iasbaba.com-iasbaba press information bureau pib- 2nd may to 8th may 2016

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IASbaba Press Information Bureau (PIB)- 2nd May to 8th May,2016

ARCHIVES

GS-1Steps Taken for the Development of Sanskrit Language and Literature

(Topic: Salient aspects of Art forms, literature and architecture from ancient to modern times)

About- Ministry of Human Resource Development had constituted a Committee to suggest a long term vision androad map for the development of Sanskrit.

Government of India is taking all steps for-

Nurturing + Protection + Propagation + Preservation and development of Sanskrit language, literature andrare Shastras, by funding three Sanskrit Deemed Universities viz.-

Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (RSKS), New Delhi,

Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (RSV), Tirupati,

Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (SLBSRSV), New Delhi and

An autonomous body viz. Maharshhi Sandipani Rashtriya Veda Vidya Pratishthan (MSRVVP), Ujjain.

RSKS sponsors schemes which include financial assistance to Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas/ ShodhSansthans, Shastra Chudamani Scheme, Financial Assistance to Sanskrit teachers, Financial Assistance toNGOs for promotion of Sanskrit, assistance to Sanskrit Scholars in indigent circumstances, award ofscholarships to students of Sanskrit, publication of books in Sanskrit etc.

Award and Honour-

Scheme for the Presidential Award of the Certificates of Honours to honour the eminent scholars of Sanskritof over 60 year of age.

An International Award for Non Resident Indian or a foreigner is also being conferred under this scheme,envisages a onetime monetary grant of Rs.5.00 lakh to the Scholars.

Scheme also provides for Maharshi Badrayan Vyas Samman for young scholars in the age group of 30 to 45years in the field of Sanskrit and award carries an amount of Rs.One lakh as one-time payment to eachAwardee.

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MoU between India and Maldives for Conservation and Restoration of Ancient Mosques and other HistoricalMonuments in Maldives

(Topic: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests)

About- MoU b/w India and Maldives for Conservation and Restoration of Ancient Mosques and other HistoricalMonuments in Maldives

MoU on the subject-“Cooperation in the area of conservation and restoration of ancient mosques and jointresearch and exploratory survey in Maldives”

MoU proposes-

To undertake conservation and restoration of historical mosques and monuments, in Maldives

Joint research and exploratory survey

Training and capacity building of Maldivian personnel in the areas of heritage conservation etc.

GS-2MoU between India and Qatar for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Information CommunicationTechnology


Aim- Promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT).Importance-

Result in active cooperation and exchanges between the private entities

Capacity building institutions

Governments and other public organisations of the two countries in the field of ICT.

Renewal of Agreement for Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Government of India and theEuropean Union


Aim- To strengthen the co-operation in research and development activities in science & technology fields ofcommon interest between the research institutions of the European Union Member States and India on the basis ofparity, reciprocity and co-investment of resources including funds.

Cooperation activities include-

Supporting joint research and development projects

Exchange of scientists and experts

Sharing of advanced research facilities

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Joint seminars

Symposia and workshops

Sharing of relevant information on science

Technology and innovation policy

Program and research & development projects

MoU between Reserve Bank of India and Central Bank of United Arab Emirates on co-operation concerningcurrency swap agreement


Importance-

Strengthen the close economic relationship and cooperation between India and United Arab Emirates.

Swap agreement is also expected to facilitate invoicing of bilateral trade in local currencies

MoU commits that- RBI and Central Bank of UAE will consider signing a bilateral Currency Swap Agreement onmutually agreed terms and conditions, after undertaking technical deliberations, subject to the concurrence ofrespective Governments.

MOU with Foreign Countries


About- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) of Department of Space, Government of India has signed MoU/Cooperative agreements for exploration and use of outer space with 37 countries.

Countries are- Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France,Germany, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar,Norway, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, Thailand, TheNetherlands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Venezuela.

MoUs include-

Joint development of advanced scientific instruments to observe earth and universe; joint realization ofsatellite missions

Jointly carrying out calibration and validation experiments; conducting airborne campaign with advancedinstruments

Deep space navigation and communication support for space science missions

Development of advanced technologies for building and launching of spacecrafts for earth observation andspace science exploration.

Application possibilities in the field of remote sensing addressed in these MoUs include- Natural resourcemanagement + Vegetation biomass estimation + Meteorological & oceanographic applications + Atmosphericparameter retrieval & modelling + Climate monitoring and weather forecasting + Disaster management support

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India-Japan to sign MOU for Cooperation in Sports


MOU-

Both sides agreed for exchange of sportspersons, coaches, sports experts, sports administrators etc.

In the wake of India hosting Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017, both sides agreed for promotion of footballand exchange of players and coaches.

Agreed that the two countries will also play friendly football matches.

Aim- To spread values learned through sports and increase awareness of the Olympic and Paralympic movement topeople of all generations worldwide.

“World Forum on Sport and Culture” to be held in October 2016 in TokyoGovernment to sign a pact with WHO in the field of traditional medicines


About- Union Cabinet in its meeting approved the signing of Agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO).

India would assign to WHO activities for development of the following WHO Technicaldocuments/publications-

Benchmarks for training in Yoga

Benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda

Benchmarks for practice in Unani Medicine

Benchmarks for practice in Panchkarma

Help in- Better international acceptability of Indian Systems of Medicines.Areas of cooperation would help to-

Facilitate awareness regarding AYUSH systems of medicine by means of- Education + Training + Skilldevelopment + Workshops + Publications and exchange programmes between AYUSH and WHO.

It is for -> Capacity building to facilitate advocacy and dissemination of information on AYUSH systemsamongst the member states and collaborations with third parties for creating synergies in implementation ofWHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023.

Steps taken by AYUSH-

Launched a scheme for- Voluntary Certification of Yoga Professionals on 22 nd June, 2015 in collaborationwith Quality Council of India (QCI).

Scheme aims at- Promoting authentic Yoga as a preventive and health promoting drugless therapy andinvolves certifying the competence level of the professionals to help their deployment within and outside thecountry.

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Signing of ‘Country to Country’ MoUs for – Cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine with-> Mongolia+ Turkmenistan + China

MoUs for setting up of- AYUSH Academic Chairs have been signed with-> Universities in Russia +Indonesia + Slovenia + Thailand + Armenia.

AYUSH Information Cells have been set up to disseminate authentic information about AYUSH Systems ofMedicine at Dubai, Croatia, Kyrgyzstan, Israel, Argentina, Serbia and Sweden.

MoU signed between Ministry of Railways and Forest Department of Haryana & Punjab for plantation oftrees alongside Railway Track on Railway Land Boundary

(Topic: Agreement between different ministries of government)

Programme is in line with- PM’s Swacch Bharat, Swacch Harit Bharat.

Features of Agreement-

Railway can contribute substantially towards the Green India Mission.

Forest department is involved in the plantation as well as maintenance and disposal of trees, thus bringing inthe much needed expertise in afforestation.

Plantation along the railway track on railway land boundary by Forest department without declaring such landas protected forest with the provision for resumption of such land at any time by railways thus no hindrance torailway works / developmental projects.

Protecting railway land from encroachment.

Memorandum of Cooperation to be signed between Ministry of Women & Child Development and Bill &Melinda Gates Foundation


About- Union Cabinet, chaired by the PM, has approved the signing of MoC between Ministry of Women & ChildDevelopment (MWCD) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) for the cooperation in Information andCommunication Technology enabled Real Time Monitoring (ICT-RTM) of Integrated Child Development Services(ICDS) and other related technical matters.

MoC help in-

Implementation of ICT-RTM of ICDS which will enable the authorities for timely intervention for ensuringproper service delivery.

Putting up in place a shared national communication campaign, communications strategy and guidelines,customizing communications, products and material to local contexts along with developing plans for largescale dissemination.

Technical support through high quality technical teams of nutrition experts.

MoC would cover- 162 high malnutrition burden districts of eight States namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar,Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar PradeshPhase-I of ISSNIP will roll out- ICT-RTM through one Lakh Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in 162 high burden districtsof eight participating States. Children of 0-6 year’s age, pregnant women and Lactating Mothers being the ultimate

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beneficiariesFoundation would provide-

Technical support at the national and state level for strengthening their capacities to deliver nutritionespecially during pre-conception, pregnancy and first two years of life

Funding to applicable organisation that meet eligibility criteria as will be mutually agreed upon by theFoundation and MWCD from time to time to provide support and technical assistance for designing,development of Common Application Software (CAS) to drive the Information and CommunicationTechnology enabled Real Time Monitoring (ICT-RTM) of ICDS Systems Strengthening and NutritionImprovement Project (ISSNIP) and Support System

Support to MWCD in developing a shared national communication campaign for maternal and child nutritionfor roll out among target population

Signing of MoUs by Ministry of Railways’ With Foreign Countries for Technical Cooperation In Rail Sector


MoUs enable- Technical visits + Exchange of technical experts + Reports and documents + Training programme +Feasibility studies/pilot projects etc.

Cooperation projects through these MoUs are as under –

China-

High Speed Rail feasibility study for Delhi-Nagpur section

Feasibility study for upgradation of Speeds to 160 kmph on Chennai-Bengaluru-Mysore corridor

Training Programme for Indian Railway Officers on Heavy-haul Technology.

South Korea-

Feasibility Study for speed rising of Delhi-Mumbai route to 200 km/h.

Japan-

Mumbai- Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project- Technical and financial assistance

France-

Technical and Execution Study for upgrading the speed of passenger trains between Delhi-Chandigarh upto200 kmph

Renovation/development study of Ludhiana and Ambala railway stations.

Germany-

Feasibility study for High Speed Rail of one route as mutually agreed.

Measures taken by Government for Popularising Yoga

(Topic: Government schemes and policies)

Context- Ministry of AYUSH has launched a scheme for voluntary certification of yoga professionals on 22 nd June,2015 in collaboration with Quality Council of India (QCI) during the valedictory session of ‘InternationalConference of Yoga for Holistic Health’.

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Aim- Promoting authentic yoga as a preventive and health promoting drugless therapy

About Scheme-

Involves certifying the competence level of the professionals to help their deployment within and outside thecountry to meet the increased demands.

Check misuse of yoga and safeguard/protect India’s Cultural Heritage, Ministry of AYUSH had filednomination of Yoga for inscription in the representative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for thecycle 2016 by the UNESCO.

Start-up India


About- Action Plan for Start-up India to build a strong eco-system to nurture innovation and Start-ups in the countrywas launched on 16th January 2016.

Features of the scheme-

Simplification and Handholding

Simple Compliance Regime for start-ups based on Self-certification

Launch of Mobile app and Portal for compliance and information exchange

Start-up India Hub to handhold start-ups during various phases of their development

Legal support and fast-tracking patent examination at reduced costs

Relaxed norms of public procurement for start-ups

Faster exit for start-ups

Funding support and Incentives

Providing funding support through a Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rupees 10,000 crore

Credit guarantee fund for start-ups

Tax exemption on capital gains invested in Fund of Funds

Tax exemption to start-ups for 3 years

Industry-Academia Partnership and Incubation

Organizing Start-up Fests to showcase innovations and providing collaboration platforms

Launch of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with Self –Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) Program ofNITI Aayog

Harnessing private sector expertise for setting up incubators

Setting up of 7 new research parks modelled on the Research Park at IIT Madras

Launching of innovation focused programs for students.

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Annual Incubator Grand Challenge to promote good practices among incubators.

Credit Guarantee Fund

Initiative provides for creating a credit guarantee fund for start-ups through National Guarantee TrustCompany (NCGTC)/SIDBI with a Corpus of Rs.500 crore per year for the next four years.

Portal launch for Contract Labour Payment Management System


About- Minister of State (IC) for Power, Coal and New & Renewable Energy launch ‘Contract Labour PaymentManagement System’- a portal of Coal India LimitedContract Labour Payment Management System-

Portal is created for monitoring compliance of labour payment and other benefits to the contract workersunder the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act. 1970.

Integrated system for all subsidiaries of CIL

In-house developed application will maintain a comprehensive database of all contract workers engaged bydifferent contractors in CIL and all its subsidiaries.

Central Mine Planning and Development Institute (CMPDI) the Ranchi based consultancy subsidiary of CoalIndia Limited shall maintain the portal.

System has in-built mechanism to validate minimum wages paid, generate wage slips and employment cardetc. of contract workers as required under the Act.

Portal provides access to all contract workers, through a Workers Identification Number (WIN), to view theirpersonal details and payment status. Contract workers can also register their grievance through this portal.

System extends facility to all citizens of the country to view a snapshot of contract works in CIL andsubsidiaries, number of contract workers engaged, payment status, minimum wages paid etc.

Nodal Officer at different locations in the company will monitor the process and ensure compliance by allcontractors.

It has been planned to make payment to the contractors only after submitting a system generated declarationof compliance.

Enhance proper monitoring of legal compliances under Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act,especially the payment of correct wages to the contract workers and PF deductions and deposit and otherstatutory obligations.

Minister of State (I/C) for Commerce and Industry launches EXIM Analytics Dashboard


Context- As part of the initiative of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to provide easy access to the public onexport and import trends of India the Minister of State for Commerce & Industry (I/C) launched a dashboardon EXIM Analytics.

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Developed by- Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics, at the instance of the Ministry

Usability-

Analytics Dashboards would facilitate the general public to have an accurate perspective on the facts aroundthe trade performance of India

Endeavour of the Ministry is also in tune with the principle of “Government at the doorstep”.

EXIM Analytics-

User friendly Dashboard developed by the Ministry enables the user to interactively query the informationto investigate factsat more detailed level.

For example-

Starting from the first insight of overall exports in a fiscal year

User can proceed to query what are the top commodities being exported to a particular market, say, USA andthen choose a specific commodity, look at its trend, from which ports it is being exported and so on.

EXIM Analyticsrepresents data graphically exposing patterns, trends and correlations that might goundetected in text-based data.

Dashboard gives a graphical collection of exports and imports from India,

For example- Export turnover of the country- How it performs over time? What are the export destinations? Whatitems are being exported? Which are the ports – inland, sea or airports from which the exports are taking place?

Enables analysis of trade information of India relating to-

Export Overview- Provides analysis of data by time period, export destinations and ports of export

Import Overview- Provides analysis of data by time period, countries of Import and ports of import.

Balance of Trade- Balance of Trade (BOT) can be analysed over time periods for different Regions,Countries and Ports.

Given the high priority accorded to Transparency in Governance by the new Government, the dashboard on export –import will enable small and upcoming businessmen to foray into global trade based on reliable information directlyaccessible through Government sources.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan


Aim- To enable higher educational institutions to work with the people of rural India in identifying developmentchallenges and evolving appropriate solutions for accelerating sustainable growth

Special emphasis on issues pertaining to-

Sanitation

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Drinking water supply

Energy

Agriculture and allied activities

Irrigation

Education

Health, etc and,

To provide innovative solution in consultation with Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs)

Steps taken-

Ministry of HRD has advised all the higher educational institutions which are funded by the Central /StateGovernment and all institutions which are under approval by the regulatory bodies to adopt clusters of backwardGram Panchayats / villages in their vicinity and apply their knowledge and expertise to improve the infrastructure inthe Gram Panchayats (GPs).

Watan Ko Jano Initiative


About- Government has launched ‘Watan Ko Jano’ initiative for the orphans, children from militancy hit families andweaker sections of the society in Jammu and Kashmir.

Watan ko Jano Initiative-

Under the programme, groups of educated youth in the age group of 15-24 years visit various parts of thecountry and are exposed to the diverse social and cultural heritage of the country.

Groups during their trip interact both at inter-state and intra-state level and participate in cultural activities atdifferent places.

Under the program 769 children have participated so far.

New TB Diagnostic Machines

(Topic: Health)

About- Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP) will benefit from introduction of additional 500Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) machines.

CBNAAT machines-

Enable quick detection of Tuberculosis and resistance to Rifampicin.

Machines have high sensitivity and specificity and are also used for detection of Extra Pulmonary TB and inPediatric TB cases.

TB Programme-

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TB cases are being treated in the public sector under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme andfor this purpose guidelines and standards have been prescribed.

It is necessary that the doctors in the private sector also follow the correct treatment regimen and protocolsfor dealing with TB cases.

Standard for Tuberculosis Care in India were finalized by Government and released in the year 2014.

Newer and cheaper diagnostics, shorter TB drug regimens and less toxic drugs, which are affordable, willfacilitate efforts for ending Tuberculosis.

Landmark meeting of SAARC Countries on protection of Children to be held in Delhi

(Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and further structure, mandate)

About- Eight nations composing the South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC) areassembling in New Delhi from 9th-11th May, 2016 for their 4th Ministerial Meeting, to set strategies and agree oncommitments

Hosted by- Ministry of Women & Child Development, Government of IndiaAim- To ensure the protection and security of the children of the regionDelegates from- Governments and civil society organizations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will assess progress and developments of the past decade of regional effort andidentify priorities for SAIEVAC for the next five years.

SAIEVAC-

It is an Apex Body of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) created to bringgovernments of the region into active engagement for child protection against violence.

SAARC made history in 1986 by installing children as a ‘summit-level concern and commitment.’

The 4th Ministerial Meeting carries forward the collective inter governmental ownership of SAIEVAC, which isreflected in its Governing Body composed of official members, representing each of the eight governments.

Technical consultation on 9th and 10th May will bring forward recommendations on the SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) and on regional child protection opportunities emerging from countryexperiences.

Include India’s positive insights from its innovative measures for tracking and rescuing lost and missingchildren.

Technical will also examine the potential of using information and communication technology for improvingthese measures.

India will showcase some of its major initiatives like- Trackchild and Khoya Paya, Childline-1098, POCSOAct among others

TEP Scheme revised to train women in modern as well as traditional skills

(Topic: Steps taken to empower women)11/20

About-

Ministry of Women & Child Development has been administering ‘Support to Training and EmploymentProgramme for Women (STEP) Scheme’ since 1986-87 as a ‘Central Sector Scheme’.

Scheme was reviewed and revised in 2014 to impart training to women in modern skills as well as traditionalones, to meet the demands of changing society.

Aim-

To provide skills that give employability to women and to provide competencies and skill that enable womento become self-employed/ entrepreneurs

To benefit women who are in the age group of 16 years and above.

Assistance under the STEP scheme will be available in any sector for imparting skills related toemployability and entrepreneurship, including but not limited to the following

Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Processing, Handlooms, Tailoring, Stitching, Embroidery, Zari etc, Handicrafts, andComputer & IT enabled services, Gems & Jewellery, Travel & Tourism, and Hospitality

RASHTRIYA MAHILA KOSH

(Topic: Steps taken to empower women)

Rashtriya Mahila Kosh (RMK)

It is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD).

It is a society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860 and an apex micro-finance organization.

Aim-

To provide micro-credit to poor women for various livelihood support and income generating activities atconcessional terms in a client-friendly procedure to bring about their socio-economic development.

Quasi-formal delivery mechanism, simple procedure, in-built flexibility and concessional rates of interest aresome of the hallmarks of the credit packages of the RMK.

Following measures have been taken by the Government to revamp the RMK-

Simplification of Loan Procedures: With a view to make loaning guidelines of RMK more effective andcustomer friendly, the lending guidelines have been further revised and simplified by the 55th GoverningBoard (GB) of RMK.

Downward revision in Rate of Interest (RoI): During the past 2 year period, RoI of RMK loans has beenrevised downward twice.

Vision, Mission and Goal of Mahila E-haat are:

Vision- To empower & strengthen financial inclusion of Women Entrepreneurs in the economy by providingcontinued sustenance and support to their creativity.

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Mission- To act as a catalyst by providing a web based marketing platform to the women entrepreneurs todirectly sell to the buyers.

Goal- To support ‘Make in India’ through digital marketing platform.

National Monitoring Committee for Minorities Education

(Topic: Development, protection and betterment of minorities)

Main function of NMCME-

It is to monitor minority education and the ongoing schemes of the Ministry of Human ResourceDevelopment targeted at Minorities.

Makes recommendations to address the issues related to recognition and affiliation of minority institutions.

Standing Committee of NMCME submitted its report containing various recommendations on-

Scholarship Scheme

Coaching Scheme for minorities

Model Schools for minorities

Development of Database on enrolment of minorities in educational institutions and public awareness /publicity of the schemes, etc.

Result of the recommendations of NMCME-

Number of new Model/Secondary schools have been approved, opened, and strengthened, girls hostelsconstructed, many schools provided with Information and Communications Technology(ICT)

Vocational Education (VE) provided in various schools in the Minority Concentration Districts(MCDs)identified by the Ministry of Minority Affairs

Further, new Model Degree Colleges, Women’s Hostels and Polytechnics have been opened in MCDs.

On the recommendations of the NMCME, from the year 2014-15, community-wise data is being collected inrespect of Higher Education under the ambit of the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE)

U-DISE system of data collection of school education closely monitors the data of dropout and has aprovision for collecting information on recognized and unrecognized Madrasas also

GS-3Harnessing of Solar and Wind Energy in Rural Areas

(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Airports, Railways etc)

About- Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is implementing a Programme on “Off-Grid and DecentralizedSolar Applications”

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Aim- Promoting use of solar power through-> Solar home lights + Solar Street lights + Power plants + Solar pumps+ Mini micro grids to meet the energy requirements of the rural areas of the country.

Steps taken-

Central financial assistance equivalent to 30% of the system cost is provided under the scheme to encouragethe people in the remote/ rural areas adopt these systems to meet their energy requirements.

MNRE is also implementing a scheme “Small Wind Energy and Hybrid system (SWES)” wherein both thesolar and wind energy is effectively utilized for power generation in the remote areas by installing hybridsystem consisting of both solar Photovoltaic and aero generator / small wind turbine technologies.

Central Financial assistance of Rs. One lakh/KW is provided for community users.

MNRE is also implementing National Biogas and Manure Management Programme in rural areas of thecountry, wherein family type biogas plants are installed to meet cooking and motive power requirements.

Under this programme subsidy is provided based on the size of the plant and its location either in specialcategory states or in other states, Harnessing of Solar and Wind Energy in Rural Areas

NHAI takes steps to remove Hurdles for Faster Execution of Projects

(Topic: Infrastructure- Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways)

Aim- To ensure faster execution of projects, National Highways Authority of India has delegated powers to itsRegional Officers for hiring of equipment and labourers up to Rs.10 lacs per project, to demolish structures that fallwithin the right-of-way of the project.

Issue- Some of the contracts had no provision for demolition of such structures, there would often be protractedcorrespondence between the contractors, Project Directors and NHAI headquarters before these could be removed,often leading to delay in execution of projects.

Help-

With this delegation of power to ROs NHAI will be able to make encumbrance free land available more speedily tothe concessionaire/contractors as laid down under the concession agreement or contract.

Work assigned to ROs-

Regional Officers have also been instructed to ensure measurement of such structures along withvideography for record purpose.

Regional Officers have been delegated the power for maintenance of highways requiring urgent repair worksup to Rs. 1 crore.

CGM (T) jointly with Regional Officers have also been delegated power for shifting of transmissionline/electric line and water pipelines/ other utilities upto Rs 10 crores and Rs 5 crores respectively.

All these steps are expected to cut down delays in completion of projects.

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Promotion of green house technologies under the component ‘protected cultivation’

(Topic: Promotion of green house technologies)

About- Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India under the scheme Mission for IntegratedDevelopment of Horticulture promotes green house technologies under the component ‘protected cultivation’.

Includes- Assistance to the extent of 50% is provided to the farmers for establishment of various types ofgreenhouses up to 4000 sq. mts. per beneficiary.

ICAR-

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has standardized low cost net and poly houses for cultivationof important high value vegetable crops like green and coloured capsicum, english cucumber, bottle gourd,brinjal and tomato which are being disseminated to the farming community.

Protected structures are good for off-season production, help in improvement of yield by 65-80%, improvequality and protect from insects and diseases.

Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geoiNformatics

(Topic: Programme on Horticulture Assessment and management)

Issue- Since many of the horticulture crops are grown in small plots, road side or in the back of the houses and donot have single harvesting, it is difficult to assess their production. Many horticulture crops have multiple pickings ina single season.

To overcome difficulties- Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare has launched a projectcalled- Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geoiNformatics(CHAMAN).

Objective- To develop and firm up scientific methodology for estimation of area and production under horticulturecrops

Main components-

Remote sensing (RS) Technology

Sample Survey (SS) methodology for estimation of area and production of horticultural crops.

Using both of these methodologies, assessment of area and production of major horticulture crops is being done onpilot basis in 11 states.

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Indo-Malaysia Defence Cooperation

(Topic: Defence, security challenges and their management)

Indo-Malaysia Defence Cooperation-

To strengthen defence cooperation including enhancing defence exchanges through regular dialogue atvarious levels as also through Service-to-Service Staff Talks.

To upgrade the bilateral joint Army exercise ‘HARIMAU SHAKTI’ to company level and to set up SU-30Forum for cooperation in- Training + Maintenance + Technical support + Safety-related issues, etc.

Setting up of the Forum discussed during the Air Staff Talks in April, 2016.

Indo-Maldives talks on Terrorism

(Topic: Defence, security challenges and their management)

About- During the recent visit of the President of Maldives to India on 11 th April, 2016, the Government of Maldiveshighlighted the need for capacity building in view of their concerns on counter terrorism.

Coordinate efforts –

To counter terrorism and radicalization and enhance cooperation in counter terrorism operations, intelligencesharing and capacity building.

Other Indo-Maldives cooperation- MoU on Combating International Terrorism, Illicit Drug Trafficking andEnhancing Bilateral Cooperation in Capacity Building, Disaster Management and Coastal Security was signedbetween India and Maldives on 12th November, 2011

National Research Development Corporation(NRDC) inks Agreements for Commercialization of NewTechnologies and Promotion of Start Ups

(Topic: Technology- development and their application and effects in everyday life)

About- National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, enteredinto Licence Agreements for the commercialization of ‘Ghar Sodhon’ – a room disinfectant for silkworm rearinghouses and appliances.

Developed at- Central Silk Research & Training Institute (CSRTI), Berhampore (W.B.), a constituent ResearchInstitute under Central Silk Board, Bengaluru, under the Ministry of Textiles

Ghar Sodhon-

User friendly and non-corrosive room disinfectant, devoid of the requirement of labour, water, electricity andspraying machines.

Gaining popularity among the silk farmers of the States of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand.

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Initiative of NRDC aids the “Make in India” and “Start-up India” Missions of the Government of India.

Technology Business Incubator- Centre for Incubation and Business Acceleration (TBI –CIBA)

Set up by – Department of Science & Technology and Environment, Government of Goa

Entered into a MoA with- NRDC to support the activities of the Incubation Centre and their successful operation forsocio-economic benefits

NRDC agreement-

NRDC shall provide services like-> IPR Management + Technology Management + Mentoring Services +Value Addition Services + Regulatory Assistance + Skill Development / EDP / Cluster Development to theStart-ups being promoted by TBI –CIBA.

Services are also available to around 70 Incubation Centres in the country to promote start-ups.

NRDC also signed a MoA with Satyabhama University, Chennai for IP Protection and technologycommercialization of their scientific and technological developments.

With this agreement both of the organizations will put efforts to bring the fruits of research for awareness andbetterment of the society.

Five Layer Plan to stop Infiltration

(Topic: Challenges to internal security through communication networks, role of media and social networking sites ininternal security challenges)

Aim- To curb the infiltration from Indo-Pakistan border

Government Steps-

Adopted multi-pronged approach which include construction of fencing, floodlighting, Border out Posts (BoPs)

Induction of latest surveillance equipments like Hand Held Thermal Imager (HHTI), Long Range RecceObservation System (LORROS)

Night-vision Goggle/Devices, etc

Pilot project for deployment of technological solutions on two patches (05 km each) in Area of Responsibility(AOR) of Jammu Frontier.

Procurement process has been initiated and the Global Tender Enquiry along with Request for Proposal(RFP) has been issued.

To launch pilot project of 30-40 kms (approx.) in-> Punjab Frontier on Indo-Pakistan border subsequently

To deploy technological solutions in the form of-> Integration of Radars + Sensors + Cameras +Communication Networks + Command + Control Solutions in various difficult terrains where fencing could notbe installed.

Electric Buses under FAME India

(Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)17/20

Context- With the introduction of FAME India Scheme, demand of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles started picking up.

Initially- There was lack of demand of electric and hybrid vehicles in absence of demand incentives.

Benefit-

As per the National Mission on Electric Mobility, if present scheme continue till 2020, it is expected to saveapproximately 9500 million litre of crude oil equivalent of Rs. 62000 Crores.

No investment proposal has been received as of now.

National Agriculture Drought Assessment and Monitoring System

(Topic: Use of technology in aid of farmers)

NADAMS project-

Provides an early assessment of drought situation and thus helps the State Governments to take remedialmeasures and also use this information for drought declaration.

Assessments provided by NADAMS Project are beneficial for the farmers.

But since the benefits accrued to farmers are indirectly as a result of remedial measures taken by the StateGovernments, so there is no system of collecting actual number of farmers benefited. Hence, no suchinformation is being maintained.

States covered under NADAMS are-

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

Drought assessment for 14 States is carried out at District level. However, out of these 14 States in 5 States(Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Telangana) drought assessment is carried out atSub-District level.

Drought assessment and monitoring, under NADAMS project-

Carried out using multiple satellite data, rainfall, soil moisture index, potential sowing area, and irrigationpercentage and ground observations.

Logical modeling approach is followed to classify the districts into Alert, Watch and Normal during June, Julyand August and Severe, Moderate and Mild drought conditions during September and October.

Monthly Drought Assessment Reports are communicated to all concerned State and national level agenciesand also kept on the MNCFC website (ncfc.gov.in).

Indian Army and industry come together at AMICOM – 2016

(Topic: Various security forces and agencies and their mandate)

About-Annual Master General of Ordnance (MGO) Industry Cooperation Meet (AMICOM-2016) series is aninitiative of the Indian Army to engage with indigenous defence industry.

18/20

http://www.ncfc.gov.in/

AMICOM-2016 is being held from- 03 to 04 May 2016 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi under the aegis of MGOBranch and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)

Main theme- ‘Indigenisation’

Special theme- ‘Optronics and Electronics’

Aim- To create a platform and act as a catalyst to break down the long dependence on foreign sources so as tofurther accelerate the pace of indigenisation in the field of defence manufacturing and making our nation self-reliantin defence production

Attended by- Large number of officers from the Armed Forces, officials from the MoD, DGQA, DRDO, academiaand a large cross-section of the Indian industry

Steps taken by Government for Ethnic Medicinal Practices

(Topic: Medicinal Plant Conservation)

About- National Medicinal Plants Board supports setting up of Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCAs),augmentation and plantation activity for conservation of medical plants in-situ and ex-situ under “Central SectorScheme on Conservation, Development and Sustainable Management of Medicinal Plants” and under NationalAyush Mission (NAM) for cultivation of medicinal plants by farmers with backward and forward linkages

Government steps- Established a National Institute “The North Eastern Institute of Folk Medicine (NEIFM) atPasighat, East Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh under Ministry of AYUSH

Aim-

To revitalize, promote and harness these local health traditions for the wellbeing of wider public especiallyliving in North Eastern Region.

Activities of the Institute will further help in protecting the knowledge and resources of folk medicines in theNorth Eastern Region.

Activities undertaken in the matter by four autonomous Research Councils under Ministry of AYUSH-

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS)- Tribal Health Care Research Programmeis a continuous programme since 1982 with activities including collection of folk medicines/ traditionalpractices

Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy CCRH- Council has carried out recording of folklore andethno-medicinal practices from the tribals of Nilgiris district, Tamil Nadu

Council for Research in Siddha CCRS: Ethno medicinal knowledge of folklore practitioners aredocumented through survey tours

Central Council for Research in Unani Medicines CCRUM: Folk medicinal uses of plants from the tribaland rural folks have been recorded

Steps taken by CIL to improve Coal Production from Underground Mines

(Topic: Sources of energy, their production and use)

19/20

Steps taken-

Planning new underground mines adopting mass production systems like continuous miner technology andlongwall technology wherever feasible.

Entering into risk / gain sharing arrangements with the equipment suppliers for guaranteed levels ofproduction and maintenance of equipment

Undertaking thorough geo-mining investigations before the formulation of the projects

Training of manpower.

Replacing manual loading with loading machines like Side Discharge Loaders (SDLs), Load Haul Dumpers(LHDs) in conjunction with belt conveyers wherever feasible

Providing man riding systems to reduce travel time of miners

Introducing multi skilled job concepts etc.

Create adequate infrastructural facilities for ventilation, bunkerage, coal evacuation, out-bye transportation,mechanized tunnelling, shaft sinking, roof supporting.

Delineate new blocks amenable for longwall technology with super block concept.

India based Neutrino Observatory

(Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology)

About-

Work at Pottipuram site of India based Neutrino Observatory is stalled at present due to orders of Maduraibench of the Hon’ble Madras High Court.

It will take about 5 years to start the scientific experiments in the laboratory. The total cost of the project is Rs.1583.05 crores.

Out of this, the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) will bear all the costs related to laboratory infrastructurewhile the cost of the main detector will be shared equally between DAE and the Department of Science &Technology (DST).

Objectives of the laboratory are-

To study the properties of the fundamental particle, the neutrino

Develop skilled human resources for carrying out front ranking experimental programmes in the area ofparticle and nuclear physics

Development of state-of-the-art particle detectors for basic science and societal application including medicalimaging.

At present, there is no proposal with the Ministry of Science& Technology to establish additional laboratories fornuclear physics research in India.

20/20

iasbaba.com-iasbaba press information bureau pib- 2nd may to 8th may 2016

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