal are India provides assistance both in terms of that it is landlocked and has difficult personnel aid, technical aid and terrain. It is difficult for it to create humanitarian assistance in such instances. connectivity towards the north (Tibet) due Multilateral Ties to the lofty Himalayas. India and Nepal share space on several In this context, India plays a crucial part, multilateral forums such as BBIN being the gateway of Nepal to the world (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal), with open borders and connectivity BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for initiatives enhancing people-to-people Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic contact and economic growth and Cooperation) NAM, and SAARC (South development. Asian Association for Regional Linking Sagarmatha and Sagar – Cooperation) etc. developing inland waterways to enhance the movement of Cargo and provide access Major Challenges in relations with Nepal to the sea. Trust deficit Developing railway connectivity – to link Kathmandu and Raxaul (Bihar).
Easy to PICK94 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” India’s reputation has been eroding over the World. China, with its Belt and Road Initiative and Maritime Silk Road is trying years as the implementation of various to dominate in the Asian region as well as create linkages to Europe, Africa and the projects has been delayed and facing Indo-Pacific. It is also using cheque- diplomacy and debt-trap as its instruments. issues. Nepal is also a major part of China’s expansionary plans. Nepal is culturally and Political Instability politically close to China as there are Buddhism and Communism in Nepal. Nepal has witnessed chronic political Nepal is also looking for avenues as they have insecurity about having to depend on instability, including a 10-year violent India always. Nepal also uses the China card to bargain with India. This was insurgency, damaging Nepal’s evident during the economic blockade as China and Nepal thought about building a development and economy. trans-Himalayan railway as well as declared Xinjiang as an alternative port to This has significantly affected its ties with Kolkata. The only huddle in China’s domination in Nepal in the Himalayas. India as the changing regimes flip-flopped China is also strategically taking steps to influence India’s neighbours by building between pro-India and pro-China stands. ports and other critical infrastructure. China has a better reputation as they There was a brief economic blockade, complete projects without delays and offer better deals and technology. during the Madhesi protest against the new Increasing Chinese influence in Nepal is not in India’s best interests. Nepal lies in a constitution of Nepal in 2014, which led to strategic location and can affect India’s security and other equations in the North- Playing Big Brother East. It can also influence India’s border issues with China. There is a perception that India is tinkering The other major issue is economical – Nepal is a major trading partner of India with the internal affairs and political and home to many Indian businesses and an Indian labour destination. China can sovereignty of Nepal. This has led to an destroy these equations and cause predatory domination in the Nepalese anti-India feeling among certain ethnic economy. groups in Nepal. The Way Forward for India Nepal is strategically and economically Internal Security important for India. Hence, India should The open borders with Nepal is also a strengthen its ties with Nepal. Various issues should be sorted out amicably and matter of concern to the Indian security of the 1950 agreement should be renewed considering Nepalese interests. The open India as it is exploited by terrorist outfits border should be managed so that it does and insurgent groups from North Eastern part of India for infiltration of trained cadres, the supply of arms, and injecting fake Indian currency notes. China Factor Chinese influence is growing in Nepal which has led to the erosion of Indian leverage. Importance of Nepal and China Card Nepal is an important neighbour of India – both strategically and in international politics. It is a Himalayan nation and acts as a buffer state against China. Rivers originating in Nepal feed the perennial river systems of India – this ecologically important as well as there is huge hydro- power potential. Also, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage centres in Nepal is of religious and cultural importance to India. Nepal has had different Political regimes which were pro-India as well as pro-China. Also, China is now following an aggressively expansionary policy in its neighbourhood as well as in other parts of
Easy to PICK95 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” not affect the safety and security of both Apart from this, India should evolve a nations. India should effectively use its soft power narrative to change the perception of to enhance its cultural ties and people-to- playing a Big brother and allay Nepal’s people contact. insecurities of its interfering with Nepal’s India should commit itself to complete infrastructure projects without delay. internal affairs. There is huge untapped hydropower With a growing Chinese power, Nepal’s potential in the Himalayan river system originating in Nepal. India should focus on significance has only increased further. A it too. stable and secure Nepal is necessary as it is of immense strategic and economic relevance for India’s security.
Easy to PICK96 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY Cards Syllabus subtopic: Issues relating to Further, Open Beneficiary development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Identification System policy has been Education, Human Resources, issues relating to poverty and hunger. launched whereby States can News: In order to create awareness and facilitate availing of benefits, after deploy/engage services of different verifying the identity of beneficiaries under the AB-PMJAY, e-cards have been public or private entities to facilitate issued to the beneficiaries. Prelims and Mains focus: about the the beneficiary identification process. scheme, eligibility, benefits, challenges in implementation and ways to address them Ayushman Bharat–PM Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) Context: Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri The Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) is a Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB- Centrally Sponsored Scheme having PMJAY) is an entitlement-based central sector component under scheme and there is no requirement Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in of registration or enrolment of the Ministry of Health and Family beneficiaries. Welfare (MoHFW). Accordingly, no scheme specific card is required to avail the benefits under It is an umbrella of two major health the scheme. initiatives, namely Health and However, in order to create wellness Centres (HWCs) and awareness and facilitate availing of National Health Protection Scheme benefits, after verifying the identity of (NHPS). beneficiaries under the scheme, e-cards have been issued to the beneficiaries. Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) A Memorandum of Understanding Under this 1.5 lakh existing sub centres (MoU) has been signed with Common will bring health care system closer to the Service Center (CSC) e-Governance homes of people in the form of Health and Services India Limited, under Digital wellness centres. These centres will India Initiative of Government of provide comprehensive health care, India, for utilizing their network of including for non-communicable diseases CSCs to verify AB-PMJAY and maternal and child health services. beneficiaries’ identity under the scheme for issuance of e-card. List of Services to be provided at Health Besides, beneficiary identification & Wellness Centre process is undertaken at all the Pregnancy care and maternal health empanelled hospitals including private services service providers through Pradhan Neonatal and infant health services Mantri Arogya Mitras (PMAMs). Child health Chronic communicable diseases Non-communicable diseases Management of mental illness Dental care Eye care Geriatric care Emergency medicine
Easy to PICK97 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” National Health Protection Mission basis of deprivation criteria in the SECC (PM-JAY) database. Benefits The different categories in rural and urban AB-PMJAY provides a defined benefit areas include cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year. families having only one room with kucha This cover will take care of almost all walls and kucha roof; secondary care and most of tertiary care families having no adult member between procedures. age 16 to 59; To ensure that nobody is left out female headed households with no adult (especially women, children and elderly) male member between age 16 to 59; there will be no cap on family size and age disabled member and no able bodied adult in the scheme. member in the family; The benefit cover will also include pre and SC/ST households; post-hospitalisation expenses. All pre- landless households deriving major part of existing conditions will be covered from their income from manual casual labour, day one of the policy. A defined transport Families in rural areas having any one of allowance per hospitalization will also be the following: households without shelter, paid to the beneficiary. destitute, living on alms, manual scavenger Benefits of the scheme are portable across families, primitive tribal groups, legally the country and a beneficiary covered released bonded labour. under the scheme will be allowed to take For urban areas, 11 defined occupational cashless benefits from any public/private categories are entitled under the scheme - empanelled hospitals across the country. Occupational Categories of Workers, Rag The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both picker, Beggar, Domestic worker, Street public and empanelled private facilities. vendor/ Cobbler/hawker / Other service All public hospitals in the States provider working on streets, Construction implementing AB-PMJAY, will be worker/ Plumber/ Mason/ Labour/ Painter/ deemed empanelled for the Scheme. Welder/ Security guard/, Coolie and Hospitals belonging to Employee State another head-load worker, Sweeper/ Insurance Corporation (ESIC) may also be Sanitation worker / Mali, Home-based empanelled based on the bed occupancy worker/ Artisan/ Handicrafts worker / ratio parameter. As for private hospitals, Tailor, Transport worker/ Driver/ they will be empanelled online based on Conductor/ Helper to drivers and defined criteria. conductors/ Cart puller/ Rickshaw puller, To control costs, the payments for Shop worker/ Assistant/ Peon in small treatment will be done on package rate (to establishment/ Helper/Delivery assistant / be defined by the Government in advance) Attendant/ Waiter, Electrician/ Mechanic/ basis. The package rates will include all Assembler/ Repair worker, Washerman/ the costs associated with treatment. For Chowkidar. beneficiaries, it will be a cashless, paper less transaction. Keeping in view the State As per the SECC 2011, the following specific requirements, States/ UTs will beneficiaries are automatically have the flexibility to modify these rates excluded: within a limited bandwidth. Households having motorized 2/3/4 wheeler/fishing boat Eligibility criteria Households having mechanized 3/4 AB-PMJAY is an entitlement based wheeler agricultural equipment Households having Kisan Credit Card with scheme with entitlement decided on the credit limit above Rs. 50,000/ -
Easy to PICK98 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” Household member is a government Owns a landline phone employee Owns more than 2.5 acres of irrigated land Households with non - agricultural with 1 irrigation equipment enterprises registered with government Owns 5 acres or more of irrigated land for Any member of household earning more two or more crop season than Rs. 10,000/ - per month Owning at least 7.5 acres of land or more Households paying income tax with a t least one irrigation equipment Households paying professional tax House with three or more rooms with pucca walls and roof Owns a refrigerator
Easy to PICK99 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” DPIIT invites applications for First Ever National Startup Awards 2020 Syllabus subtopic: Government policies The National Startup Awards will also and interventions for development in reward exceptional Incubators and various sectors and issues arising out of Accelerators as key building blocks of their design and implementation. a robust startup ecosystem. News: The Department for Promotion The awards for startups will be given of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in 35 areas, classified into 12 broad has announced institution of the first ever sectors like agriculture, education, National Startup Awards. enterprise technology, energy, finance, Prelims and Mains focus: About the food, health, Industry 4.0, space, awards, StartUp India initiative, its security, tourism, and urban services. achievements so far In addition, there are three special awards for startups from educational About National Startup Awards. institutions, making impact in rural The National Startup Awards seek to areas and women entrepreneurs. recognize and reward outstanding A cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each will be startups and ecosystem enablers that awarded to the winning startup in each are building innovative products or area. The winner and 4 runners-up will solutions and scalable enterprises, with also be given opportunities to present high potential of employment their solutions to relevant public generation or wealth creation, authorities and corporates for potential demonstrating measurable social pilot projects and work orders. They impact. will also be given priority for The measure of success will not only participation in various national and be the financial gains for the international startup events. investors but also the contribution to the social good, said Piyush Goyal, A cash prize of Rs 15 lakh each will be Minister for Commerce and Industry awarded to one winning Incubator and and Railways while announcing the one winning Accelerator as well. launch of the awards. The Awards will recognize About StartUp India initiative: exceptional startups across various Startup India Programme is a campaign categories that are based on the Startup Action Plan by o providing innovative solutions to solve Government of India, aimed to promote real problems and challenges for India, entrepreneurship. The programme was o developing innovative technologies, officially launched on Jan 16, 2016. But o products and solutions from India to even before that, on 15th August 2015, PM the world, Modi urged to ‘Startup India, Standup o building businesses that are scalable, India’ from the ramparts of the red fort. sustainable and responsible, and o delivering measurable developmental What is a Startup? gains. As per the notification dated February 17, 2016, Ministry of Commerce and Industry has described an entity as a ‘startup’: 1. Up to five years from the date of its incorporation/registration,
Easy to PICK100 - “UPSC Monthly Magazine” 2. If its turnover for any of the 1. Compliance regime based on self financial years has not exceeded certification: This self-certification Rupees 25 crore, and will apply to laws like payment of gratuity, contract labour, employees 3. It is working towards innovation, provident fund, water and air development, deployment or pollution acts. commercialization of new products, processes or services driven by 2. Startup India hub: A startup India technology or intellectual property. hub will be created as a single point of contact for the entire startup Key features of a Startup: ecosystem to enable knowledge Any such entity formed by splitting exchange and access to funding. up or reconstruction of a business already in existence shall not be 3. Simplifying the startup process: A considered a ‘startup’; startup will be to able to set up by In order to obtain tax benefits a just filling up a short form through a startup so identified under the above mobile app and online portal. A definition shall be required to obtain mobile app will be launched on a certificate of an eligible business April 1 through which startups can from the Inter-Ministerial Board of be registered in a day. There will Certification consisting of: a) Joint also be a portal for clearances, Secretary, Department of Industrial approvals and registrations. Policy and Promotion, b) Representative of Department of 4. Patent protection: Government will Science and Technology, and c) promote awareness and adoption of Representative of Department of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) Biotechnology. by startups and help them protect An entity shall cease to be a startup and commercialise IPRs. on completion of five years from the date of its incorporation/registration 5. Funds of funds with a corpus of or if its turnover for any previous Rs 10,000 crore: In order to provide year exceeds Rupees 25 crore. funding support to startups, the Entity means a private limited government will set up a fund with company (as defined in an initial corpus of Rs 2,500 crore the Companies Act, 2013), or a and a total corpus of Rs 10,000 crore registered partnership firm over four years. The fund would be (registered under section 59 of the managed by private professionals Partnership Act, 1932) or a limited drawn from the industry while LIC liability partnership (under the will be a co-investor in the fund. Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2002). 6. Credit Guarantee Fund: The credit guarantee fund for start-ups would About Startup Action Plan help flow of venture debt from the The Action Plan proposes a 19-point banking system to start-ups by action list which will enable setting up of standing guarantee against risks. A incubation centers, easier patent filing, tax National Credit Guarantee Trust exemption on profits, setting up a Company is being envisaged with a Rs.10,000 crore corpus fund, ease of budgetary allocation of Rs 500 crore setting-up of business, a faster exit per year for the next four years. mechanism, among others. 7. Exemption from Capital Gains Tax: Currently, investments by venture capital funds in startups are exempt from this law. Now, the same is being extended to
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