Page 1 Year End Review 2019 : Ministry of Railways2 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI19 India commences world’s largest ever vaccination programme to control FMD & Brucellosis in 2019; Aims to provide unique Pashu Aadhar to 535 million animals29 Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj31 Year End Review: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change35 Year End Review 2019- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions44 Year End Review- 2019: Ministry of Labour and Employment51 Year End Review: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)60 Transport Ministry notifies Divyang Friendly Features in Buses66 Year End Review – 2019 Ministry of Defence67 The ABCDEF of implementation91 A weak test: The Hindu Editorial on Swachh ranking of cities93 A faulty service delivery system could thwart any rural stimulus95 Delivering TB vaccine intravenously vastly improves efficacy: study97 Year End Review: Ministry of Science and Technology100 Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Earth Sciences112 Ministry of Tourism : Year End Review 2019115 Ministry of Culture: Year End Review 2019124 The double burden of malnutrition: need for urgent policy action139 Year End Review 2019- Department of Higher Education142 Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare153 Vice President calls upon Civil Society and Business houses to support government in eliminating malnutrition157 1023 Fast Track Special Courts will be set up for Speedy disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases162 Human rights are not solely an ‘internal matter’164 A health emergency: On risk of international spread of poliovirus167 India’s under-5 girls face high mortality169 WHO calls for vigilance on Wuhan virus171 WHO endorses indigenous molecular diagnostic tool for tuberculosis diagnosis173 A government that chooses its critics175 Chalk and cheese in private vs. government schools178 A new virus emerges in China181 Year End Review 2019 – Ministry of Power184 TB diagnostic test developed in India has high accuracy, says WHO195 Leaders across the globe failing to invest enough in health, says WHO198 Tuberculosis control programme renamed, to focus on elimination200 The Mind Matters: How Tamil Nadu is coping with high prevalence of mental illnesses202 What is the source of the new SARS-like disease reported in China?207 Page 2 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW 2019 : MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Railways Year End Review 2019 : Ministry of Railways
Posted On: 31 DEC 2019 5:42PM by PIB Delhi
Major Initiatives & Achievements in the Year 2019
Best ever safety record - Zero passenger fatalities during the year; Punctuality performance for Mail/Express trains increased to 75.67%
Union Cabinet approves transformational organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways - A landmark reform initiative
Budget 2019 lays roadmap for Railways to become growth engine of the country with proposed investment of Rs 50 lakh crore till 2030
Big Thrust for Infrastructure Development - Speed of trains on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah routes to be raised to 160 kmph; Signaling system to be modernized; Steady progress towards a Green Electrified Railways; Station Redevelopment on PPP Mode
Indian Railways to manufacture 44 rakes of Vande Bharat trains, Tenders floated; Record production of coaches and locomotives; crackIAS.com194 trains upgraded to Utkrisht standard in 2019-20 Artificial Intelligence based PNR confirmation predictor integrated with IRCTC website; First ever train run by IRCTC and not by Railways - Tejas Express starts operation between Delhi and Lucknow. Second Tejas train between Mumbai-Ahmedabad announced
Stations with High Speed free Wi-Fi cross 5500; Real Time Train Page 3 Information System in collaboration with ISRO fast tracked; Complaint Management portal and application ‘RailMadad’ rolled out
Stations provided with CCTV based Surveillance System cross 500; First Railway Commando Battalion ‘CORAS’ to tackle the menace of terrorism and naxalism in Railways launched
Indian Railways rationalizes menus to further improve variety, hygiene and quality of food for its passengers; Web-based live streaming facility through CCTV extended to 40 kitchens units of IRCTC
No single use plastic material in Railways from 150th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd Oct 2019; Total numbers of bio-toilets increase to 2,34,248 in 65,627 coaches
Dedicated Freight Corridor to be fully commissioned in phases by the year 2021; Rewari - Madar section of Western DFC and Bhadan – Khurja section of Eastern DFC completed and trial commercial runs started
E-office Project implemented over 58 establishments of Indian Railways replacing manual files by creating 72000+ Digital Files; Procurement process of Indian Railways end-to-end digitised
Successfully completed one of the world’s largest recruitment exercises; Ayushman Bharat introduced in 91 hospitals of Indian Railways
crackIAS.comHigher Investment in Railways
● Highest ever CAPEX: Rs. 1,60,176 crore in 2019-20 Budget Estimates. 20.1% higher over 2018-19Utilization upto end of November 2019 (April-November 2019) is Rs.1,02,008.61 crore, which is 63.7%. The utilization of funds during the corresponding period in 2018-19 was 61.3%. ● With a proposed investment of Rs 50 lakh crore until 2030, Budget 2019 laid the roadmap for Railways to become the growth engine of the country. Infrastructure Thrust Page 4 Faster construction
● Construction of Total New Line, Doubling & Gauge increased from 1014 Track KM last year to 1165 Tkm this year (+15%) (period: April-Nov)
● Elimination of manned level crossings increased by 199% ● 904 MLCs have been eliminated up to November 2019 compared to 296 during the same period last year; increased mechanization leading to 27% higher deep screening of track & turnouts (9,059 km this year vis a vis 7,159 km last year); production and use of longer rails (260 meter) (~ 75% of total) reducing weld joints; drastic reduction in rail/weld failures by 23%.
● Higher Bridge rehabilitation (+82%): 861 bridges rehabilitated in Apr-Nov 2019 compared to 472 last year same period Construction of Foot Over Bridges (FOB) increased by 44%
● 170 FOBs constructed between Apr-Nov 2019 as compared to 118 during Apr-Nov 2018. Higher Rail Renewal (+27%) - 3,560 Track km (Tkm) between Apr-Nov 2019 against 2,812 Tkm during Apr-Nov 2018 Commissioning of Complete Projects
● 320 km long Gauge Conversion Project from Jaipur-Ringas-Sikar-Churu in Sept 2019 Doubling project (7 Km length but very important to decongest New Delhi Station) between New Delhi to Tilak Bridge (5th & 6th line)113 Km long New Line Port connectivity project in Andhra Pradesh connecting main land with Krishnapatnam port 55.47 Km long Doubling work in UP from Meerut-Muzaffarnagar42.5 Km long New Line Coal Project from Kharsia-KorichhaparNew Line stretching to 67 km from Rajgir-Hisua- Tilaiya including Islampur-Natesar in Oct 2019Doubling of Line stretching to 42 km from Hajipur-Ramdayalu Nagar in Oct 201919 Km long coal project named Bakhtiarpur-Barh completed and commissioned for coal movement to Barh NTPC Thermal Power Plant.45 Km long length doubling project from Lumding to Hojai112 Km long New line National Project construction in Tripura named Agartala–Sabroom
Connecting India - Lines approved
● 3rd line between Allahabad- Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction (UP)New Line between Sahjanwa-Dohrighat (UP)Doubling of Line from New Bongaigaon-Agthori (Assam)New Line between Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur (Maharashtra) crackIAS.com Approval for raising of speed to 160 kmph by 2022-23 on Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi Howrah routes : Benefits :-
● 60% increase in average speed of passenger trainsJourneys by Rajdhani train to become fully overnight
Modern Train Control System Page 5 Indian Railways to modernize its Signaling system by implementing Modern Train Control system with Long Term Evolution (LTE) based Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) System.
● This is one of the most ambitious modernization projects of Indian Railways, which envisages upgradation of signaling system for improving safety, Line Capacity and to run trains at higher speed. It is to be implemented after approval of NITI Aayog, Extended Board for Railways (EBR) and sanction of CCEA. ● As a prelude to taking up the above modernization work of signaling system on pan-India basis, 4 works of total 640 Route KM at a total cost of Rs. 1810 Crores have been sanctioned as pilot projects for extensive trials. The four sections are Renigunta (RU) – Yerraguntla (YA) section on South Central Railway, Vizianagaram (VZM) –Palasa (PSA) section on East Coast Railway, Jhansi (JHS) – Bina (BINA) Section on North Central Railway and Nagpur (NGP) – Badnera (BD) Section on Central Railway. These are some of the busiest routes on Indian Railway network with heavy traffic. Towards a Green Electrified Railways
● Railway Electrification increased from 1440 Route KM to 2041 RKM this year (+42%) (period: April-Nov)From April 2018 to 5th November 2019, 436 trains converted from End of Generation (EoG) to Head on Generation (HoG) to reduce diesel consumption; taking cumulative number to over 500 trains. ● Total 39 Workshops, 7 Production Units, 5 Diesel Sheds and one Stores Depot are now ‘GreenCo’ certified. Of these, 7 received the certification in 2019-20. ● With 4 more Railway Stations getting Green Certification in 2019-20, 13 Railway Stations have achieved Green Certification till now. 18 more Railway Buildings, Offices, Campuses and other establishments are also Green certified, including 2 Supervisor Training Centres (STCs) and 3 Railway Schools. Railway Hospital Ajmer is the first railway hospital to achieve Green rating. ● 85 Railway Stations have been given ISO:14001 certification in current year for implementation of Environment Management System. ● Renewable Energy: Indian Railways has planned to source about 1000 Mega Watt (MW) Solar Power and about 200 MW of wind power progressively by 2021-22 across Zonal Railways & Production Units. Details are as follows:-
i. Solar Energy:
v. Roof Top Power Plants:
● 500crackIAS.com Mega Watt (MW) solar plants on the roof top of Railway buildings through developers’ PPA mode with 25 years agreements, which will be used to meet non-traction loads at Railway Stations, etc. ● Out of this, 96.84 MW of solar plants have already been installed. These plants will reduce
CO2 emission & reduce carbon footprints. ● 16 stations have been declared Green Railway stations across IR, which are meeting energy needs completely either through solar or wind power. These stations are Roha, Pen, Apta in CR, Niamatpur halt, Kanhaipur halt, Teka Bigha halt, Mai halt, Garsanda halt, Niyazipur halt, Dhamaraghat in ECR, Shri Mata Vaisno Devi, Shimla in NR, Unhel, Khanderi, Bajud, Ambli Road, Sadanapura & Sachin in WR – are 100% Green Powered Page 6 stations. ● Work in progress for about 111 MW Solar plants. ● Tenders for 93 MW Solar plants have recently been awarded by Railway Energy Management Company Limited (REMCL), a company under the Ministry of Railways. ● Tenders for 45 MW rooftop solar capacity floated by REMCL. ● Balance 154 MW is under different stages of planning.
v. Land based Power Plants:
● About 500 MW Land based solar plants to meet Traction & Non-Traction requirements. ● Out of this about 3 MW has already been installed at MCF, Raebareili. ● Bhilai (50 MW) on 300 acre vacant Railway land – Work awarded by REMCL & is under progress. Targeted for commissioning by March 2021. ● In addition to the above land based solar projects, IR has also taken up two pilot projects for feeding solar power directly to 25 kV AC traction system.
● Diwana Solar Plant Project (2 MWp) through REMCL: PPA signed on 14.06.19. Work started & targeted for completion by March 2020.
● Bina Solar Project (1.7 MWp) through BHEL: Work started & under execution & targeted for completion by February 2020.
● Tenders for Two Hybrid plants (solar + wind) of 140 MW (35 MW solar + 105 MW wind) and 109 MW (27 MW solar + 82 MW wind) capacity has also been floated by REMCL.
ii. Wind Energy: Out of 200 MW target of IR, 103.4 MW wind plant has already been installed.
● Wind Mill Plant of 21 MW (for non-Traction) capacity in Tamil Nadu, 26 MW (for traction) capacity in Rajasthan, 6 MW (for non-traction) & 50.4 MW (for traction) capacity in Maharashtra has been installed. ● Further, tenders for 187 MW capacity floated by REMCL as part of Hybrid renewable energy plants. Initiatives for Station Redevelopment
● For three (03) stations (Anand Vihar, Bijwasan, and Chandigarh), contracts have been awarded by Indian Railway Station Development Corporation (IRSDC) on 30.10.2019. ● ForcrackIAS.com Five (05) stations, MoU signed with ● RLDA & NHAI in April, 2019 for Redevelopment of Ajni (Nagpur) as Multi-Modal Transport Hub. Broad scheme has been finalized and Bids are under invitation. ● RLDA & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) in Oct, 2018 for Redevelopment of Dehradun station. MDDA has engaged architectural consultant for preparation of plan. ● ECoR & State Govt. of Odisha on 19.09.2019 for redevelopment of Bhubaneswar station. ● RLDA & DDA on 19.12.2019, for redevelopment of Anand Vihar and Bijwasan station.
● IRSDC has taken up integrated facility management for five stations, viz, Pune, Page 7 Secunderabad, Chandigarh, Anand Vihar and Bangalore city since March/April 2019. ● For redevelopment of Gwalior, Nagpur, Sabarmati and Amritsar Railway Stations through Public-Private Partnership, in-principle approval was granted by PPPAC- Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee on 20.12.2019. The tender process for this has set in motion. The objective of the project is to give world class facilities at these railway stations to passengers just like at airports. Important features for all the stations are - segregated arrival/departure routes of passenger movement, 100% Divyang friendly, obstruction free entry and exit to the station, ample sitting spaces, provision of lifts and escalators to assist passenger movements. The development shall be on Transit Oriented Development (TOD) principles, aiming to decongest the cities. Make in India
● Indian Railways to manufacture 44 rakes of Vande Bharat Trains. Its Production Unit Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai set the process in motion by publishing tender on 22nd December 2019 for supply of electrical equipment and other items for 44 train sets of 16 coaches each. The procurement shall be done in accordance with extant "Make in India" policy of DPIIT, Government of India. ● Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi has exported 07 diesel locomotives to Srilankan Railways ● Indian Railways to provide Broad Gauge and Meter Gauge Diesel Locomotives to Bangladesh Railways for a period of 2 years to help them in improving train operations ● Taking ahead Make-in-India initiative, some of the track maintenance machines such as Utility Vehicles (UTVs), Rail Bound Maintenance Vehicles (RBHVs), Track Laying Equipment (TLE), Rail Threader (RT) and Rail-cum-Road Vehicle (RCRVs) have been fully indigenized. ● Most of the track maintenance machines supplied during the last five years were manufactured in India by world’s leading manufacturers under Make-in-India. ● One more manufacturing plant by a world’s leading manufacturer of track machines has been commissioned at Karjan in Gujarat in the month of Nov.2019. First machine manufactured in this plant is likely to be rolled out by Feb.2020. Focus on Passenger Services
Punctuality
● The punctuality performance of Indian Railways for Mail/Express trains has increased to 75.67% (April-Nov) as compared to 68.19% in the same period of last year reflecting an improvement of 7.5%. New crackIAS.comcoaches and trains ● First Tejas Train between Delhi-Lucknow started operating - first ever train with operations managed by IRCTC and not Indian Railways nd ● Booking for 2 Tejas Train operated by IRCTC between Mumbai and Ahmedabad started. ● 2nd Vande Bharat Express inducted in regular service from New Delhi to Katra ● 194 trains have been upgraded to Utkrisht standard in 2019-20 ● 78 New Train services overall introduced between Apr-Nov 2019. ● 120 pairs of ICF trains converted to faster and safer LHB utilizing 156 LHB rakes. ● 104 passenger trains have been converted into faster and safer MEMU utilizing 60 Page 8 MEMU rakes of 8-Car each. ● Augmentation of on-board carrying capacity in train: 656 additional coaches have been augmented in the period from April to November 2019. ● Sleeper coaches attached in Humsafar trains for ensuring convenience and affordability of Humsafar trains. ● Running of special trains: 28,500 trips of special trains run during festivals and holidays in the period from April to November 2019. Increased Rolling Stock Production
● 495 Electric Locomotives produced in April-Nov 2019 compared to 309 in Apr - Nov 2018 (+60%) ● 3,837 LHB coaches produced in April-Nov 2019 compared to 2,739 in Apr-Nov 2018 (+40%) th ● Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways produced its 3000 coach of the year 2019-20 in less than 9 months. Number of working days to achieve this reduced from 289 days in 2018-19 to 215 days in the current year, a reduction of 25.6%. th ● Chittaranjan Locomotive Works (CLW) turned out 300 locomotive of the FY 2019-20 on 21st December 2019, in less than 9 months (in 216 working days). The working days for production of 300th loco has reduced from 292 days in the year 2017-18 to 249 days in 2018-19 and further to 216 days in the current FY 2019-20. Therefore, a reduction of 28% since 2017-18 in number of working days to achieve the figure. ● CLW created a world record by producing record total 446 locomotives in the calendar year 2019.
Passenger Charges
● The Terminal Tax on Railways Passenger Act, 1956 repealed. Terminal tax used to be levied on passengers carried by Railways from or to certain places of pilgrims or where fairs, melas or exhibitions were held. ● Passenger Earnings: The total originating passenger earnings on Indian Railways for the period April 2019 to November 2019 is 35249.13 crore which is 4.20% higher than the 33829.58 crore earned during the corresponding period of last year.
Measures to make Ticket Reservation Easier
● Proliferation of Ticket selling Facility to common Passengers:
i. WithcrackIAS.com a view to encourage passengers to purchase unreserved tickets through Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs), the policy of facilitator liberalized. The spouse/adult children of retired railway employees have also been allowed to become facilitator. These facilitators issue unreserved tickets through ATVMs to the intending passengers through smart card issued to them.Zonal Railways have been empowered to increase the facilitator based ATVMs as per field requirement.
● Easy and economical access of information to Passengers: Charges for verification of journey details rationalized for easy accessibility of information regarding self travel to rail passengers. Page 9
● SMS Alerts to passengers: In order to enhance passenger convenience, SMS alerts are being sent to those passengers who furnish their mobile number at the time of booking of tickets in case of following scenarios:-
● At the time of booking and cancellation of reserved tickets through counters ● SMS alerts as and when the status of waitlisted ticket changes to RAC/Confirmed or from RAC to Confirmed ● At the time of charting conveying the final status of ticket to Confirmed, RAC and Waitlisted ticket holders ● SMS alerts in case of upgradation of ticket ● SMS in case of short termination & diversion of trains.
● HHT on trains:
i. Hand Held Terminals (HHT) have been provided to ticket checking staff of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. Instructions issued to provide HHTs to TTEs manning all premier category of trains viz. Tejas, Gatiman, Duronto, Mahamana, Humsafar and Vande Bharat Express trains.
ii. HHT enables downloading of the reservation chart on the device and mark turned up/non- turned up status of passengers. Vacant accommodation, if any, after preparation of second reservation chart gets transferred to the next remote location for booking.
● Rationalisation of Flexi Fare: Flexi Fare earlier introduced in premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto has been further rationalized and made people-friendly based on the feedback viz., reduction of maximum cap in all flexi fare applicable classes, offering graded discounts in all flexi-fare trains and discontinuation of flexi fare in certain trains with low occupancy. The Flexi Fare scheme has given an additional earning of Rs 532.53 crore in the current year. Flexi fare has been removed from Humsafar train fare. ● Artificial Intelligence based PNR confirmation predictor has been integrated with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website which predicts the probability of waitlisted ticket getting confirmed at the time of booking and eliminates last minute uncertainties faced by the rail passengers,. ● Refund of fare due to misconnection of Train: - If a Passenger misses connecting train owing to late running of the train by which he had been travelling, the fare for travelled portion shall be retained and the balance amount of ticket shall be refunded as the fare for untraveled portion.
● crackIAS.com Scope of booking online reserved ticket by foreign tourists enhanced: Earlier foreign tourists could book reserved accommodation upto 365 days in advance in1AC, 2AC, 3AC & EC class only, now this advanced booking facility has been extended for booking tickets in AC Chair Car, Sleeper and 2S class also.
Hygienic & Quality Food
● Web-based live streaming facility through CCTV of Kitchen units of IRCTC extended Page 10 to 40 kitchens units from 18 kitchen units (May, 2019). ● Introduced Food packets with QR Codes linked to live kitchen feed from previous 2 to 28 in present. ● The number of POS machines installed on trains for billing and digital payments has increased from 2,742 (May, 2019) to 5122 on 417 trains and 703 rakes ● In addition, 6002 other digital modes of payment including POS machines made operational in 2018 Static Units (Food Plaza, Fast Food Units, Refreshment Rooms, Catering Stalls etc.) ● E-catering has increased from an average meal of 11,858 for FY 2018-19 to 21,026 meals for FY 2019-20 (upto 30 Nov 2019) ● 8223 Metallic Boards containing message for availability of menu and ‘Right to Bill’ for the passengers, have been fixed in 185 pairs of trains. ● Number of Rail Neer plants have been enhanced from 9 to 12 (May, 2019) with an increase in the average production from 6.62 Lakh litres to 9 Lakh litres of Rail Neer per day. ● Taking note of the need to further improve variety, hygiene and quality of food for its passengers, Indian Railways rationalized the menus and revised the tariff for catering services on trains and railway stations.
● The tariff on Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duronto trains has been revised after 6 years while the tariff of standard meals for Mail/ Express trains after 7 years since the last revision in 2012. The rate of Janta Meal has been kept unchanged at Rs.20. ● There shall be three categories of standard meals viz., Standard Vegetarian Meal, Standard Non-Vegetarian Meal (with 2 Eggs curry) and Standard Non-Vegetarian Meal (with Chicken Curry) against the previous two. Now more regional food variety including three types of Biryani will also be available for the passengers.
● As part of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement launched in 2018 by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Mumbai Central Railway Station became the country’s first “Eat Right Station” as certified by FSSAI. The Railway station was conferred with “Eat Right Station” certification with 04 Stars rating by FSSAI on 29th November 2019. CSMT Mumbai was conferred with “Eat Right Station” certification with 5-star rating in December 2019.
Enhancing Vendor Base
● 49,466 new vendors/contractors and 535 bidders (for e-Auction) registered on IR E- crackIAS.comProcurement website since 01.01.2019. Total numbers of registered vendors and bidders on IREPS as on date are 1,57,109 and 4077 respectively. ● Vendor meets organised on a pan-India basis at 24 prominent locations across the country during May 2019. During these meets, a total of 4008 vendors participated, out of which 1845 vendors were new to Railways. High value items required by Railways were displayed along with important information such as detailed specification, annual requirements, vendor approving agency etc. Also, Technical sessions as well as interactive Q&A sessions were held to disseminate important information to vendors and address their queries. ● Vendors were also made aware of the crucial policy initiatives taken by the Page 11 government in the field of ‘Ease of Doing Business’. Swachh Bharat, Swachh Railways
● 38,331 Bio-toilets installed in 11,703 coaches from Apr-Nov 2019. This takes the cumulative numbers of bio-toilets to 2,34,248 fitted in 65,627 coaches. Now, the percentage coverage of coaches with bio-toilet has reached at 98%. ● No single use plastic material in railway system from 150th Gandhi Jayanti on 2nd Oct 2019 ● Ministry of Railways has been adjudged as the best Central Ministry for implementation of ‘Swachhta Action Plan’ (for 2018-19), and was awarded by Hon’ble President of India on 06th Sept 2019. ● Integrated mechanised cleaning is now provided at 950 stations. ● Independent third party Survey of passenger perception on the cleanliness standards was carried out at 720 major Stations. ● The number of trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other important long distance Mail/Express trains with facility of On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) for cleaning of coach toilets, doorways, aisles and passenger compartments during the run of the trains has increased to 1090 pair of trains. ● OBHS service is supported by SMS based on demand “Coach-Mitra” service to cover over 1050 pairs of trains. ● Railways continued setting up of more mechanized laundries for improving quality of washing of linen provided to AC coach passengers. 61 mechanised laundries were set up till 2018-19 and 5 more added in 2019-20. Orders for 14 more mechanized laundries with total capacity 109 tonnes per day (TPD) have been placed. It is planned to cover 100% linen washing requirement by mechanised laundries by next financial year. ● As an initiative to reduce, recycle and dispose plastic waste generated in stations in an eco friendly manner, comprehensive policy guidelines have been brought out for installation of Plastic Bottle Crushing Machines (PBCMs) by Zonal Railways. At present, around 315 PBCMs have been installed at 229 stations including several district headquarter railway stations over Indian Railways.
Safety First
Best ever safety record
● Zero passenger fatalities during April-December 2019 New crackIAS.comMeasures to Enhance Security
● Number of stations with the installation of CCTV based Surveillance System increased to more than 500. ● One seat/ berth earmarked for Railway Protection Force staff to travel in the trains for attending to any safety related requirements on board. ● Indian Railway Institute of Disaster Management at Bangalore has been opened for training of officers and staff.
● Commandos for Railway Security - Launch of the first Railway Commando Battalion Page 12 ‘CORAS’ on 14.08.2019 to tackle the menace of terrorism and naxalism in Railways. ● The recruitment in Railway Protection Force (RPF) against vacancy of 1121 Sub-Inspectors & 8619 Constable notified in 2018 has been finalized and training has been started. ● The recruitment of 798 Constable (Ancillary) and 246 Constable (Band) in RPF is in final stage. Empowerment of RPF to make seizure under Narcotics, Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
● Government of India through its notification dated 11.04.2019 empowered RPF to make seizure and arrest under NDPS Act. ● Subsequently RPF has made a large number of such recoveries amounting to the total amount of Rs. 6,74,56,340/- with the arrest of 211 persons up to Oct. 2019.
Commitment to Humanity
● Lives of 151 passengers were saved during the current year 2019 upto Nov. (106 male & 45 female.) in an emergency situations such as from railway tracks during train movement and during natural disasters such as floods. ● 9150 cases of left behind luggage valued at Rs.1,59,93,186/- (approximately) were retrieved and handed over to their owners during the year 2019 (up to Nov.). ● During the year 2019 (up to Nov.) RPF rescued 255 children (Boys 214 + Girls 41) from human traffickers with arrest of 64 persons. ● Besides this a total of 10681 children (Run away, Drug addict, Destitute, Kidnapped, Left behind, Missing etc.) were rescued during the year 2019. ● RPF Security Helpline no. 182 (Toll free) is operational 24 X 7 for security related grievances of passengers in distress and in need of help. 32222 calls received on it have been redressed up to Nov. 2019. ● To facilitate safe and comfortable journey of women passengers, besides regular drives, special drive was also launched to restrict entrance of male passengers in coaches reserved for ladies. The detailed figure of offenders prosecuted is as under –
No. of cases No. of persons Amount of fine Drive registered arrested realized in Rs. 04.12.19 5938 7151 685890 (Special drive) 2019 (up to 97737 92131 18152974 Nov.)crackIAS.com
● Drives to deter unauthorized entry into compartments reserved for persons with disabilities were conducted regularly. On the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” a special drive was conducted and offenders were prosecuted. The details are as under -
Drive No. of cases No. of persons Amount of fine Page 13 registered arrested realized in Rs. 03.12.19 (Special 4788 5674 533195 drive) 2019 (up to 65482 74471 15342435 Nov.)
● A drive named “Operation Thirst” was conducted in which 1430 persons were apprehended for sale of sub-standard packaged drinking water over the railways with recovery of 69041 unauthorized water bottles. ● Sustained drive against touts involved in procuring & selling of e-tickets using fake IRCTC IDs was conducted. Annual comparative figure:- Year No. of cases registered No. of persons arrested 2017 1859 2060 2018 2843 3192 2019 (up to Nov.) 3861 4377
Putting Freight in Fast Lane
● The Dedicated Freight Corridor is targeted to be fully commissioned in phases by the year 2021. Bhadan – Khurja section (194 km) of Eastern DFC completed in all respect and trial commercial runs have started from 2.10.2019.Rewari- Madar section (305 Km) of Western DFC has also been completed in all respect and trial commercial runs have started from 27.12.2019. ● Induction of new Wagons: Total induction of new wagons during April-Oct., 2019 is 9153 wagons v/s 6114 wagons inducted during April-Oct., 2018 ● In 2019-20, freight charges rationalized with (i) removal of 15% Busy Season Surcharge on all commodities (except POL and Iron Ore), (ii) removing 5% supplementary charge on two point rake combinations and Mini rake, (iii) mini rakes are allowed upto 1000 km intra-zonal traffic. ● Round trip charging for container traffic has been introduced for a distance of less than 50 KmcrackIAS.com on each way. Under this scheme, Haulage Charge for 0-100 Km slab will be charged for total to and from movement, instead of charging for 0-50 Km slab each way. This is around 35% cheaper per TEU/round trip. ● 90 commodities de-notified from the list of notified and brought under Freight All Kind (FAK) rates i.e., lower rates are now applicable when transported in container. ● Electronic Transmission of Railway Receipts (eT-RR) facility has been implemented pan- India in 2019. Under this, customer has the option to receive, transfer and surrender the Railway Receipt (RR) electronically. It enhances the ease of doing business multifold for Railway freight customers. As a precursor to enable this, Indian Railway has implemented electronic registration of demand for wagons (e-RD). Page 14
● In place of entering into a tripartite agreement with each zonal railways, single agreement e- payment facility with base terminal Railway has been allowed to Automobile Freight Train Operators (AFTOs) from 20th May 2019. ● Exemption from mandatory weighment was allowed in case of import containerized traffic to three operators (CONCOR, GRFL, DLI) on the basis of transmission of SMTP details from Custom server to Freight Operations Information System (FOIS) of IR via Electronic Data Interchange. In May 2019, five more operators namely Adani, ICT&IPL, HTPL, IILPL and PMLPPL have been permitted exemption from weighment in case of import containerized traffic. ● Further, Nepal bound containerized import traffic has also been exempted from mandatory weighment from September 2019 on the basis of Custom document submitted by CONCOR. This step is expected to further lower operational time and improve fluidity. ● Integration of Electronic In-motion Weighbridge Locations: In pursuance to Railway Board’s instructions dated 14.01.2019 to all Zonal Railways regarding proliferation of In-motion Weighbridge with FOIS, till November 2019, a total of 218 locations have been configured for integration with FOIS and data have been captured of weighment and total 43 locations are online. ● Methodology for levying of Terminal Access Charge @one time for double operation of container handling at railway terminals has been extended till further advice. ● IR has changed its business processes and procedures which earlier maintained container itself as the commodity. Now, the commodities being carried in it are recognized and due GST exemption on service of transport of goods by rail in containers by IR is being given. ● For freight stability to customers, long term tariff contracts entered with 31 key customers till 15.12.2019. It is customer friendly as inbuilt in the system as per the agreement with the customer. ● 5 new routes upgraded and notified with enhanced loadability of CC+8 in 2017-18. 13 routes in 2018-19 and 21 routes in 2019-20 till 15.12.2019. ● Charging of traffic through Bogibeel, Digha and Monghyr Rail-cum-Road Bridges were notified. ● Permissible Carrying Capacity of various newly inducted wagons was notified like BOBRNHSM1, BAFRDR, BFNS, BFNSM, BFNS 22.9. Permissible Carrying Capacity of BCNHL and BRN wagons was modified. ● Notifications were issued for extending help of transportation of water, relief material etc. to areas affected by drought in Rajasthan/ Maharashtra, flood in Kerala/ Assam/ Karnataka/ Maharashtra, cyclone in Odisha/ Tamil Nadu/ West Bengal/ Andhra Pradesh etc. ● E-Payment Facility: A total of 1231 Freight Customers are now availing e-payment facility since November 2019. crackIAS.comDigital India ● Number of Stations with the High Speed free Wi-Fi increased to more than 5,500. ● Real Time Train Information System (RTIS) in collaboration with ISRO for automatic chart preparation and passenger train information, fast tracked: 2700 electric locomotives have been provided with RTIS and 3800 diesel locomotives provided with RAMLOT; Automatic control charting being done for 6500 locomotives; balance 6000 electric locomotives to be provided with RTIS equipment in a year’s time. Tender for balance in process. ● Industry 4.0 in Modern Coach Factory, Raebareli for higher productivity. ● Two modern techniques (i.e. Use of Drone mounted camera and 3D scanning of riverbed) introduced in Railways during the year for inspection of bridges. Page 15
● For predictive maintenance, an automated system for detecting defective wheel, bearing and catching the same before it fails, IR is in the process of installation of 25 OMRS way- side inspection systems at 20 locations spread over entire network. Defect report generation and alert communications takes place in real time for taking corrective action, accordingly. As on date, 6 OMRS systems have been installed and total installations will be completed in the year 2020 itself. ● Computerization of Train Signal Register (TSR): TSR equipment have been supplied on 650 stations. All stations have been commissioned and made live at 508 stations by November 2019. All locations are expected to be made live by March 2020. ● A separate land management system viz. Indian Railways Land Management System (IRLAMS) being developed for the management of land related data such as land records, lease license records documented at one place. ● End-to-end digitalization of procurement process of Indian Railways has been accomplished. All the processes from generation of demand, processing of demands, publication of tenders, technical evaluation of bids, tender finalization, preparation and issue of letter of acceptance / contracts / modifications, inspection of material by RITES/ Consignee, acceptance and accountal of supplies, online receipt and processing of vendors' bills, issue of material to consignees etc. are digital. ● e-Reverse auction made as the default mode of tendering for tenders for procurement of goods valuing more than Rs. 5 cr. The process of e-RA has now been further improved to have better competition. ● An e-application IR-WCMS launched as a pilot project in 17 divisions of IR to handle works contracts on e-platform. This e-application shall be extended soon to all divisions of IR. ● All activities/stages of sale of scrap from Lot formation, Catalogue publication, e-auction, collection of Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and Balance Sale Value (BSV) to issue of Sale Release Order (SRO) etc. digitized. ● 72000+ Digital Files created in mere 6 months’ time over 58 establishments of Indian Railways replacing manual file. The NIC e-office implemented by RailTel is helping Indian Railways to save tons of paper every day. In the phase I of the project 50000+ users have been created. ● Other digital initiatives: Electronic Drawing Approval System (E-DAS); Unique Medical Identity Card (UMID) for health care; Human Resource Management System (HRMS). ● In order to cater to ticketing needs of passengers at Halt stations, a scheme launched where computerized unreserved tickets are being made available at Halt stations through Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) terminals replacing earlier manual printed card tickets system. This is being done through the nearest nodal station. In addition, trials of Portable- UTS have been approved over Southern Railway for issue of tickets at halt stations. Trials of enhanced ETM using android mobile phone and Bluetooth printer in connected mode havecrackIAS.com been approved over Northern Railway. ● RailMadad: The Complaint Management system was rechristened as ‘RailMadad’ and was decided to remain as a Railways-only Portal for redressal of customers’ grievances. It was conceptualised in April 2019 as an integrated complaints platform (Web, SMS, App, Manual Dak, Social Media & IVRS Helpline 139). The RailMadad application was rolled out on 15.07.2019 (Beta application) and on 21.10.2019 (Final Version). RailMadad application was designed and developed as per industry standards to make it more user friendly. ● To increase non-fare revenue, it has been decided to allow advertisements on IR website indianrail.gov.in for a period of one year on a trial basis, as a pilot project. Page 16
● IRCTC will do the marketing and all the liaisoning with advertisers. ● The net revenue sharing between IRCTC and MOR shall be 50:50. ● Instructions have been issued on 03.09.2019 and advertisements have started w.e.f. 19.09.2019.
● It has also been decided to allow advertisements on NTES website, IREPS website and UTS-on-mobile App on similar terms and conditions.
● Instructions have been issued on 17.10.2019.
● Instructions have been issued to IRCTC on 24.10.2019 to integrate Chatbot solution on IR website indianrail.gov.in on a trial basis for 6 months. Net revenue accrued from this initiative shall also be shared between IRCTC and MoR in 50:50 ratio. ● To make public aware of the on-going activities of Railways, upgraded Rail Drishti Dashboard (www.raildrishti.in) has been launched encompassing all the digitisation efforts in Indian Railways and promoting transparency and accountability. It brings information from various sources on a single platform and gives access to key statistics and parameters to every citizen of the country.
Financial Initiatives
Payment through Letter of Credit in Domestic Supply/Works contracts:
The scheme of payment through Letter of Credit in Domestic Supplies/Works contracts has been implemented on all Indian Railways in coordination with CRIS and SBI. All tenders invited by Zonal Railways and Production Units both for supplies/works having an estimated value of Rs 10 lakhs and above, have an option for payment from Railways through a Letter of Credit arrangement.
Centralised Integrated Payment System (CIPS):
Implementation of SBI’s CIPS is a system improvement to ensure online payments without manual intervention. This initiative was one of the action points of 100 Days Action Plan of Finance Department. Indian Railways has implemented Centralized Integrated Payment System (CIPS) with effect from 12.09.2019 after entering into MOU crackIAS.comwith SBI. CIPS facilitates digital signing of payment files and it is automatic & secure server to server transfer from Integrated Payroll & Accounting System (IPAS) server to SBI server.
Implementation of GST:
CGST Act, 2017 and IGST Act, 2017 was passed by the Parliament and assented by the President of India on 12th April, 2017. Given the strict guidelines, following milestones have been completed in a time-bound manner:- Page 17 a. Income Tax PAN for Ministry of Railways has been obtained across the Railways; b. Modification made in the software for PRS, UTS, FOIS, to levy GST; c. Timely instructions are issued to all the GMs levy of GSTs on Parcel, Sundry Commercial Receipts, Engineering Receipts; d. CRIS developed GST Manual Utility for capturing Offline transactions; e. Modification effected in Accounting Software to account for Input Tax Credit; f. To ensure that all pre-GST Contracts are aligned with the transitional guidelines into the GST Regime; g. To ensure that the new Contracts entered into post 1.7.2017 is aligned with the GST Rules; h. To study the impact of the GST Rules in respect of transactions with SPVs; i. In all around 140 policy circulars were issued to all the Units; j. Re-engineering of processes are done from time to time. For example, remodelling of IRFC funded contract has been done recently that will result in reduction of leasing cost to Indian Railways;
Organisational Restructuring of Indian Railways
The Union Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 24.12.2019 approved a transformational organisational restructuring of the Indian Railways. This historic reform will go a long way in achieving Government’s vision of making Indian Railways the growth engine of India's vikas yatra.
The reforms include:
i. Unification of the existing eight Group A services of the Railways into a Central Service called Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) ii. Re-organisation of Railway Board on functional lines headed by Chairman Railway Board (CRB) who will be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with 4 Members and some Independent Members iii. The existing service of Indian Railway Medical Service (IRMS) to be consequently renamed as Indian Railway Health Service (IRHS). Unification of services had been recommended by various committees for reforming Railways. Unification of services will promote smooth working of Railways, expedite decision making, create a coherent vision for the organisation and promote rational decision making. The modalities and unification of the services will be worked out in consultation with DoPT and the approval of Alternate Mechanism appointed by Cabinet in order to ensure fairness and transparency. crackIAS.com Employment
Indian Railways successfully completed one of the world’s largest recruitment exercises
● An unprecedented 47.45 Lakhs candidates applied for over 64,000 posts of Assistant Loco Pilots & TechniciansAbout 1.17 Crores candidates appeared for over 63,000 posts in Level I (erstwhile Group D) posts including over 2400 vacancies reserved for Disabled candidates (Divyangjan) with around 600 for each of the 4 Disability categories of LD, VI, Page 18 HI and MD, andAbout 24.75 lakhs candidates appeared for over 13,500 posts for Junior Engineer (JE).
Indian Railways provided another chance to eligible Multiple Disability (MD) ‘Divyangjan’ Level-1 candidates to rectify disability option for Railway jobs.
Ayushman Bharat in Railway Hospitals
Introduction of Pradhan Mantri- Jan Arogya Yojna (PM-JAY) in Railways
● Ayushman Bharat has been introduced in 91 hospitals of Indian Railways.Treatment of Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries has already started at empanelled Railway hospitals. *****
SG/MKV/AP
(Release ID: 1598076) Visitor Counter : 351
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 19 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Jal Shakti YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
India’s first HAM project in sewerage sector, the 14 MLD STP at Sarai, Haridwar completed before time
River Cleaning to be taken up in a Mission Mode
India’s Largest Rural Sanitation Survey Launched
Posted On: 31 DEC 2019 5:37PM by PIB Delhi 1. PM dedicates a Swachh Bharat to Bapu and the people of India: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, dedicated a Swachh Bharat India to the people of India and the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on 2nd October, 2019, in front of 20,000 Swachhagrahis and Sarpanches assembled from all over the country at a massive public event at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, The Prime Minister said that by alleviating 60% of the world’s share of people defecating in the open, India has significantly contributed to the global achievement of SDG 6.
A Clean and Open Defecation Free (ODF) India on 2nd October 2019 was the most befitting tribute possible to give to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. He saluted the work done by lakhs of Swachhagrahis in response to the Mission's clarion call for making Swachhata a Jan Andolan, a people’s movement and physically bowed to the gathering to express his gratitude.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2019: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2019, a massive countrywide awareness and mobilization campaign at Mathura on 11th September 2019, with special focus on ‘plastic waste awareness and management’. The launch of SHS was organized jointly by the Central Departments of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and DrinkingcrackIAS.com Water and Sanitation and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. 3. First meeting of National Ganga Council:
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh on 14th December.
The Council has been given overall responsibility for superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries. The first meeting of the Council was aimed at reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all Page 20 departments of the concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries.
Prime Minister, reviewed the progress of work done on various aspects of cleaning river Ganga with a focus on ‘swachhta’, ‘aviralta’ and ‘nirmalta’.
4. Swachh Bharat Awards:
At the Swachh Mahotsav event in New Delhi on 6th September, the President Shri Ramnath Kovind complimented the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) for inspiring historic behaviour change in the country and putting forth a model for the world to replicate. He also gave away a set of Swachh Bharat awards. More than 1300 swachhata champions including school children, NCC cadets, volunteers from NSS and NYKS, swachhagrahies, sarpanches, representatives from States and UTs, central government ministries and media persons participated in the grand event.
5. 6th India Water Week – 2019: The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 6th India Water Week-2019, on September 24, 2019 in New Delhi. The theme of the India Water Week-2019 is ‘Water Cooperation – Coping with 21st Century Challenges’
6. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Jal Shakti Abhiyan, which is a collaborative effort of the Central and State Governments to accelerate progress on water conservation activities in the most water stressed blocks and districts of India. Under this campaign, the entire Government of India machinery of over 1000 senior Central Government officers have joined the States to promote focused interventions for water collection and conservation, including restoration and renovation of traditional water bodies.
7. Patna river front dedicated to people: In another important step towards Nirmal Ganga, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th February laid the foundation stone for sewerage infrastructure at four towns in Bihar including Karmalichak (Patna), Barh, Sultanganj and Nauguchia. PM also dedicated to people the Patna River Front that includes 16 ghats, 1 crematorium, 4.9 km promenade, community- cum-cultural centre, audio-visual theatre and eco centre build at a cost of Rs. 243.27 crore.
The sewerage infrastructure projects for which foundation stone was laid include sewerage network of 96.54 km and 1 sewage pumping station (SPS) in Karmalichak (Patna), 11 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP), 3 SPS and interception & diversion of 3 drains in Barh, 10 MLD STP, 4 SPS and interception & diversion of 5 drains in Sultanganj and 9 MLD STP, 6 SPS and interception & diversion of 9 drains in Nauguchia. These sewerage projects costing Rs.crackIAS.com 452.24 crore will prevent flow of 6.7 crore litre of sewage per day into River Ganga. 8. Villages across India discuss PM’s letter on Water Conservation: To promote water conservation across the country ahead of the monsoon season, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, wrote letters to all Sarpanches, urging them to undertake Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation activities in rural India. Gram Sabhas were convened across the country on 22nd June and the Prime Minister’s letter was read out publicly to all the residents of the village. The sitting of Gram Sabha was followed by shramdaan for water conservation, as outlined in the Prime Minister’s letter. Activities included building and cleaning small ponds for storing rainwater, tree plantation drives, Constructing/installing storage tanks for rainwater harvesting, and afforestation. Page 21 To mark the occasion, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, kicked off the water conservation Shramdaan in Jodhpur in Rajasthan, and also held a Jan Samvad with villagers and Swachh Bharat Summer Interns, who are youth volunteering for Swachhata work. He also inaugurated a rainwater harvesting unit at Narwa village, and did shramdaan for retrofitting of toilets and construction of Compost pits in the district.
9. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi felicitated the Safai Karmacharis working in Kumbh: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 25th February honoured and paid respect to the safai karamcharis working in the Kumbh Mela, by washing the feet of five of them. The gesture was a part of the ”Swachh Kumbh, Swachh Aabhaar” programme, where the Prime Minister addressed a gathering of 10,000 safai karamcharis, swachhagrahis, police personnel and naviks of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj yesterday. The gathering was organized by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation in association with the Government of Uttar Pradesh (GoUP).
10. India’s first HAM project in sewerage sector, the 14 MLD STP at Sarai, Haridwar completed before time: 14MLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Sarai in Haridwar was inaugurated on December 5, 2019. The Sarai 14 MLD Sewage Treatment Plant is the first STP to be completed under the Hybrid Annuity (HAM) Based Public Private Partnership Model, involving a cost of Rs. 41.40 crores, and the Plant has been completed before its scheduled timeline.
The vision of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is long term and hence the capability being created would fully take care of the requirements up to 2035.Municipal sewage, being the main source of pollution in the Ganga, is being tackled through 150 Sewerage projects at a cost of more than Rs. 23,000 crores (more than 3 billion USD), in addition to various interventions for checking industrial and other sources of pollution in the Ganga
11. River Cleaning to be taken up in Mission Mode: The cleaning of river Ganga and its tributaries would be taken up in a mission mode. He said this while participating in a Cleanathon event of “Namami Gange” at the Kalindi Kunj Ghat near Okhla Barrage in New Delhi. Shri Shekhawat said that Government could only be a catalyst, but to realise the dream and vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi - “Aviral Dhara”, “Nirmal Dhara” and “Swachh Kinara”, the Cleanathon project should truly become a mass movement. He said that the Government is working on the project by adopting the Basin Approach, which is more sustainable.
12. Swachh Mahotsava 2019: The Minister of Jal Shakti Shekhawat launched Swachh Mahotsav 2019 - a campaign to celebratecrackIAS.com the successes of the Swachh Bharat Mission and honour the stakeholder who were instrumental in making it happen. Kickstarting the Mahotsav, winners of Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya were recognized by the Minister. The Mahotsav was organized by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti and culminated on 2nd October 2019, the 150th birth year anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
13. Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected Namami Gange STP projects at Dinapur and Ramana: Page 22
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reviewed the ongoing Namami Gange projects in Varanasi during his visit to the city on 18th June. He inspected the 140 Million Litres Day (MLD) Dinapur Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from inlet upto outfall point into Varuna. He was accompanied by Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra.
Sh. Shekhawat instructed the officials of Dinapur STP to conduct periodic chemical checks to ensure that the sewage does not have any industrial or other toxic discharge. Under the Namami Gange program, 2 STPs at Dinapur and Goitha (120 MLD) have been recently completed at Varanasi, of which, the Dinapur STP was inaugurated late last year by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in November 2018.
Furthermore, the 50 MLD STP being constructed in Ramana will bolster the existing sewage treatment capacity of the city and take it to 412 MLD which is adequate to meet the sewage treatment demand till 2035 and stop untreated sewage from entering the Ganga in Varanasi.
Shri Shekhawat also inspected all the 84 iconic Ghats of Varanasi by boat with a particular focus on the 26 Ghats, where the projects of repair/ renovation have been taken up under the Namami Gange Program. He also reviewed the project for regular cleaning of the 84 Ghats as well as the river surface cleaning project, both of which have been put in place under the Namami Gange Program to ensure cleanliness in and around the river.
Apart from inspecting the Ghats, he also observed the Ghat pumping stations and tapping of drains. Out of 23 drains, 20 drains have already been tapped. The remaining 3, including Assi are being tapped through Ramana STP project, which is to be completed during this year.
14. Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat inspected ongoing Projects in Rishikesh and Haridwar: Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat reviewed the ongoing Namami Gange projects in Rishikesh and Haridwar on 13th June. Shri Shekhawat was shown the working of the Sarai Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on the miniature model of the Sarai STP and then inspected the plant in detail, where the officials took him through the operations of the plant. He also inspected the control room of the STP.
Shri Shekhawat also inspected the under construction Jagjeetpur STP which is slated for completion later this year. Under the Namami Gange programme, NMCG has approved 4 projects, 2 projects related to laying of Interception and Diversion (I&D) works and 2 projectscrackIAS.com for creating 82 (68+14) Million Litre Per Day (MLD) STP capacity.
15. Meeting with all States for water conservation, rural drinking water supply and Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen):
The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, held a review meeting with all State Ministers and State Principal Secretaries for Water Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation and PHED in New Delhi on 11th June. The focus of the meeting was to review Page 23 the steps taken and action plans made by various States for the drinking water and sanitation sectors in the country, especially their preparedness to conserve rainwater over the forthcoming monsoon months. 24 State Water and Sanitation Ministers joined the meeting to represent the sectors in their respective States.
16. Capacity Strengthening Initiative for 2.5 lakh Panchayats launched: The Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 27th July launched the capacity strengthening initiative of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, in Ranchi, Jharkhand. This initiative would create a poorl of 2800 filed trainers in its trainings, who will reach out to around 2.5lkah gram Panchayats across the country.
The initiative seeks to ensure the sustainability of open defecation free (ODF) villages created under the Swachh Bharat Mission in the long term and enable field trainers and members of PRIs (Panchayat Raj Institutions) to create capacity to manage solid and liquid wastes as well as improve access to safe and adequate drinking water supply.
Addressing more than 6000 Mukhiyas, Jal Sahiyas, Swachhagrahis and others present on the occasion, Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized the need for people’s participation highlighting that it is now time to turn the “jal ka andolan” into “jan ka andolan” to avert the impending water crisis.
17. Jal Shakti Abhiyan for Water Conservation Launched: Union Jal Shakti Minister, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, on 1st July announced the commencement of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan - a campaign for water conservation and water security. The campaign would run through citizen participation during the monsoon season, from 1st July, 2019 to 15th September, 2019. An additional Phase 2 would be run from 1st October, 2019 to 30th November, 2019 for States receiving the North East retreating monsoons. The focus of the campaign will be on water stressed districts and blocks.
18. Meeting of State Ministers for Jal Jeevan Mission :
Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chaired a Conference of State Ministers on Jal Jeevan Mission in New Delhi on 26th August. State Ministers in-charge of Drinking Water from 17 States; and Principal Secretaries/Secretaries attended theconference. The objective of the Conference was to discuss the implementation of the newly announced Jal Jeevan Mission,to provide individual household water tap connection to everyrural household in the country by 2024. crackIAS.com 19. India’s Largest Rural Sanitation Survey Launched: Jal Shakti Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2019 (SSG 2019) in the capital on 14th August. The survey covered 17,450 villages in 698 districts across India and include 87,250 public places namely schools, anganwadi centers, public health centres, haat/bazaars/religious places, making it India’s largest rural sanitation survey. Around 2,50,000 citizens were interviewed for their feedback as part of the survey. Citizens will also be mobilised to provide feedback on sanitation relation related issues online using an application developed for the purpose.
20. National Launch of 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029): Page 24
The Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, GoI launched the 10 Year Rural Sanitation Strategy (2019-2029), which focus on sustaining the sanitation behavior change that has been achieved under the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), ensuring that no one is left behind, and increasing access to solid and liquid waste management.
Since the launch of the SBM-G in 2014, over 10 crore toilets have been built in rural areas; over 5.9 lakh villages, 699 districts, and 35 States/UTs have declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF). This strategy has been prepared by DDWS, in consultation with State Governments and other stakeholders, and it lays down a framework to guide local governments, policy makers, implementers and other relevant stakeholders in their planning for ODF Plus, where everyone uses a toilet, and every village has access to solid and liquid waste management.
21. National Water Mission Awards- 2019: Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Sekhawat said that water conservation along with water-harvesting and judicious and multiple use of water are key to tackle the water challenge in India. Speaking after giving away the National Water Mission Awards-2019 in New Delhi on 25th September, the Minister lamented the fact that only 4 percent of CSR obligation is spent on water, while it is around 11 percent for the water-intensive industries and called for a rethink on the issue. Shri Shekhawat also urged the policy planners to take into account the multiple use of water in Agriculture and Industries for the judicious use of scarce resource.
22. Ganga Aamantran – a unique initiative to connect with Ganga’s Stakeholders Launched: The ‘Ganga Aamantran Abhiyan’ is a pioneering and historic exploratory open-water rafting and kayaking expedition on the Ganga River to be held between 10th October 2019 to 11 November 2019. Starting at Devprayag and culminating at Ganga Sagar, the expedition will cover the entire streatch of over 2500 kms of the Ganga River.
This is the first ever effort by National Mission for Clean Ganga to raft across the entire stretch of the river and also the longest ever social campaign undertaken through an adventure sporting activity to spread the message of River Rejuvenation and Water Conservation on a massive scale. The expedition will draw attention to the ecological challenges being faced by Ganga.
The expedition would encompass the five Ganga basin states including Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal with stops at Rishikesh, Haridwar, Kanpur, Allahabad,crackIAS.com Varanasi, Patna, Sonepur and Kolkata. 23. CGWB signs MoU with Australia’s MARVI: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) signed an Memorandum of Understanding with MARVI (Managing Aquifer Recharge and Sustaining Groundwater Use through Village-level Intervention) Partners of Australia in New Delhi on 22nd November. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, MoS Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri UP Singh, Education Minister of Australia, Mr. Dan Tehan and Australian High Commissioner to India, Ms. Iven Mackay were present. Page 25 24. Shri Nitin Gadkari laid Foundation Stones for Namami Gange Projects in Agra and Mathura: Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stones of six Namami Gange projects in Agra and Mathura on 23 Jan 2019. The four projects in Mathura have a sanctioned cost of Rs 511.74 crore. These include two sewerage projects.
25. NMCG Officials and Partners come together to contribute to Clean Ganga Fund: The officials and partners of National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) came together on one platform on 15th January, to make personal donations to the Clean Ganga Fund on a voluntary basis. Officials from various executing agencies, stakeholders and aartners with Team NMCG including State Bank of India, Union Bank of India, Engineers India Ltd., WAPCOS, HDFC etc contributed to the Clean Ganga Fund at an event held at the NMCG headquarters.
26. MoU for construction of Renukaji multipurpose dam:
Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Shipping and Road Transport & Highways on 11th January signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh - Shri Yogi Adityanath, Rajasthan –Sh. Ashok Gehlot, Uttarakhand -Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Haryana- Shri Manohar Lal, Delhi - Shri Arvind Kejriwal, and Himachal Pradesh - Shri Jai Ram Thakur in New Delhi for the construction of Renukaji Multi-Purpose Dam project in the Upper Yamuna Basin.
Under the Renukaji Multi-Purpose Dam project, three storage projects are proposed to be constructed on the river Yamuna and two of its tributaries - Tons and Giri in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh of Upper Yamuna Basin. These include Lakhwar project on river Yamuna in Uttarakhand , Kishau on river Tons in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and Renukaji on river Giri in Himachal Pradesh.
Shri Gadkari also presided over the ceremony of signing of concession agreement for Namami Gange projects in Prayagraj under Hybrid Annuity Mode and One-City-One-Operator concept. The agreement was signed amongst Shri Akhil Kumar from National Mission for Clean Ganga, Shri Anil Kumar Srivastava from U.P. Jal Nigam and Shri Dilip Pormal from Prayagraj Water Pvt. Ltd.
27. Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone for projects worth Rs 5,894 crore at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar: The Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid foundation stone forcrackIAS.com projects worth Rs 5,894 crore at Chandi Ghat in Haridwar on 21st February. The projects included six newly constructed sewage treatment plants (STPs) along with 18 pumping stations across the state of Uttarakhand under National Mission for Clean Ganga. The venue for the inauguration was Chandi Ghat. This ghat in Uttarakhand is part of 36 others which have been completed. The STPs and Ghats are part of 48 projects in the field of sewerage management, Ghats and Crematoria works, River front development works, Afforestation, Bio-remediation, Rural sanitation and River surface cleaning works at the cost of Rs. 1354.33 Cr. which are at different stages of implementation. Page 26 28. Foundation stone laid for many sewerage infrastructure projects in Bihar: Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Road Transport and Highways & Shipping Shri Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone of sewerage projects worth Rs 2785.23 Cr in Chhapra, Bihar in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Shri Sushil Kumar Modi on 29th February.
The projects will prevent the flow of 32 Crore Litres of Sewage per day into the Ganga river from 13 towns of Bihar including Patna, Chhapra, Sonepur, Danapur, Maner, Phulwarishari, Bakhtiyarpur, Fatuha, Mokama, Begusarai, Khagaria, Munger and Bhagalpur.
29. Jal Shakti Abhiyan becomes a jan andolan : The Cabinet Secretary, Shri Pradeep Kumar Sinha, on 26th August reviewed the work done so far under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA),and in particular the second field visit of the 1100 central government officers to the 256 most water stressed districts of India. He lauded the efforts and commitment of the officers in helping make the Jal Shakti Abhiyan a people’s movement for water conservation.
30. National Planning Workshop on ODF Plus and Water Conservation held in Delhi: With over 5.6 lakh villages, 622 districts, and 30 States/UTs declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) in rural India underthe Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti organized a two-day National Planning Workshop on ODF Plus and Water Conservation from July 12-13, 2019 in New Delhi. Secretaries-in-Charge of Sanitation, Mission Directors and other key state level officials from 29 states/UTs attended the workshop.
The Minister of State then launched the Solid Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) Dashboard, ODF-Plus Advisory and the ODF-Plus & Swachh Gram Darpan Mobile Application to foster healthy competition between States and districts undertaking ODF-plus activities.
31. Cabinet approves “FMBAP” for Flood Management Works in entire country and River Management Activities and works related to Border Areas during 2017-18 to 2019-20:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March approved the "Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)" for Flood Management Works in entire country and River Management Activities and works related to Border Areas for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.3342.00 crores. Benefits:crackIAS.com The FMBAP Scheme will be implemented throughout the country for effective flood management, erosion control and anti-sea erosion. The proposal will benefit towns, villages, industrial establishments, communication links, agricultural fields, infrastructure etc. from floods and erosion in the country. The catchment area treatment works will help in reduction of sediment load into rivers.
Funding pattern:
The funding pattern for FM Component for works in general category States will continue to be 50% (Centre) : 50% (State) and for projects of North Eastern States, Sikkim, J&K, Page 27 Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the funding pattern will continue to be 70% (Centre) : 30% (State).
32. Projects worth Rs. 1387.71 Cr in Yamuna towns approved under Namami Gange: In its 20th Executive Committee meeting held on 15th February, 2019, sewerage infrastructure and other projects worth Rs.1387.71 Cr focusing on towns along river Yamuna have been approved. The projects involve construction and renovation of sewage treatment plants, online monitoring systems of sewage treatment plants and other infrastructure projects.
33. NMCG partners with Solidaridad Multi-Stakeholder Platform for sustainable growth of Kanpur-Unnao leather Cluster:
NMCG has partnered with Solidaridad to launch the Multi-Stakeholder Platform for sustainable growth of the Kanpur-Unnao Leather Cluster. Solidaridad convened a Multi- Stakeholder Platform, a unique public-private partnership in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
Tanneries in Kanpur area have been a priority for Ganga rejuvenation and a comprehensive project of common effluent treatment plant has been taken up under Namami Gange for the Jajmau Tannery cluster alongside arrangement for conveyance, chrome recovery and pilot ZLD Plant. Attention is also on improving processes within the tanneries to make them more green and sustainable. Solidaridad is one such agency to help in this. This programme is currently working with around 100 tanneries in the Kanpur-Unnao Leather Cluster and will soon be expanding to the other important leather geography of India and adjoining countries.
34. Over 3.5 lakh Water Conservation Measures taken up in a single month as nationwide Jal Shakti Abhiyan hits the ground: In a countrywide effort to enhance water security, especially in water stressed districts, the Centre initiated Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) has delivered over 3.5 lakh water conservation measures in 256 districts. Out of these, 1.54 lakh are of water conservation and rain water harvesting measures, 20000 relate to the rejuvenation of traditional water bodies, over 65000 are reuse and recharge structures and 1.23 lakh are watershed development projects. An estimated 2.64 crore people have already participated in the Abhiyan making it a Jan Andolan. About 4.25 crore saplings were planted as a part of the efforts. The outcome of the first phase of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan was announced at a review by Cabinet Secretary in New Delhi on 2nd August. ShricrackIAS.com Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, DDWS, shared that the JSA has led to an increase in groundwater level, surface water storage capacity, soil moisture in farm lands and increased plant cover. The JSA is a collaborative effort of various Ministries of the Centre and State Governments, and is primarily a Jal Sanchay campaign, which has gained phenomenal momentum in this past one month.
The campaign is successfully running with the involvement of about 1300 officers of the central government joined by state and district officials who are required to take up 3 field visits.
35. Paint Your Toilet: Page 28 In an effort to promote ownership and sustained usage of toilets and also provide a facelift to the crores of toilets built under the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launched a month-long campaign, “Swachh Sundar Shauchalaya” that commenced on 1st January. The campaign comprised a unique Contest, under which, households were being mobilised to paint and decorate their toilets. It was spearheaded by Gram Panchayats and coordinated by district administrations.
36. National Workshop on Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) on 30th and 31st January 2019: The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBMG) of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, held a National Workshop on Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM) on 30th and 31st January 2019 in New Delhi. The workshop was attended by District Collectors, CEOs, CDOs, Executive Engineers and other officers, from across the country. The workshop emphasized the importance of Fecal Sludge Management (FSM) for rural census towns and large dense villages and Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resource–dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) in rural areas. It also covered Plastic Waste Management, Grey Water Management and featured case studies from across the country.
37. “Darwaza Band -Part 2” campaign launched: The Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen on 6th February launched the 'Darwaza Band -Part 2' campaign which focuses on sustaining the open defecation free status of villages across the country. The campaign, produced by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, was launched in Mumbai in the presence of iconic actor Shri Amitabh Bachchan. The 'Darwaza Band- Part 2' campaign has been supported by the World Bank and is being rolled out countrywide immediately after the launch.
38. Independent Verification of Swachh Bharat Grameen confirms over 96% usage of toilets: The National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2018-19, conducted by an Independent Verification Agency (IVA) under the World Bank support project to the Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G), has found that 96.5% of the households in rural India who have access to a toilet use it. The NARSS also re-confirmed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of 90.7% of villages which were previously declared and verified as ODF by various districts/States. The survey was conducted between November 2018 and February 2019 and covered 92040 households in 6136 villages across States and UTs of India.
******
RCJ/NK/PK/SKP/MI crackIAS.com
(Release ID: 1598075) Visitor Counter : 342
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 29 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 INDIA COMMENCES WORLD’S LARGEST EVER VACCINATION PROGRAMME TO CONTROL FMD & BRUCELLOSIS IN 2019; AIMS TO PROVIDE UNIQUE PASHU AADHAR TO 535 MILLION ANIMALS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying India commences world’s largest ever vaccination programme to control FMD & Brucellosis in 2019; Aims to provide unique Pashu Aadhar to 535 million animals
More than 11 Lakh Artificial Inseminations done under Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme for breed improvement in 2019
Posted On: 31 DEC 2019 4:53PM by PIB Delhi Year End Review -2019
1. National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosis The Government has launched a new scheme National Animal Disease Control Programme for FMD and Brucellosiswith a financial outlay of Rs. 13,343.00 crore for five years (2019-20 to 2023-24) by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis to prevent loss of Rs. 50,000 crore to the Government exchequer and also to increase the economic output of farmers. The mission mode approach for eradication of these diseases is the biggest step any country of the world has evercrackIAS.com taken either for human or animal vaccination programme to control any disease. This programme combined with providing unique PashuAadhar to 535 million animals (Cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, and pig).
2. NATIONWIDE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROGRAMME (NAIP) Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme for 20,000 bovine per district for 600 districts in the country was recently launched by the Government in September, 2019 which is one of the largest such programmes with 100% central assistance for undertaking breed improvement. In future, this will be expanded across all the breedable bovine population of 600 districts so that India achieves 70% AI coverage.Under NAIP, more than 11 lakhs AI has been done as on Page 30 31.12.2019.
3. QUALITY MILK PROGRAMME DAHD launched Quality Milk Programme on 24.07.2019 with the objectives to achieve Global(Codex)standards for domestic consumption of milk and ensuring traceability & increasing share of milk and milk products in world exports.
In the first phase of the programme during 2019-20, approval has been granted for strengthening of 231 dairy plants under “National Programme for Dairy Development” scheme to equip them to detect adulterants in milk (Urea, maltodextrin, ammonium sulphate, detergent, sugar, neutralisers etc.). FTIR technology based Milk Analyser (for accurate detection and estimation of milk composition and adulterants) to 139 dairy plants of 30,000 litre capacities and above and 92 Dairy Plants below 30,000 litres capacity with Electronic Milk Analyser with adulteration testing equipment. In addition one each of State Central laboratory for 18 States has been approved. The total cost of the project was Rs.271.64 crore. Out of this, an amount of Rs.128.56 crore has been released to States as first instalment during 2019-20. Once implemented in June 2020, all the cooperative dairy plants of the country will be able to supply Quality Milk tested on all microbiological, chemical and physical parameters to their consumers.
******
APS/AS
(Release ID: 1598062) Visitor Counter : 316
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Page 31 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW-2019: MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Panchayati Raj Year End Review-2019: Ministry of Panchayati Raj
Rs. 406.22 crore released under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan to States/UTs and implementing agencies till date
Over 1.1 lakh Gram Panchayats on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS
Over 230 panchayats were conferred the National Panchayat Awards 2019 including e-PanchayatPuraskar to 6 States
Core Common Applications called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications has been developed; Spatial Planning Application ‘Gram Manchitra’ launched
Posted On: 31 DEC 2019 4:24PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is responsible for the work of advocacy, monitoring and implementation of Constitution 73rd Amendment. The role of the MoPR involves strengthening the administrative infrastructure, basic services etc. by leveraging technology and capacity building of the functionaries of Rural Local Body (RLB). Ministry’s roadmap to realise the above objective is through three pillars:
· Provision of basic services through the Finance Commission Funding, crackIAS.com· Capacity building of RLBs through Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and · Convergent & holistic planning through inclusive & participatory process through Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) and advocacy work
Fourteenth Finance Commission (FFC) Grants
During the current Financial Year 2019-20, FFC Grant of Rs.48,497.57 crore (including release for previous years) has been released to 26 States for Gram Panchayats (GPs) as on 18.12.2019. The year-wise allocations and release of Finance Commission Grants for the Award Page 32 period 2015-16 to 2019-20 (as on 16.12.2019) is as under:
(Rs. in crore)
Sl. Basic Grant Performance Grant Year No. Allocation Release Allocation Release 1. 2015-16 21624.46 21510.46 -- -- 2. 2016-17 29942.87 29718.76 3927.65 3499.45 3. 2017-18 34596.26 33575.12 4444.71 1943.55 4. 2018-19 40021.63 37897.41 5047.53 -- 5. 2019-20 54077.80 43736.08 6609.33 -- Total 180263.02 166437.83 20029.22 5443.00
Ministry monitors the effective utilization of FFC Grants by the GPs through Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Around 5.5 Lakhs assets created by using FFC grants in GPs have been geo-tagged as on today to give thrust on digital monitoring system.
Around 1,10,102 numbers of Gram Panchayats are on-board in PRIASoft-PFMS and 68,014 GPs are already doing digital payments through PRIASoft -PFMS. 2,00,850 numbers of GPs are on-board in PRIASoft double entry cash-based accounting application meant for Panchayats.
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA)
The restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) has been operationalized w.e.f. 2018-19 with the primary aim of strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with main thrust on convergence with Mission Antyodaya and emphasis on strengthening PRIs in 117 Aspirational districts.
During 2018-19, Ministry had approved the Annual Action Plans (AAPs) of 32 States/UTs and Rs. 598.25 crore was released to States/UTs and implementing agencies upto 31st March, 2019. During current year, Ministry has approved the Annual Action Plans (AAPs) of 33 States/UTs and released Rs.406.22 crore to States/UTs and implementing agencies till 18.12.2019. Some of the major activities approved during 2019-20 to States/UTs are:
i. 38.22 lakh participants for GPDP training and 36.94 lakh participants for Other than GPDP training. ii. ConstructioncrackIAS.com of 3108 Gram Panchayat Bhawans and repair of 2384 Gram Panchayat Bhawans iii. Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in 3404 Gram Panchayats iv. Construction of 04 State Panchayat Resource Centres (SPRCs) and 09 District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs) v. Procurement of 10292 computers in Gram Panchayats vi. 47 Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) vii. PESA Areas: 19512 Gram Sabha Mobilisers, 85 District Coordinators, 411 Block Coordinators and14382 Gram Sabha Orientation Page 33
People’s Plan Campaign (PPC)- Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas
Inspired by the visible and quite satisfactory performance of the Gram Panchayats, Gram Sabhas and other stakeholders involved in the PPC during 2nd October, 2018 to 31st December, 2018 and to provide sustainability to the GPDP formulation process into a participative and transparent exercise, the process of GPDP preparation for the financial year 2020-21 again started in a Campaign mode from 2nd October, 2019 as PPC-2019. The status of PPC as on December 16, 2019 is as under:
i. 210432 numbers (78.2%) of Gram Sabhas held ii. 221378 numbers (82.3%) of Gram Sabhas Scheduled iii. 103607 numbers (38.5%) of facilitators feedback received. iv. 97315 numbers (36.2%) of GPDP Approved as per facilitator's feedback. v. 42113 numbers of (15.6%) GPDP uploaded on PlanPlus vi. 5805 numbers of GPDPs in pipeline Incentivization of Panchayats:
The Ministry has been incentivizing the Panchayats/ States/ Union Territories (UTs) under the scheme of Incentivization of Panchayats, one of the central components of the restructured scheme of RGSA, in recognition of their good work for improving delivery of services &public goods and to encourage a spirit of competition.
Awards, including financial incentives ranging from Rs.5 lakh to Rs.50 Lakh, are given annually to best performing Panchayats/States/UTs under various categories namely, (i) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Sashaktikaran Puraskar (DDUPSP) for Gram/ Block/ District Panchayats; (ii) Nanaji Deshmukh Rashtriya Gaurav Gram Sabha Puraskar (NDRGGSP) for Gram Panchayats; (iii) Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) Award for Gram Panchayats; (iv) Child-friendly Gram Panchayat Award (CFGPA) for Gram Panchayats and e-Panchayat Puraskar for States/UTs. During 2019 the following National Panchayat Awards were conferred:
i. DDUPSP to 195 Panchayats (District/Block/Gram) in 24 States. ii. NDRGGSP to 20 GPs in 20 States. iii. GPDP Award to 3 GPs across the country. iv. CFGPA to 22 GPs/Village Council in 22 States/UT. v. e-PanchayatPuraskar to 6 States. Mission Mode Project on e-Panchayat:
Under the e-Panchayat MMP, a suite of Core Common Applications has been developed collectively called Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) Applications. Following are some of the key activitiescrackIAS.com undertaken under the e-Panchayat MMP during the year:
i. Unified portal focusing on Work Based Accounting: Unified Portal is a new initiative of the Ministry, which will provide the GPs with a single interface to prepare and implement their GPDP. Unified portal would reduce the number of data entries that Gram Panchayat user performs. It will bring in a more user-friendly interface with ease of navigation that would make it hassle-free for the GPs to track, monitor and modify their Action Plan. ii. On-boarding of schemes on PRIASoft-PFMS integration for real time payments by Page 34 GPs: The Ministry, in the current year, has put in place a robust mechanism capturing the entire gamut of activity right from the stage of planning to monitor the various stages of work, recording the expenditure incurred for the works to providing a complete detail of the asset created. Around one lakh GPs have onboarded this interface. iii. Gram Manchitra: Gram Manchitra is a Spatial Planning Application launched by Hon’ble Minister of Panchayati Raj on October 23, 2019 on the occasion of National Panchayat Awards, 2019, for facilitating and supporting GP users to perform planning at Gram Panchayat level with the use of geo-spatial technology. It provides a single/ unified Geo Spatial platform to better visualize the various developmental works to be taken up across the 29 sectors and provide a decision support system for GPDP.
****
APS/JP
(Release ID: 1598057) Visitor Counter : 298
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 35 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Year End Review: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
India to increase share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022 and further take it to 450 GW
India Hosts key UN summit on desertification, To Restore 26 Million Hectares of Degraded Land by 2030
Tiger count in India rises to 2967
Total Forest and Tree Cover rises to 24.56 percent
Posted On: 31 DEC 2019 1:02PM by PIB Delhi
India’s leadership and commitment on environmental issues under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has led to landmark achievements. With significant developments such as India for the first time ranking among the top ten countries in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) goes further to prove that all efforts and activities being currently undertaken by the country under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) are setting a tone of vast improvements.
Some of the major highlights of the Ministry in the year 2019 are outlined below:-
Environment:
· Air pollution is one of the biggest global environmental challenges of today. A time bound nationalcrackIAS.com level strategy for pan India implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner in the form of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched on 10th January, 2019.
· Third Indo-German Environment Forum with the theme "Cleaner Air, Greener Economy:" held in New Delhi in February. The one-day event through panel discussions and parallel sessions focused on challenges, solutions and necessary framework conditions of air pollution control, waste management and circular economy as well as implementation of NDCs and SDGs based on Paris Agreement and Agenda 2030 of UN respectively.
· In a significant first, India piloted resolutions on two important global environment issues Page 36 relating to Single-use Plastics and Sustainable Nitrogen management at the fourth session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) which was held in Nairobi from 11th to 15th March 2019.UNEA adopted both the resolutions with consensus.
· India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) Launched in March this year. India is one of the first countries in the world to develop a comprehensive Cooling Action plan which has a long term vision to address the cooling requirement across sectors and lists out actions which can help reduce the cooling demand. Cooling requirement is cross sectoral and an essential part for economic growth and is required across different sectors of the economy such as residential and commercial buildings, cold-chain, refrigeration, transport and industries.
· In order to strengthen the implementation of environmentally sound management of hazardous waste in the country, the Ministry amended the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management & Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 vide notification G.S.R. G.S.R. XX (E), dated 01 March 2019. The amendment has been done keeping into consideration the “Ease of Doing Business” and boosting “Make in India” initiative by simplifying the procedures under the Rules, while at the same time upholding the principles of sustainable development and ensuring minimal impact on the environment.
· On World environment Day, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar launched a people’s campaign #SelfiewithSapling urging all to join and plant a sapling and post the selfie with the sapling on social media. Shri Javadekar stressed that ‘Jan Bhagidari’ is integral towards tackling the environmental issues and environment protection has to be a people’s movement.
India Hosts COP14, Will Restore 26 Million Hectares of Degraded Land by 2030 India hosted the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)crackIAS.com from 2-13 September 2019 at Greater Noida. During the Conference, the Prime Minister announced Page 37 “India would raise its ambition of the total area that would be restored from its land degradation status, from twenty-one million hectares to twenty-six million hectares between now and 2030”.
The country has leapfrogged from Bharat Standard IV to Bharat Standard VI for vehicle emission norms and from 1st April 2020, vehicles will be BS VI compliant. There is also a strong push for use of e-vehicles by introducing multiple policy interventions and incentives.
Forest & Wildlife:
· A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in February between MoEF&CC and University of British Columbia (UBC), Canada for next 10 years in New Delhi. Both the institutions shall explore opportunities for future collaborations in the field of forestry science throughcrackIAS.com their respective organizations namely Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, Wildlife Institute of India, Forest Survey of India, Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy and Directorate of Forest Education, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India and University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
· A dedicated“Asiatic Lion Conservation Project” with a budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 Cr from Central Government was launched in February . The Asiatic Lion endemic to Gir landscape of Gujarat, is one of the 21 critically endangered species identified by the Ministry for taking up recovery programmes. Page 38 · ‘Not all animals migrate by choice’ campaign launched to raise awareness on illegal wildlife trade.
Tigers count in India rise to 2967, in 2018 On the occasion of International Tiger Day, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released the results of the fourth cycle of All India Tiger Estimation - 2018 in New Delhi on July 29th, 2019. The count of tigers in India has risen to 2967, in 2018, according to this census.
Total Forest and Tree Cover risescrackIAS.com to 24.56 percent of the total geograph ical area of the Country. Towards, the end of Page 39 2019,Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar released the biennial “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)”, in New Delhi. Announcing the results the Union Minister said that India is among few countries in the world where forest cover is consistently increasing. In the present assessment, the total forest and tree cover of the country is 80.73 million hectare which is 24.56 percent of the geographical area of the country. As compared to the assessmentcrackIAS.com of 2017, there is an increase of 5,188 sq. km in the total forest and tree cover of the
Page 40
· In a major boost towards promoting afforestation and achieving green objectives of the country, the Ministry handed over Rs.47,436 crores of Compensatory Afforestation Fund anagement and Planning Authority, CAMPA funds to various states in August. Important activities on which the fund will be utilised will be for the Compensatory Afforestation, Catchment Area Treatment, Wildlife Management, Assisted Natural Regeneration, Forest Fire Prevention and Control Operations, Soil and Moisture Conservation Works in the forest, Improvement of Wildlife Habitat, Management of Biological Diversity and Biological Resources, Research in Forestry and MonitoringcrackIAS.com of CAMPA works etc. · With efforts towards protecting and conserving Snow Leopards, the First National Protocol on Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India was launched on the occasion of International Snow Leopard Day in October.
· Draft amendment to the Indian Forests Act withdrawn to remove any misgivings, thereby enriching the livelihood of tribals and forest dwellers.
Climate Change: Page 41 · A publication released in February on climate actions in India titled “India – Spearheading Climate Solutions”. This publication “India – Spearheading Climate Solutions” mentions the key actions India has taken under various sectors towards combating and adapting to climate change.
· India CEO Forum on Climate Change was organized, as the pioneering initiative of the government, inviting industry representatives, exchanged views on climate change issues and discussed opportunities to collaborate in regard to fulfilling India’s national as well as international climate change commitments.
India to increase share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022 and further take it to 450 GW World leaders gathered in New York in September for the United Nations Secretary General (UNSG) Climate Action Summit. Bringing attention towards India’s efforts in always following a climate sensitive sustainable development pathway by mainstreaming climate change concerns in development policies, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced thatIndia is going to increase the share of non-fossil fuels to 175 GW by 2022, and will further take it to 450 GW. The Global Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure was also launched.
New leadership group announced in September at Climate Action Summit to drive industry transition to low-carbon economy.
IndiacrackIAS.com at COP 25, Calls upon more countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) The 25th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held under the Presidency of Chile in Madrid, Spain on 02nd – 15th December 2019.Some of the Key issues discussed at COP25 werePre- 2020 implementation and ambition gaps, Article 6 under the Paris Agreement, Enhanced Transparency Framework (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification), Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage associated with Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation related matters where in India has been stressing on parity between mitigation and adaptation and Technology development and transfer.At COP25, India also called upon more countries to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to reduce dependence on fossil fuels to Page 42 meet the growing energy requirement, even as it acknowledged the phenomenal progress made by the Alliance and the growing solar energy capabilities the world over.
Other Key initiatives / activities undertaken by the Ministry
· In order to boost the investment in wind power projects and help in providing wind power at cheaper rate, a conscious decision to relax the condition of charging the lease rent of Rs. 30,000/- per MW for wind power projects was made in August.
· Brazil, South Africa, India and China, BASIC countries held its 28th Ministerial meeting on Climate Change from 14th to 16th August in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where in India participated.
· Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa,BRICS Nations come together for Urban Environmental Management in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August, where it was agreed upon to work together to resolve the multifaceted environmental issues faced by BRICS cities.
· India hosted the Second Lead Author Meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III Sixth Assessment Report at New Delhi, beginning 30th September to 4th October 2019.
· The proposal was approved for setting-up of a New Regional Centre of the GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development at Ladakh.
· In a first, a four-day long Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, MoEF&CC & Centre for Media Studies (CMS) VATAVARAN-2019 Short Film Competition and Festival on Environment was held. Range of discussions, seminars, workshops, interactions were organized to churn innovative ideas, paving a path for new talents and creative minds in the stream of film making with a sense of responsibility towards the Environment.
· A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of India represented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Government of Switzerland represented by the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs on Technical Cooperation in the field of Climate Change and Environment was signed on 13.09.2019. The MoU will remain in effect for a five-year period, and may be renewed for similar periods, as agreed upon by the Parties. The MoU identifies several areas of cooperation including capacity building on Climate Change and sustainable water management; sustainable forest management; sustainable development of mountainous regions; environmentally sustainable and resilient urban development; air, land and water pollution; clean and renewable energy and climate change risk management. · To crackIAS.comstrive to make our beaches clean and create awareness amongst citizens about the importance of coastal ecosystems, the Ministry undertook a mass cleanliness-cum-awareness drive in 50 identified beaches under the “Swachh – Nirmal Tat Abhiyaan”, from 11th - 17thNovember, 2019. The identified beaches were in 10 coastal States/Union Territories (UTs) namely Gujarat, Daman & Diu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. The beaches were identified after the consultation with the States/UTs.
· Promoting the use of environmentally friendly products, the Ministry in November gave Environment Clearance to Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to set up new 2G Ethanol plant at Panipat. It is also pertinent to highlight that it was declared that no separate environmental Page 43 clearance was required to produce additional ethanol from B-heavy molasses as it does not contribute to the pollution load, giving further benefits to farmers and the sugar industry.
· In another first, Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implementing the National Green Corps ‘Ecoclub’ programme of MoEF&CC, organized by the Ministry’s Environment Education Division, in collaboration with the GEER Foundation, Gujarat was held from 20th to 21st December 2019 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
***
GK/LV
(Release ID: 1598040) Visitor Counter : 648
Read this release in: Urdu
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 44 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW 2019- MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Year End Review 2019- Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
Posted On: 30 DEC 2019 5:09PM by PIB Delhi
Following are the initiatives of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions during the year 2019:
‘Good Governance Index’ launched on ‘Good Governance Day’
MoS (PP) Dr Jitendra Singh launched the ‘Good Governance Index’ at an event organized by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, on the occasion of Good Governance Day i.e. 25th December, 2019. The Good Governance Index is a uniform tool across States to assess the Status of Governance and impact of various interventions taken up by the State Government and UTs. The objectives of GGI are to provide quantifiable data to compare the state of governance in all states and UTs, enable states and UTs to formulate and implement suitable strategies for improving governance and shift to result oriented approaches and administration. Various principles have been kept in mind while selecting the indicators, i.e. it should be easy to understand & calculate, citizen-centric & result driven, leading to improved results and applicable to all states and UTs, among others. Various consultation meetings were held with the stakeholders, including consultations with sector experts, ministries, states & UTs. The GGI takes into consideration ten sectors: 1). Agriculture and Allied Sectors, 2). Commerce & Industries, 3). Human Resource Development, 4). Public Health, 5). Public Infrastructure & Utilities, 6). Economic Governance, 7). Social Welfare & Development, 8). Judicial & Public Security, 9). Environment and 10). Citizen-Centric Governance.crackIAS.com On the occasion, the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare has also brought out a Handbook for Retiring Central Government Employee, including All India Service Officers, to make them, as well as their families, aware of their entitlements and various procedural formalities with respect to their retirement benefits.
The Minister also launched the 15th edition of Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedure (CSMOP). Page 45 Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)’s initiatives for UTs of J&K and Ladakh:
● A two-day Regional Conference (November 15-16, 2019) on ‘Replication of Good Governance Practices in UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, was organised in Jammu. The Conference was inaugurated by the Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in the presence of the Lt. Gov. of J&K, Shri G.C. Murmu, Secretary DoPT & DARPG, Dr C. Chandramouli, and J&K Chief Secretary, Shri BVR Subrahmanyam. The valedictory session was chaired by Shri K. K. Sharma Advisor to the LT. Governor of J&K. After intensive deliberations, ‘Sushasan Sankalp: Jammu Ghoshana’ resolution was adopted. The Conference resolved that Government of India and the participating State Governments and the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh shall collaborate to Develop the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as models of administrative excellence using digital technologies in implementation of welfare Union Territory programs. The Regional Conference was attended by Delegates from 19 States and 4 Union Territories. In addition, 450 officials from Government of Jammu and Kashmir participated in the Regional Conference. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1591817
● A 2-day regional conference in Jammu under the theme ‘Ek Barat Shresht Bharat’ with focus on ‘Jal Shakti and Disaster Management’ was organized on 30th Nov- 1st December 2019. The Regional Conference brought together officials from the sister State of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in technical sessions on Jal Shakti and Disaster Management Practices. The technical sessions included Rejuvenation of Rivers – Cauvery and Jhelum, Reducing Water Consumption in Agriculture, Urban Flooding, Experience Sharing by District Collectors and Line Departments and also talks by specialists in Water Management practices. The Regional Conference was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh in the presence of Lt. Governor of J&K Shri G. C. Murmu on November 30, 2019. The conference was attended by 350 delegates from Jammu and Kashmir. crackIAS.com ● Three delegations from DARPG visited Srinagar in September – October 2019 to firm up the collaboration, the first delegation led by Shri V. Srinivas, Additional Secretary, DARPG had visited J&K on 4-5th September, 2019. This was followed by 2 delegations led by Joint Secretary DARPG Shri V. Shashank Shekhar. The Additional Secretary DARPG held discussions with the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and Principal Secretaries/ Secretaries of the line Departments in outlining the collaboration roadmap. Page 46
22nd National Conference on e-Governance and adoption of ‘Shillong Declaration’
DARPG, in association with Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India and the State Government of Meghalaya organized the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance (NCeG) 2019 on 8-9thAugust, 2019 at Shillong, Meghalaya. The theme of this Conference was “Digital India: Success to Excellence”. At the valedictory session, the historic ‘Shillong Declaration’ outlining the roadmap on e-Governance of the Nation was adopted after intensive deliberations during the sessions held over two days.
DARPG in association with the Administrative Reforms Commission of the Government of Kerala organized the National Seminar on e-Governance at Thiruvananthapuram on August 27-28, 2019. The theme of the National Seminar was digital empowerment of the citizens.
‘Nagpur Resolution- A Holistic approach for empowering citizens’
The ‘Nagpur Resolution- A Holistic approach for empowering citizens’ was adopted during the Valedictory session of the two-day Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur on 22nd December, 2019. The Conference resolved that Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services and the participating State Governments shall collaborate to empower the citizens by policy interventions for better service delivery through timely updation of citizens charters, implementation of enactments and benchmarking standards for continuous improvement, among others.
Chairperson and members of Lokpal administered oath of office:
The Chairperson, Lokpal, Sh. Justice P. C. Ghose and its eight members were administered the Oath of Office. The logo, motto and website of the Lokpal were also launched during the year. crackIAS.com Four Information Commissioners administered the oath of office of the Information Commissioner
Four Information Commissioners namely Shri Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha, Smt. Vanaja N Sarna, Shri Neeraj Kumar Gupta and Shri Suresh Chandra were administered the oath of office of the Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission(CIC) by the Chief Information Commissioner, Shri Sudhir Bhargava, on 1st January, 2019. With their induction, the total number of Information Page 47 Commissioners in the Central Information Commission including Chief Information Commissioner has gone upto 7.
Passing of RTI Amendment Bill, 2019
After being passed in Lok Sabha, the RTI Amendment Bill, 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 25th July, 2019. The Lok Sabha had passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on 22nd July. In this amendment, it is proposed to amend the Right to Information Act, 2005 so as to provide that the term of office of, and the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of, the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners and the State Chief Information Commissioner and the State Information Commissioners, shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
CPGRAMS reforms and National workshop on CPGRAMS
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) organised the National Workshop on Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) Reforms on 5th November 2019. The CPGRAMS reforms for Departments of Financial Services and Telecommunications (DoT) and the ‘Online Hackathon on Data-Driven Innovation for Citizen Grievance Redressal’ was launched during the event. The CPGRAMS reforms for Department of Posts were launched on 25th September 2019 as part of the 100 days’ agenda of DARPG. The new version of CPGRAMS 7.0 will lead to reduction in grievance disposal time and improved quality of grievance redressal.
National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)’s training programmes:
The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), India’s leading civil services training institution, has entered into an MoU with the Maldives Civil Services Commission for capacity building of 1000 Maldives civil servants over the next 5 years. The agreement was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Male on 8th June 2019.
The 2-week long Special Training program was conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) at Mussoorie and Delhi in pursuance of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India-Bangladesh and India-Maldives which were signed for training 1800 civil servants of Bangladesh and 1000 civil servants of MaldivescrackIAS.com over a period of 5 years. In all, 33 officials from Maldives and 31 officials from Bangladesh participated in the Training Program.
The Valedictory Session held on 27th September in New Delhi was addressed by Dr Jitendra Singh Minister of State for Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions. The program was conducted under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation program (ITEC) from 16th September at Mussoorie and Delhi. Under the MoU, 10 training programmes will be conducted from September 2019 to December 2020. The first 3 training programs under the MoU would be held in 2019 (a) September 16-28, 2019 and November 18-30, 2019 for 60 officers of the middle management level (b) Page 48 December 2-14, 2019 for 30 officers of top management at the Permanent Secretary level.
Capacity building program for the Permanent Secretaries and Secretary Generals of the Republic of Maldives held
The Capacity Building Program was conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance from December 6 to December 13, 2019. The program was attended by 15 Permanent Secretaries and Secretary Generals of the Republic of Maldives. This is the first capacity building program for Top Management Officials of the Republic of Maldives conducted by the National Centre for Good Governance in India. Under Memorandum of Understanding between India and the Republic of Maldives, 1000 civil servants of Maldives are to be trained at the National Centre for Good Governance. Till date, 3 capacity building programs for 100 Officials have been successfully conducted.
MoU signed between UPSC and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia
On 3rd July, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the Civil Service Council of Mongolia in New Delhi, to take forward the cooperation between the Commissions of the two countries. The Chairman, Union Public Service Commission, Shri Arvind Saxena and Chairman, Civil Service Council of Mongolia, Mr. B. Baatarzorig signed the MoU in the presence of officers from Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
14th Annual convention of the Central Information Commission held on 12th October
The Union Minister of Home Affairs Shri Amit Shah presided over the 14th Annual convention of the Central Information Commission as Chief Guest on 12th October, 2019. Shri Shah praised RTI as a great step to remove injustice and corruption from the system and increase the efficiency of governance. He said that RTI removes arbitrariness from governance and acts as a major grievance redressal tool. He said that the use of high technology methods like video conference and digitization of RTI files makes the lives of litigants easier.
CBI organises first National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and ForensicscrackIAS.com The first National Conference on Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics was organized by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 4th -5th September, 2019. Around 50 Officers including DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs, DIGPs and SPs dealing with cybercrime in State & UT Police, Central Agencies, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, other Ministries, experts from Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and academia participated in the Conference.
National e-Governance Awards, 2019 presented: Page 49 MoS Dr. Jitendra Singh, presented the National e-Governance Awards, 2019 at a function organised by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in New Delhi on 27th February. With a view to recognize and promote Excellence in implementation of e-Governance initiatives, the Government of India presents National Awards on e- Governance every year. The 14 Awards were given in 6 categories to recognize achievements in the area of e-Governance, with Gold and Silver Awards in each category. A Special Jury Award was also presented in Category-I for IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App.
Posting of Assistant Secretaries in Central Government Ministries/Departments:
On 2nd July, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi interacted with about 160 young IAS officers of the 2017 batch, who were appointed as Assistant Secretaries in the Government of India. The Valedictory session was held on 1st October, 2019. The Prime Minister encouraged the officers to be receptive towards new ideas, new concepts and perspectives. Interacting with officers, Prime Minister said that maintaining service orientation is paramount for a civil servant as it will bring out neutrality.
Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Center for pensioners:
An Integrated Grievance Cell & Call Center was inaugurated on 20th June, 2019 for pensioners with the objective of providing easy access to pensioners in registering their grievances and getting speedy resolution. This centre is also working as team which coordinates with different Ministries/Departments to resolve the problems of the elderly pensioners.
All India Pension Adalat
All India Pension Adalat was organized on 23.08.2019 by DoPPW by roping in various Ministries and Departments all over the country. The MoS (PP) interacted with the nodal officers and the pensioners present at these Pension Adalats at remote locations from Delhi through live video conferencing. More than 50 centers were connected through live video conferencing with the event being organized in Delhi. Around 4,000 Pensioners’ cases were resolved in a single day. RulecrackIAS.com 54(3) of Family Pension Rules, 1964 amended Rule 54(3) of Family Pension Rules, 1964 amended vide extra-ordinary gazette notification dated 20.09.2019 with an objective to provide enhanced family pension to the dependant of deceased government employee who dies before completing 7 years of service. Earlier, for Families of Government servant dying in harness for reasons other than attributable to government duty, the admissible Family Pension was 30% of last pay drawn, if the official had not put in at least 7 years of service. For the Families of those Government servants who had put in at least 7 years or more of service, the admissible Family Pension was at an enhanced rate of 50% of the last Page 50 pay drawn. This distinction of the No. of years of service was removed with effect from 1st October 2019 and now enhanced Family Pension would also be admissible to the Families of all Government servant in the unfortunate event of their death even before their completing 7 years of service.
1. To provide ease of living for aged pensioners orders were issued on 18.7.2019 to allow them for submission of Life Certificate from October, 1st instead of November, 1st which will be valid till 30th November of subsequent year. 2. As part of this Department’s special emphasis to Jammu, a presentation on Bhavishya was given to J&K administration for adopting Good Governance practices after restructure in of the status. This was followed up with a workshop on Bhavishya at Jammu which was conducted for the personnel of the border Secretary Force Jammu on 25th September, 2019. *******
RCJ/NK
(Release ID: 1597992) Visitor Counter : 493
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 51 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW- 2019: MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Labour & Employment Year End Review- 2019: Ministry of Labour and Employment
More than 39 Lakhs Beneficiaries Enrolled In PM-SYM and more than 20,000 in NPS- Traders
1,52,778 establishments covering 1,21,65,587 Employees Benefitted under PMRPY
Posted On: 30 DEC 2019 3:14PM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a number of initiatives for bringing transparency and accountability through reforms and enforcement of Labour Laws, with the objective of strengthening the safety, security, health, social security for every worker and bringing ease of compliance for running an establishment to catalyze creation of employment opportunities. These initiatives include governance reforms through use of e-governance measures and legislative reforms by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the existing labour laws into 4 labour codes. Two mega pension schemes were launched during the year for old age protection and social security of unorganized workers.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: LABOUR LAW REFORMS
Labour Codes: As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, Ministry has taken steps for codification of existing Central labour laws into 4 Codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant provisions of the Central Labour laws. At present, the Ministry has been working on to simplify, amalgamate & rationalize the provisions of the existing Central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes.
(I) Labour Code on Wages: The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumes 4 existing Laws, viz. the MinimumcrackIAS.com Wages Act, 1948; the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. It has been passed by both Houses of the Parliament and assented to by the President on 08.08.2019.
(II) Labour Code on Industrial Relations: The draft Labour Code on Industrial Relations subsumes the existing Laws viz. The Trade Union Act, 1926; The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The Code has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28.11.2019.
(III) Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare: The draft Code on Social Security subsumes 09 Labour Acts like: The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, Page 52 The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 etc.
The Code has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019.
(IV) Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions: The Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 subsumes the 13 Labour Acts like: The Factories Act, 1948, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951, The Mines Act, 1952, The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 etc.
The Occupational Safety Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23.07.2019. Presently, the Code has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Shram Suvidha Portal:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.
Allotment of unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units after registration to facilitate online inspection & compliance was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) has been allotted to 27,81,065 units as on 08.11.2019.
Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme in Central Sphere was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme, 5,24,189 inspection reports across the four Central Labour Enforcement Agencies have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.
ONLINE RETURN – Unified Online Annual Returns have been made mandatory in respect of eight (8) Central Labour Acts, namely, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and the Building and Other Construction Workers(Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (BOCW) Act, 1996. These Returns which were half yearly/annually earlier, now need to be filed by all employers annually only and are to be filed online. 1,08,711 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal as on 08.11.2019crackIAS.com Since launch of the Online Annual Return. 31,047 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal till November 08, 2019 under Mines Act, 1952 (Coal Mines Regulations, Metallurgical Mines Regulations and Oil Mines Regulations).
Unified monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational.
COMMON REGISTRATION: Common Registration form for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational. 1,27,544 units have been registered with EPFO & 1,07,681 units have been registered with ESIC as on November 08, 2019. Page 53 Common Registration under three Central Acts namely the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is being provided online on Shram Suvidha Portal. 6052 registrations have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
Licenses under two Central Acts, namely, the, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 have been made online. 20,316 licenses have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
State Integration
Integration of States with Shram Suvidha Portal is under way. As on date, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi are being integrated with the Portal. Data is being shared and LIN is being allotted to the establishments covered by the state labour enforcement agencies.
Start Up India
Facility for exemption from Labour Inspections under six (6) Central Labour Acts is being provided to the Start-ups which submit self certified declarations through Shram Suvidha Portal.
State/UT Governments have been advised to regulate the inspections for the Start-Ups, wherever applicable and extend the self-certification compliance regime from 3 years to 5 years. 27 States/UTs have taken action on the advisory dated 12.01.2016 /06.04.2017 issued by this Ministry for self-certification and to regulate inspection under the four (4) labour laws viz. the Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979,the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for the start-ups wherever applicable.
Social Security Schemes
Government of India has launched two pension schemes for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers in 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, was launched in February, 2019 for the benefit of unorganized workers. It is central sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income is Rs.15000/- or below and who has an Aadhar number as well as savings bank / jan-dhan account. The minimum age for joining the scheme is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years.crackIAS.com Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- will be provided to the beneficiaries from the age of 60 years onwards. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. Under the scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution amount and the Central Government provides equal contribution. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund Manager and shall be responsible for pension pay-out. Total number of 39,00,525 beneficiaries under PM-SYM have been enrolled as on 10.12.2019.
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons has Page 54 been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and who are not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS/PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers, after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. Total number of 20,000 beneficiaries under NPS-Traders have been enrolled as on 10.122019.
Pension Week was also celebrated in all the States/UTs w.e.f. 30th November to 06th December, 2019 in coordination with Common Service Centres, to increase the enrolments under both the Schemes, i.e. PM-SYM and NPS-Traders. A Central level function was inaugurated on 30.11.2019 by Minister for Labour and Employment launching the Pension Week/Pension Saptah. All the State Governments/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the scheme. The progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.
Major Steps Taken In EPFO
Three new apps to improve service delivery of subscribers were launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment on EPFO Foundation Day. The details of three important digital initiatives of EPFO are as under:
1. Online Facility for UAN generation by worker: Now any workers can obtain Universal Account Number (UAN) directly on EPFO website which enrolls them for PF, Pension and Life Insurance benefits and a worker need not depend on his employer alone for UAN. This is in the direction of ease of living and ensuring universal social security.
2. EPS Pensioner’s PPO in DigiLocker website/Application (APP) EPFO integrates with DigiLocker of NeGD to create depository of electronic PPOs which is accessible to individual pensioners. This is a move towards paperless system and ease of living for pensioners.
3. e-Inspections: Digital interface of EPFO with employers: The E-Inspection Form would be available in user login of employers not filing ECR which enables employer to inform either closure of business or unpaid dues with proposal for payment. It will nudge employers for compliant behavior and prevent undue harassment of non-willful defaulterscrackIAS.com and eliminate inspector raj. Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s Account for the year 2018-19:
In 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.
New Initiatives taken in Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held on 21 August 2019: Page 55 1. Amendment in Employees’ pension Scheme 1995:
In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long pending demand of the pensioner
2. Launch of Revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 Version:
The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances.
Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) manufacturers through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI MF) till then and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing ETF manufacturers.
Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between Nifty 50 and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%.
Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from employer’s and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in redemption of ETFs, etc.
Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for Proposal (RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio Managers.
Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL bonds recommended by FIAC.
Major Steps Taken In ESIC
Rate reduction in ESI Contribution- The ESI Corporation has reduced rates of ESI Contribution being paid by employees and employers covered under ESI Scheme from 6.5 %crackIAS.com (Employees’ share 1.75% & Employers’ share 4.75%) to 4% (Employees’ share 0.75% & Employers’ share 3.25%) with effect from 01.07.2019. This reduction of contribution rates, will ensures financial relief to employers and employees. However, the healthcare benefits under the ESI scheme will remain the same. The decision will benefit 36 million workers and 1.28 million employers.
Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries - ESIC has introduced a Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries in Phased manner. This Health Passbook serves as a user-friendly mechanism for beneficiary identification, recording of clinical finding and consultation advice by the Insurance Medical Practitioner(s). Salient feature of Health Passbook is as under: - Page 56
● Separate Passbook with Unique Health ID, QR code and photograph of Insured Persons and his/her family members. ● Serves for beneficiaries identification & recording of clinical findings and consultation advice by ESI Doctors/IMPs. ● Passbook would be issued by the ESIC Branch Offices in a phased manner. Insured Persons of ESIC from newly implemented area to get treatment under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): ESIC has decided to provide cashless medical care services to entitled Insured Persons and Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat package rates in newly implemented area of 102 designated Districts through PMJAY empanelled hospitals up to a maximum limit of Rs.5.00 lakh, beyond which individual case will be channelled to ESIC for seeking approval for further expenditure on ESI beneficiaries. Similarly, PMJAY beneficiaries may get in-house medical treatment services as per Ayushman Bharat approved packages from underutilized ESI Hospitals.
ESIC – Chinta Se Mukti app launched - The Corporation has also launched the ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti” app available on the UMANG platform to facilitate stakeholders to view contribution details, eligibility for benefits, claim status, etc. in their Mobile Handset.
Extending medical benefits to Non-IPs – The Corporation has extended its medical services to Non-Insured Persons (General Public) in its under-utilized hospitals. Now, Non-IPs can avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospital, at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Bareilly Varanasi, Sarojani Nagar (Lucknow) & Jajmau (Kanpur) on a nominal charge of Rs.10/- for OPD Consultation and at 25% of CGHS package rates for IPD.
Unified Website - In order to maintain the corporate identity of ESIC and to have a repository of common information, and also to have uniformity in design and content, a Unified Website www.esic.nic.in has been launched. All the Regional Offices/Sub- Regional Offices, ESIC Hospitals and ESIC Medical Institutions & Hospitals have been made part of this single unified website.
ESIC- contributing excellence in sports - ESIC had recruited 135 meritorious sports persons including Shri Pramod Bhagat, ace para-shuttler from all across India during the year 2016. Shri Pramod Bhagat, an ESIC employee at Regional Office, Bhubaneswar has received prestigious Arjuna Award for the current year on 29th Aug., 2019. Shri Pramod Bhagat has many tournaments to his credit including five international titles in six tournaments he participated. He won a gold medal in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel. Bhagat said he is now focusing to clinch a gold medal in the Olympics.
Strengthening of Medical Infrastructure– In order to provide in-house quality medical servicescrackIAS.com in the major ESIC Hospitals, of late, ESIC has procured state-of-the-art medical equipments viz. MRI, CT Scan etc. for ICU, Secondary & Super Speciality care.
National Career Service Project-(NCS) - The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related services like career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships etc. The services under NCS are available online and can be accessed directly, through Career Centres, Common Service Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc. The various stakeholders on the NCS platform include job- Page 57 seekers, industries, employers, employment exchanges (career centres), training providers, educational institutions and placement organizations.
The progress of NCS Portal is given below:
NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE st Sl. No. Parameters Number as on 31 October, 2019 Active Jobseekers 1. 1.01 crore Registered Active Employers 2. 25184 Registered 3. Total Vacancies Mobilized 58.50 lakh
With the increased focus of Government on Career Counselling, the Ministry proposes to create a network of Career Counsellors where the Career Centres will become the hub of Career Counselling in their area. Under the process, 5645 Active Career Counsellors from various States/UTs have got registered at NCS Portal.
The NCS Project also envisaged setting up of Model Career Centres (MCCs) to be established in collaboration with States and other institutions to deliver employment services. Approval for 146 MCCs has been accorded (including 07 MCCs on non-funding basis). These model centres can be replicated by the States from their own resources. The Government now, keeping in view of the importance of the employment as a thrust area in Government Schemes, and to provide employment related services to maximum job seekers and other stakeholders has decided to establish 100 more Model Career Centres (MCCs) thereby extending the geographical coverage of the scheme increasing number of Government funded MCCs to 200 during 14th Finance commission (2017-2020). Proposals were received from different States. On the recommendations of the Appraisal Committee, Government has approved 171 (including 07 on non-funding basis) Model Career Centres. Further 37 more model career centers have been recommend by the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee in the meeting held on November 20, 2019.
National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs): 21 National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs) are functioning in the country under the administrative control of Directorate General of Employment, M/O Labour & Employment. These Centres evaluate residual capacities of Persons with Disabilities, provide Vocational Training, and extend Vocational Rehabilitation assistances etc. to Persons with crackIAS.comDisabilities (PWDs). The Services of NCSC-DAs are open to Persons with Disabilities irrespective of the gender and education in the category of Locomotor, Visual & Hearing impaired, Mild Mental Retardation and Leprosy Cured.
6644 Candidates have been rehabilitated upto October 31, 2019 by NCSC-Das.
National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs; Directorate General of Employment is implementing the scheme for “Welfare of SC/ST job seekers through Coaching, Vocational Guidance and Training and Introduction of new courses in existing National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs and Establishment of new NCSCs in the States not covered so far” Under the scheme, National Career Service Page 58 Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs has been set up by Govt. of India, Ministry of Labour& Employment, DGE to enhance the employability of SC/ST job seekers through coaching/training. So far 25 National Career Service Centre Centres for SCs/STs have been set up.
67761 candidates have been provided guidance and counselling services, 5621 students were trained in typing and shorthand and 1050 candidates were trained in computer skills by NCSC-SC/STs upto October 31, 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) –Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer’s full contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) for a period of three years to the new employees through EPFO.
This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, a large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. A direct benefit is that these workers will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. All the beneficiaries under this scheme are Aadhaar Seeded.
● 152778 Establishments covering 12165587 Beneficiaries have benefitted till November 25, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
BRIEF OF WORKERS EDUCATION SCHEME
The Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (renaming of CBWE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India conducts the Workers Education Programmes of varied nature and duration in the country through its 50 Regional and 7 Sub-Regional Directorates spread Kashmir to Kannyakumari and Leh and laddakh for all categories without making any distinction on the basis of male and female in Organised, Unorganised and Rural Sectors. The DTNBWED training programmes aim at creating desired awareness among the workers in general and unorganized/ rural workers in particular about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes of the Central /State government etc.
The Board has organized 1625 training programme organized sector workers, 1120 programme conducted for unorganized and 150 for rural workers. crackIAS.com ******
RCJ/SKP/IA
(Release ID: 1597964) Visitor Counter : 789 Page 59
Read this release in: Tamil , Urdu
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 60 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (DONER) Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Development of North-East Region Year End Review: Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER)
Posted On: 30 DEC 2019 1:04PM by PIB Delhi
Major Achievements of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) during the calendar year 2019 are as follows:
1. NLCPR/NESIDS/Special Packages/SIDF/HADP
● In December 2017, Government of India approved North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) to meet the gaps in social & physical infrastructure in NER. ● Total 211 projects costing Rs. 3124.72 crore have been implemented under the scheme of NESIDS/NLCPR/Special packages/SIDF/HADP by the Ministry in North Eastern Region. ● In-principle approval has been accorded for First Bamboo Industrial park to be set up in North East Region. It will be established at Manderdisa in Dima Hasao District of Assam in an area of 75 hectares at a cost of Rs 50 crore. This project is targeted to be completed by March 2021. ● Nine (09) meetings of IMC/NESIDS Committee held during the current calendar year for consideration of projects proposals received from NE States under NLCPR/NESIDS/Special Packages/SIDF. 2. North Eastern Council:
th th th ● The 68 Plenary of the North Eastern Council was held on the 8 & 9 September, 2019 at Assam Administrative Staff College, Guwahati Assam. During the course of the Plenary, many important decisions were taken on board in consultation with 8 states of the North East. In the Plenary, the Home Minister and Chairman, NEC suggested allocating thirty percent of the NEC’s allocation for new projects under the existing “Schemes of North Eastern Council” for focused development of deprived areas; deprived/neglected sections of society and emerging priority sectors and relatedcrackIAS.com issues. ● Destination North East, the event promoting and popularizing the North Eastern Region, culture, heritage and business opportunities was organised at Varanasi between 23-26 November 2019. The four-day event showcased the 8 sister states of Northeast India. There was representation from all the states and also from Central Government agencies. The event was inaugurated by the Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region in the presence of senior officers of MDoNER and NEC. ● The MOS (I/C), M/DoNER visited Mizoram to propagate Eco-tourism with wildlife sanctuary/parks, good scenic beauty, waterfalls, forests, culture, heritage, handicraft Page 61 and business in the region. The visit also focused on significant aspect of the local community’s active participation towards increasing tourist-community cultural interfaces. th ● The Prime Minister on 6 March, 2019 at Gulbarga, Karnataka inaugurated the Girls’ Hostel for the students of the North Eastern Region at Bangalore University. ● Construction of a hostel for the North East Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi: The cost of the project is Rs. 28.675 crore, out of which the NEC released a total of Rs. 11.01 crore. The project has commenced on ground and the present progress is approximately 10%. The project is likely to be completed by December, 2020. ● Purchasing of land for “Construction of Hostel for the students of North East States” at Rohini, Delhi: A sum of Rs 2.50 crore for purchasing of land measuring 1990 Sqm for construction of a hostel for the NE students at Rohini, New Delhi was sanctioned. The land possession certificate from the DDA, Delhi has been received. ● Establishment of the NEC Convention Centre at Dwarka: The Government, through NEC, proposes to set up the NEC Convention Centre at Sector 13, Dwarka, New Delhi. The Centre would have an auditorium of 1000 seating capacity with banquet hall, exhibition space, museum, library, food court, office space, car parking space and provisions for eight guest rooms and three staff quarters. The DDA has allotted land measuring 5341.75 Sqm. ● Inauguration of Administrative Building of CBTC at Bernihaat, Assam was made by the Minister of State (IC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. ● North East Road Sector Development Scheme (NERSDS): Under NERSDS, NEC undertakes up gradation of important and strategic inter-state roads which were not properly maintained by either of the two States. During 2019-20, 10 new projects for an amount 882 crore have been sanctioned till now and projects worth Rs. 118 crore are under process for sanction. ● The Scheme of Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources NLCPR (Central) has been transferred to NEC for implementation during April, 2018. During the period 2019-20, an amount of Rs. 217.41 crore has been released under the said scheme for projection of MajuliIsland, Agartala-Akhaura rail line project etc. ● Allocation and Expenditure: Against Budget Estimates of Rs. 1476.00 crore in FY 2019-20, the actual expenditure of Rs. 867.32 crore has been made as on 13.12.2019 achieving 58.75% of BE. ● Project completion: During 2019-20, total 78 projects and Non-projects with an approved cost of Rs. 964.25 crore have been completed. th ● Release of Rs. 1 crore each to the 14 Aspirational Districts: During the 67 Plenary, it was decided to provide Rs. 1 crore to each Aspirational Districts located in the NER tocrackIAS.com enable them to make substantial progress on the various indicators. The NEC had released a total of Rs. 14 crore to the 14 Aspirational Districts of the NE states. ● Foundation stone was laid for the office Building of MDoNER CPSU NERMAC by MOS (I/C), MDoNER at Guwahati.
3. NORTH EASTERN STATE ROAD INVESTMENT PROGRAMME (NESRIP) (Renamed as NE Road Sector Development Scheme – EAP)
● 12 projects of upgradation of National Highways in 7 states of North East having total length Page 62 of 432.2 km with an estimated cost of Rs 2144.56 crores is under progress with the assistance of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and during this year all the projects have made a very good progress. ● During the Calendar Year 2019, MDoNER had supported 21 externally aided projects in the State of Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura in various Sectors [Environment, Water, Health, Tourism, Education, Power, Rural, Road, Medical, Agricultural.] with a total project cost of Rs. 20,000 crores from various Multilateral Development Banks (MDB).
4. North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP)
North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP) is a livelihood project funded by Government of India. The third phase of the Project implementation started in June, 2014 for a period of 6 years i.e. upto 31st March, 2020. The current phase i.e. Phase-III of the project covered Tirap (Undivided) and Changlang districts of Arunachal Pradesh; Churachandpur and Chandel districts of Manipur. The project current status as recorded below-
Particulars Target Achievement State to be covered 2 2 Districts to be covered 4 4 Village to be covered 1,177 1212 Household to be covered 58,850 58789 Natural Resource Management Group (NaRM-Gs) 1,570 1383 Self Help Group (SHG) 3,920 3494 NaRM-G Cluster Association 60 123 SHG Federation 175 134
During the FY 2019-20 [Till October, 2019] Funds to the tune of Rs. 96 crores had been disbursed/utilized for the Scheme
5. North East Rural Livelihood Project (NERLP)
NERLP, a World Bank aided project launched in 2012, was implemented by Ministry of DevelopmentcrackIAS.com of North Eastern Region (MDoNER), to improve rural livelihoods. The project covered 1,645 villages under 58 development blocks across 11 districts of 4 states of Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The Project has concluded on 30.09.2019 and is running on an extended time upto 31.12.2019 for completion of closure related activities, mainly audit of the scheme.
The major achievements of the project are as under:
i. 10462 boys and girls were trained in various job skills. (ii) 2,92,889 households were covered through formation of 28,154 Self Help Groups (SHGs) Page 63 and 1,212 Village Federations, as well as formation of 1599 Community Development Groups (CDG).
(iii) 97% of the members of SHGs formed by the project have Savings Bank Accounts with a cumulative savings to the tune of Rs.60.51 crores.
(iv) Project has released a Community Investment Fund (CIF) of Rs.319.15 crores to 28,154 SHGs.
(v) A total number of 5,535 SHGs have availed bank linkage with a total sanctioned bank loan amount of Rs.58.19 crores. The average loan amount per SHG from Bank is Rs.1.02 Lakh.
(b): State-wise details of people skilled are as under:
STATE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TRAINED Mizoram 1601 Nagaland 1438 Sikkim 3491 Tripura 3932 Total Trained 10462
6. NORTH EASTERN HANDICRAFTS AND HANDLOOMS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION LTD (NEHHDC)
● NEHHDC developed 30 innovative Handicrafts and Handlooms products in its Craft Promotional Centre (CPC) and at clusters in the North Eastern Region. ● NEHHDC launched one Online Shopping portal in June 2019 for marketing of North East Handloom and Handlooms Products. ● NEHHDC opened one Showroom at the Ekta Mall, Kevadia near the Statue of Unity, Gujrat and has showcased a wide range of Handicraft and Handloom products of North Eastern Region. ● NEHHDC introduced 35 Vendors for supplying Handicraft and Handlooms Products. ● NEHHDC conducted many training programmes for waivers/artisans in NER last year.
7. NorthcrackIAS.com Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation Ltd (NERAMAC) –The major activities of NERAMAC from 01/01/2019 to 15/12/2019 are given as under.
● Procurement and supply of products of the NE region like Ginger, Large cardamom, pineapple, pera, kiwi etc. · Agri-input supply business to the Govt. of Assam. (Black Gram, Green Gram, Vermicompost, Tissue Culture Orchid, Black Pepper rooted cutting, tissue culture banan seeding etc.)
· Retail sale of purchased /packaged products like Turmeric power, Pineapple Squash, Kiwi Squash , kiwi jam, Black Pepper Power, Large cardamom, Black rice etc Page 64 · NERAMAC organised/ participated in many events /exhibitions/seminars all over the country for branding North east agri-horticulture products.
· Application for GI tagging for the following 10 exotic produces of NER has been filed (Chak Hao, Black Cherry, Dekang, Sweet Cucumber, Long Cavendish Banana, Dalle Chilli, Outanga, Letuka, Jackfruit, Sohiong).
● Registered 75 nos of FPOs/FPCs under MOVCDNER and 16 Entrepreneurs of NER complying FSSAI with NERAMAC for catering market linkages. ● Conducted training/workshop/seminars/Post GI Activities etc for the farmers and entrepreneurs updating them on latest trends/techniques of marketing so that they can develop and market competitive products/produces. Approx 600 farmers have been benefitted out of the training/workshop/seminars. ● Promoted organically grown produces/products under umbrella brand ‘ONE’ Organic North East.
8. NORTH EASTERN DEVELOPMENT FINANCE CORPORATION LTD(NEDFi).
● During the period January 1, 2019 to December 16, 2019, the Corporation extended total sanctions & disbursements of Rs.315.72 crore and Rs.281.55 crore respectively. Various sectors financed were microfinance, healthcare, tourism & hospitality, handlooms & handicrafts, food processing etc. Till December 16, 2019, cumulative sanction & disbursement were Rs.5285 crore and Rs.4047 crore respectively. ● The Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region (M-DoNER) jointly with North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) & Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI),has set up the North East Venture Fund (NEVF), a dedicated Venture Fund for the North East Region ● NEDFi conducted 3 nos. of training programmes for 71 nos. representatives from various NGOs/ MFIs. ● Corporation conducted a total no. of 16 Business meets with participation of over 1000 nos. Participants from all eight States of NER for dissemination of information on its schemes and programmes.
● The Corporation facilitating disbursement of subsidies under the Transport Subsidy Scheme, Central Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme, Central Interest Subsidy Scheme, Freight Subsidy Scheme & Central Comprehensive Insurance Subsidy Scheme to industrial units of all the eight NER States. The details of disbursement under various schemes during thecrackIAS.com year are given below:
CENTRAL SUBSIDIES:- (Rs. in Cr.) Disbursement from 01.01.2019 to 16.12.2019 Scheme Amount Transport Subsidy 529.34 Central Capital Investment Subsidy 499.67 Page 65 Central Interest Subsidy 18.12 Central Comprehensive Insurance Subsidy 18.45 Freight Subsidy 90.63 Total 1156.21
● NEDFi under its CSR initiative facilitated Capacity Building through exposure visit and training to 691 nos. beneficiaries by conducting 25 nos. of programmes.
**********
RCJ/NK
(Release ID: 1597944) Visitor Counter : 582
Read this release in: Tamil , Urdu , Hindi
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 66 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 TRANSPORT MINISTRY NOTIFIES DIVYANG FRIENDLY FEATURES IN BUSES Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Persons with Disability including Mentally Ill People - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways Transport Ministry notifies Divyang Friendly Features in Buses
Posted On: 30 DEC 2019 11:31AM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has notified GSR 959 (E) dated 27th December, 2019 for amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules for providing divyang friendly features in buses. The amendment provides for priority seats, signs, securing of crutches/canes/walkers, hand rail/stanchions, controls at priority seats and wheel chair entry/housing/locking arrangement for wheel chair for the divyangjan. Such facilities for differently abled passengers or passengers with reduced mobility will be checked and ensured at the time of Fitness Inspection for Buses.
The amendment shall come into force on 1st March, 2020.
The draft rules to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 were published vide notification number G.S.R 523(E), dated the 24th day of July, 2019, inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby. The notification has been issued after duly considering the objections and suggestions received from public in respect of the said draft rules.
***
RCJ/MS
(Release ID: 1597934) Visitor Counter : 437
Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Tamil
crackIAS.comEND Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 67 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-01 YEAR END REVIEW – 2019 MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Defence Year End Review – 2019 Ministry of Defence
Posted On: 27 DEC 2019 6:14PM by PIB Delhi
2019 was a year full of remarkable events for Ministry of Defence.In a landmark decision with tremendous reform in higher defence management in the country, the Government has approved to create the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. The CDS will also head the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary. This follows the announcement made by the Prime Minister on August 15, 2019, in his address to the nation, inter alia, “India should not have a fragmented approach. Our entire military power will have to work in unison and move forward…All the three (Services) should move simultaneously at the same pace. There should be good coordination and it should be relevant to the hope and aspirations of our people. It should be in line with the changing war and security environment with the world…after formation of this post (CDS), all the three forces will get effective leadership at the top level.”The decision will lead to improved coordination between the Armed Forces and make them more effective. The other major decisions and events related to Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces are as follows:
● Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the National War Memorial in a solemn ceremonial function on February 25 near India Gate. The memorial has been erected in the memory of those soldiers who have sacrificed their lives in the service of the nation after India became Independent in 1947. ● In an intelligence led operation in the early hours of February 26, India struck the biggest training camp of Jaish e Mohammad (JeM) in Balakot, Pakistan. In this operation, a very large number of JeM terrorists, trainers, senior commanders and groups of jihadis who were being trained for fidayeen action were eliminated. This facility at Balakot was headed by Maulana Yousuf Azhar, the brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, Chief of JeM. This was in response to February 14, 2019 suicide terror attack, conducted by a Pakistan based terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad that led to the martyrdom of 40 brave jawans of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). ● It was a red-letter day in the history of Indian Air Force when Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh participated in the Rafale fighter aircraft handing over ceremony at crackIAS.comMerignac in France in October. The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft will make India stronger and give a boost to its air dominance to ensure peace and security in the region. Raksha Mantri also flew a sortie in the fighter aircraft. ● Shri Rajnath Singh became the first Raksha Mantri to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru, on September 2019. ● Raksha Mantri handed over Medium Range Surface-to-Air-Missileto Indian Air Force at the Bharat Dynamics Limited premises in Hyderabad on August 3 on the occasion of Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Defence PSU. Page 68
● Shri Rajnath Singh, on June 18, announced the restoration of the ‘ration in kind’ for the officers of the threeArmed Forces posted in peace areas. ● Raksha Mantri gave in principle approval to four-times enhancement of monetary assistance to Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualty from Rs two lakh to Rs eight lakh. Extension of retention of government accommodation by Battle Casualties for a period of one year instead of three months was also approved. ● Ushering in vast improvement in the connectivity of roads and bridges in border areas, Raksha Mantri inaugurated one kilometre long Ujh bridge in Kathua district, 617.40 Metre long Basantar bridge in Samba district of Jammu & Kashmir on July 20. ● Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated strategically important Col ChewangRinchen bridge connecting Durbuk and Daulat Beg Oldie in Eastern Ladakh on October 21. ● Raksha Mantri, on November 15, inaugurated strategically important Sisseri River Bridge, which connects Lower Dibang Valley with East Siang in Arunachal Pradesh. ● Government decided to honour the contribution of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by naming the Strategic Tunnel under Rohtang Pass after him on December 25, 2019, which happens to be his birthday. The historic decision to construct a strategic tunnel below the Rohtang Pass was taken on June 03, 2000 when late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the Prime Minister. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) worked relentlessly to overcome major geological, terrain and weather challenges that included the most difficult stretch of the 587-metre Seri Nalah Fault Zone. ● Shri Rajnath Singh spent a ‘Day-at-Sea’ onboard INS Vikramaditya on September 9 off the Goa coast. During his stay on the biggest ship of Indian Navy, Raksha Mantri witnessed a wide range of naval operations, including weapon firing by the fighter aircraft and night flying operations by helicopter from the deck of the Aircraft Carrier. ● On 20 February, the then Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the 12th biennial edition of International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition at Bengaluru which witnessed participation of more than 600 Indian Companies and 200 foreign companies. A total of 61 aircraft participated in the event. ● Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh flagged off special plogging awareness drive rally in Delhi Cantt on December 7, as part of Swachhta Pakhwada to create awareness against single use plastic in the country. He himself took part in the event by picking waste material from the area.More than 3,000 people, including schoolchildren participated in the plogging and collected sizeable single use plastic waste.
crackIAS.com BILATERAL DEFENCE COOPERATION
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh visited various countries, including United States, France, Russia, Ukraine, Japan and South Korea in a bid to strengthen bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation. Various issues, including counter-terrorism operations, Indo-Pacific and South China Sea were discussed during these visits.
● Shri Rajnath Singh and Dr S Jaishankar took part in the India-US 2+2 dialogue between the Defence & External Affairs Ministers of India and their US counterparts in Washington on December 18. Both sides committed to further deepen military-to- Page 69 military cooperation, including between the Indian Navy and the US Navy Fleets under US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command, and Africa Command and intend to expand similar cooperation between their respective Armies and Air Forces. ● India-Japan 2+2 dialogue was held in New Delhi on November 30. Shri Rajnath Singh and Dr S Jaishankar participated in the meeting with their Japanese counterparts. They affirmed that the dialogue will further enhance the strategic depth of bilateral security and defence cooperation. ● Raksha Mantri, during his visit to Japan, held the annual Defence Ministerial Meeting with his Japanese counterpart on September 2 in Tokyo. Both ministers discussed ways to further strengthen the existing bilateral co-operative arrangements and adopt new initiatives towards achieving peace and security in the region. th ● Shri Rajnath Singh visited Thailand’s capital Bangkok to attend the 6 ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) on November 17. He also held various bilateral meetings with the leaders of US, Thailand, Japan, Australia & New Zealand and discussed ways to further improving the ties. ● During his visit to Republic of Korea, Shri Rajnath Singh held talks with Minister of National Defence of Republic of Korea in Seoul on September 6. He also addressed CEOs of Korean and Indian Defence Industries. India and Republic of Korea formulated a roadmap to take bilateral Defence Industry co-operation forward to the next level. th ● Raksha Mantri and his Singaporean counterpart co-chaired the 4 Singapore-India Defence Ministers' Dialogue in Singapore on November 20. Both Ministers expressed satisfaction at the deepening defence ties between India & Singapore and reaffirmed their commitment to support further initiatives that would promote stability to the region. The inaugural edition of the Singapore-India-Thailand Maritime Exercise (SITMEX) in the Andaman Sea was conducted in September. th ● Shri Rajnath Singh participated in the 18 meeting of Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation at Tashkent in Uzbekistan on November 2. He held talks with the Uzbek Defence Minister and signed three MoUs to enhance cooperation in Military Medicine & Military Education. He also attended the ‘Curtain Raiser’ of first-ever India-Uzbekistan Joint Exercise ‘Dustlik 2019’. th ● Shri Rajnath Singh co-chaired the 19 India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation in Moscow along with his Russian counterpart. ● Continuing with his high-level engagements in Mozambique, Raksha Mantri on July 30 held discussions with Minister of Interior, Mr Jaime Basilio Monteiro in Maputo. Raksha Mantri gifted 44 SUVs to the Minister of Interior. ● Mozambique’s Defence Minister visited India and held a meeting with Shri Rajnath crackIAS.comSingh on November 29. Both sidesreiterated their commitment to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. ● Maldives Defence Minister paid an official visit to India in January. The Minister held a meeting with the then Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, with both sides reiterating India’s commitment to contribute towards capacity building and training requirements of the Maldives National Defence Forces. ● In February, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman visited Germany and met her counterpart. The two Ministers comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral defence cooperation as an important facet of India-Germany Strategic Partnership. ● Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services (CDS) of the Republic of Union of Myanmar Page 70 Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (MAH) visited India in July-August and held extensive talks with Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. The talks were aimed at enhancing defence co-operation, review joint exercises and training provided to Myanmar Defence Services, strengthen maritime security by joint surveillance and capacity building, medical co-operation, pollution response and for developing new infrastructure. On conclusion of the talks, India and Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on defence co-operation. ● Raksha Mantri held talks with Chief of General Staff, Vietnam People's Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang and discussed ways to further bolster defence ties between the two countries in New Delhi on November 25. He also called on Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat.
● Assisted in maintenance of tranquility in Jammu and Kashmir after provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution were made inoperative. ● Reforms in the Army initiated including restructuring of Army HQ to result in better efficiency, more satisfaction and larger availability of young officers in the field. ● Successful summer user trials of third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile NAG at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges. The trials of DRDO developed Missile were conducted between July 7-18, 2019. NAG missile has been developed to engage highly fortified enemy tanks in all weather conditions with day and night capabilities and with a minimum range of 500 metres and maximum range of four kilometres. ● Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh approved a proposal for admission of girl children in Sainik schools w.e.f. academic session 2021-22 in a phased manner. th ● The 14 edition of bilateral annual military exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIV between Indian and Nepal Army was held in December at Nepal Army Battle School (NABS), Salijhandi, Rupendehi district of Nepal. The 13th edition of the joint military exercise was held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand in June last year. ● Ceremonial Border Personnel Meetings (BPMs) were organised at Natu La, Bum La and Kibithu on October 01 to celebrate the Chinese National Day. The BPM mechanism has evolved into an important interface where local issues get discussed and are resolved thereby fostering confidence amongst the Border Guarding Troops. This ensures prevalence of peace & tranquility along the LAC. crackIAS.com● An Indian Army sponsored Capacity Building Tour comprising of 22 students and three teachers of Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir returned to Batote after a ten- days tour which included visit to New Delhi and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun. Over the period of ten days in September, the budding youth of Kishtwar District were exposed to a unique experience which entailed visit to premier military institution such as Indian Military Academy, Dehradun, icons of historical legacy such as the Rashtrapati Bhawan, India Gate, & National War Memorial. ● The Indian Army in step with government policies on environmental protection launched an ecological initiative with employing E Cars for use of its officials in New Page 71 Delhi in partnership with Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), a joint Venture of Central PSUs under Ministry of Power. ● The Indian Army assisted the Maharashtra and Karnataka state authorities in carrying out relief and rescue operations in flood hit areas. In August, a total of 16 Columns and 12 Engineer Task Forces comprising of almost 1000 Army personnel have been employed in Belgaum, Bagalkot and Raichur dist of Karnataka and Raigad, Kohlapur and Sangli district of Maharashtra to carryout flood relief operations. ● A 12 member Indian Army patrol along with a police representative recovered wreckage of a World War II vintage US Air Force aircraft in Roing district of Arunachal Pradesh on March 30. Based on the information received from local trekkers of Lower Dibang district through the police, a special patrol of Army was sent to locate the wreckage in a remote location, 30 kms from Roing. ● Inaugural edition of the Africa-India Field Training Exercise-2019 (AFINDEX-19) was culminated on March 27, 2019 at Foreign Training Node, Aundh Military Station, Pune. The Indian contingent was represented by Maratha Light Infantry (Jangi Paltan). The validation exercise showcased various tactical drills which included protection of civilians, establishment of standing combat deployment, convoy protection, patrolling aspects and neutralisation of improvised explosive devices which were practiced as part of 10-day joint exercise. Participating African countries include, Benin, Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. ● Fourteen-day military exercise Mitra Shakti VI between Indian and Sri Lankan Army was held between March 26 to April 08 , 2019 at Diyatalawa Parade Ground in Diyatalawa, Badulla District, Sri Lanka. This was the sixth edition of the joint exercise between the two nations. The Indian Army contingent comprises of a company group from Bihar Regiment and a similar strength from the First Gemunu Watch Battalion of Sri Lankan Army. ● Shri Rajnath Singh gave away Raksha Mantri’s Awards for Excellence 2019 in Delhi Cantonment on December 26. The Defence Estates awards was introduced in 2013 to recognise the achievements in the field of health, education, cleanliness as well as new innovative and digitisation in Public Services and Land Management.
● Indian navy
Commissioning and Decommissioning
crackIAS.com● The sixth ship of the 08 x IN LCU (Mark IV) project, IN LCU L56 was commissioned at Vishakhapatnam on July 29. The seventh ship of the project, LCU L57, was delivered in December 19 and is likely to be commissioned in the near future. ● The second submarine of Scorpene Class (Project 75), INS Khanderi, and the Aircraft Carrier Dock, was commissioned by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on September 28. ● Naval Air Station Shibpur was commissioned as INS Kohassa on January 24. ● Towards establishment of aviation assets to ensure Coastal Security, INAS 313 was commissioned at Meenambakkam on July 22 and INAS 314 was commissioned at Porbandaron November 29. Page 72
● The first two aircraft of the 12 new Dornier Contract were formally inducted into the Indian Navy at HAL, Kanpur on January 28. Equipped and fitted with latest sensors, these aircraft will boost the surveillance effort towards security of maritime areas of the nation. ● Indian Naval ships Ranjit, Kozhikode, LCU L-38 and LCU L-39 were de-commissioned in 2019, with all ships having served the Nation for more than 30 years.
Launching/Construction of Ships/Submarines
● Yard 12706 (Imphal), the third ship of Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) was launched on April 20at M/s MDL, Mumbai. ● The first of Class of P17A Frigates, ‘Nilgiri’ was launched at MDL, Mumbai on September 28. ● The fourth submarine of Project 75 was launched on May 06 at MDL, Mumbai. The submarine was named INS Vela in accordance with the Naval traditions. ● Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12707, fourth ship of Project 15B (Visakhapatnam class) was held on November 07 at M/s Shoft Shipyard Pvt Ltd. (SSPL), Bharuch. ● Keel laying ceremony of Yard 12652 (Second ship of Project 17A at M/s MDL) was held on May 07 at M/s MDL, Mumbai. ● Keel laying ceremony of Yard 3025, first of the Survey Vessel Large was held November 08 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata. ● Production of Yard 3023 (Second ship of P-17A at GRSE) commenced with steel cutting on August 20at M/s GRSE, Kolkata.
Overseas Deployments (OSD)
● Indian Naval ship Tarkashparticipated in the Western Fleet OSD 01/19 from June 15 to October 15. During the OSD, the ship undertook port calls at 13 countries. The ship participated in Russian Navy Day celebrations, KONKAN-19 with UK and participated in the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Nigeria. ● IN ships Kolkata and Shaktiparticipated in the Eastern Fleet OSD 01/19 from April 03 to May 31. During the OSD, the ships visited Cam Rahn Bay (Vietnam), Qingdao (China), Busan (South Korea) and Singapore. The ships participated in IN-VPN crackIAS.comBilateral Exercise at Cam Rahn Bay (Vietnam), PLA (N) IFR at Qingdao (China), ADMM Plus Exercise off Busan (South Korea) and Singapore, International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX), Maritime Information Sharing Exercise (MARISX) and SIMBEX 19 at Singapore. ● IN ships Sahyadri and Kiltanparticipated in the Eastern Fleet OSD 02/19 from August 24 to November 21 to Bangkok (Thailand), Sihanoukville (Cambodia), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Sasebo and Yokosuka (Japan), Manila (Philippines) and Jakarta (Indonesia). During the OSD, the ships participated in Ex Samudra Lakshamana with Malaysia and Malabar -19 with USN and JMSDF. Page 73
● The Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and US Navy (USN) Trilateral exercise Malabar-19 was conducted off Yokosuka, Japan from September 26 to October 04. IN ships Sahyadri, Kiltan and Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I participated in the exercise. The JMSDF was represented by ships Kaga, Samidare, Chokai, Oumi and P1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft while the USN was represented by USS Mc Campbell, Pecos and nuclear submarine Okholama City. ● IN Ship Kolkata and Shakti participated in International Fleet Reviewwhich was conducted off Qingdao (China)harbour on April 23 to commemorate 70th anniversary of PLA (N).
Naval Operations/ Activities
● Indian Navy has been undertaking Mission Based Deployments in the Areas of Interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) with an aim to safeguard national maritime interests and maintain continuous/near continuous presence in areas of significant maritime importance in the IOR.These deployments were also in consonance with the Prime Minister's vision of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)'. The IN ships and aircraft are being regularly deployed in the Gulf of Oman/ Persian Gulf, Gulf of Aden/ Red Sea, South and Central Indian Ocean Region (IOR), off Sunda Strait, Andaman Sea/ approaches to Malacca Strait and Northern Bay of Bengal. These deployments have facilitated enhanced Maritime Domain Awareness, swift HADR assistance to IOR littorals, security to the Indian and international maritime community and operational engagements with friendly navies through capability development and capacity building programmes. These deployments have also enabled the IN to be the 'first responder' in various HADR/ SAR operations across the IOR. ● In wake of attack on Tankers off Fujairah and in Gulf of Oman in May and June 19 respectively, the IN executed OP 'Sankalp' to ensure security & safety of Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels (IFMVs) transiting through the Gulf region. ● IN's largest biennial war game, Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-19) was conducted from January 07– March 10 in the IOR. The primary aim of the exercise was to hone the war fighting skills of the Navy whilst exercising in a large theatre of operations.
CoastalcrackIAS.com Security and Anti-Piracy Operations
● The maiden large scale, pan India Coastal Defence Exercise, SEA VIGIL-19, was conducted along the entire coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone of India on January 22- 23. The exercise was conducted with the aim of simultaneously activating all agencies involved in the coastal security construct, and to identify gaps and mitigating measures. Besides Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard and all other stakeholders involved in the nation's Coastal Security framework participated in the exercise. Page 74
● IN ships and aircraft are deployed to maintain continuous surface and aerial coastal surveillance off the West coast of India including L&M Islands. Similar sorties are also undertaken on the East coast and the A&N Islands to further augment coastal surveillance measures. ● As part of its wider role of providing security to shipping in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Navy continues to deploy one ship for anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden. A total of 75 IN warships have been deployed till November 19. The IN also undertakes Passage Exercises with friendly foreign countries deployed in the Gulf of Aden. IN’s presence in this region is being maintained to ensure safety and security of Indian trade. indian air force
Acquisition
● Air Defence challenges have grown manifold in the recent years especially with all pervasive threat from drones even during peace time. This challenge is compounded by employment of stand-off weapons, projectiles and munitions including cruise missiles by the adversaries. Also, over the years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of vital assets along with increase in air threat from both hostile states and malign non-state actors.
a. Contract for five Squadrons of Long Range Surface-to-Air Missile System i.e. S-400 missile system has been signed with the Russian Government. The equipment of the first Sqn is likely to be inducted in mid 2020. b. IAF is procuring 18 Squadrons of Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile System which has been jointly developed by DRDO and IAI. Induction of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile System will be from early 2020 onwards. c. Contract has been signed in September 2019 for seven additional indigenous Akash Squadrons and associated specialist infrastructure. Induction would commence from early 2021onwards.
● Rafale Aircraft: To enhance the combat capability of IAF and improve its fighter squadron strength is in progress. Rafale is an omni-role fighter aircraft which will provide long range capability to engage targets in depth and will provide a strong weapons and systems capability edge over our adversaries. The delivery of the aircraftcrackIAS.com has commenced and the training of IAF personnel is in progress. ● Additional Su-30 MKI Aircraft: IAF had contracted for 272 Su-30 MKI aircraft under various contracts. Presently deliveries are continuing under block IV contract and are likely to conclude by March 2020. The Su-30 MKI currently is the largest and amongst the most potent fighter fleet in operation with the IAF. ● Apache Helicopter: Apache is a Tandem Seating, day/night, all weather capable platform. It is highly agile, survivable against battle damage and is easily maintainable even in field conditions. The helicopter is capable of prolonged operations in tropical and desert regions. Being a Multi-role network centric platform capable for deployment in Air Combat, AD, CI Ops, UAV neutralization, CSAR, Urban Page 75 Warfare, the aircraft meets all requirements of the IAF as well as the Strike Corps requirements of the Army. Fitted with a state of the art Fire Control Radar (FCR), the AH-64 has the capability to detect, locate, designate, track and engage targets in daylight, night, and in reduced visibility conditions.17 helicopters have already been delivered. ● Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopter (HLH): The delivery of 15 x Chinook helicopters has started from March 2019 and will be completed by March 2020. Induction of the helicopters has commenced in March 2019. Ten helicopters have been received so far. ● ASTRA:ASTRA BVR missile being designed and developed by DRDO has been evaluated for its performance and missile firing with foreign seeker was successful. IAF plans to procure these missiles for fighter aircraft. ● Integration of BrahMos Air to Surface Missile on Su-30MKI Aircraft:Successful integration of the BrahMos missile on the Su-30 MKI has been completed. It would enhance the strategic significance and combat potential of the aircraft. ● Induction of Flight Inspection System Aircraft (Dornier-228):IAF has inducted Do-228 Dornier aircraft with on board Flight Inspection System (FIS) to undertake the Cat-II calibration of Navigational aids available at Modernised Airfield Infrastructure (MAFI) of IAF bases. The induction of FIS aircraft would facilitate the in-house calibrations of MAFI assets and Navaids.
Upgrades
● Mirage-2000: The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) D&D has been completed in March 2018 and Series production is underway. ● MiG-29: The upgraded aircraft have been allotted to a frontline Squadron, and are being used for operations. The upgraded aircraft are equipped with state of the art avionics, an array of smart air to air and air to ground weapons and are capable of in-flight refuelling which significantly increases its combat potential. ● Jaguar DARIN-III: The upgrade of DARIN-I Jaguar aircraft to DARIN-III standard by HAL included integration of new mission computers, cockpit displays (SMDs, Engine and Flight Instrumentation System), Fire Control Radar, Hybrid navigation system and Autopilot with advanced modes. With the integration of these systems through new mission software, the cockpit has been transformed into a fully functional glass cockpit. With the integration of the radar as primary crackIAS.comsensor, the operational capability of the Jaguar aircraft in detecting air, surface and sea targets has been enhanced manifolds. With the avionics of DARIN-III aircraft the capability has improved significantly. Flight trials for FOC have been completed in November 2019. DARIN-III platform has matured into a potent strike platform with state-of-the-art integration of the sensors on-board.The delivery of upgraded aircraft will commence from December 2019.
Make Projects Page 76
● Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C): AEW&C is an indigenous system successfully developed by DRDO. The second AEW&C aircraft has been handed over by CABS to IAF on 11 Sep 19. ● Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS): The IACCS is fully indigenous project which will integrate all sensors to give composite Air Situation Picture and aids in quick decision making.
International Exercise
● Ex Garuda: Four Su-30MKI participated in Ex Garuda at Mont-de-Marsan, France from 01 to 14 Jul 19. ● Ex Eastern Bridge: Five Mig-29 participated in Ex Eastern Bridge V in Oman from 15 to 26 Oct 19. This is the first time that the MiG-29 ac participated in an international exercise abroad. The exercise was conducted professionally and performance of MiG -29 was appreciated. ● JMT: The bilateral phase of Joint Military Training with Singapore Air Force is planned from 14 to 29 Nov 19 at Air Force Station Kalaikunda. Su-30MKI participated in this exercise.
HADR
● Aerial Fire Fighting Operation: Air effort was provided by Mi-17 V5 helicopters for fire-fighting operations at Theni (Tamil Nadu),Katra, Pathankot, Kasuali, Malviya Nagar, Bandipur (Karnataka) and Merchant Vessel off the coast in Sunderban area. A total of 93 sorties /52:20 HRS / 154 KL of water utilised. ● Flood Relief Ops: 2019 (Op Varsha):The IAF had deployed heptrs for Flood crackIAS.comRelief Ops in a number of states (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Bihar. Various class of heptrs were utilised towards the task. A total of 219 sorties /172:10 hrs were flown air lifting 1061 pax and 84.4t of load. ● Casualty Evacuation: During FY 2019-20, 103 sorties 85:00hrs airlifting 85 pax till 25 Oct 19,including (Team of 12 trekkers (British Nationals) were trapped at Nanda Devi pass following an avalanche. One month of effort 45 Hrs / 47 sorties, 4 trekkers + 07 mortal remains retrieved).
Page 77 Women Empowerment in IAF
● NCC Special Entry: NCC special entry has been extended to women Air Wing Cadets with ‘C’ Certificate for the first time ever. This would enable them to directly go for SSB, without any screening test to become a Short Service Commissioned Officer in the flying branch of IAF. ● Induction in the Fighter Stream: Women pilots have been performing admirably well in the transport and helicopter streams of IAF. As a natural progression, IAF has inducted women pilots in the fighter stream as well. Accordingly, the first batch of three women trainees were inducted in fighter stream. Currently, six are posted to fighter squadrons and two are undergoing post commissioning training on Hawk-132 ac. One more woman trainee has been allotted fighter stream was commissioned in Dec 19. ● Diplomatic Assignment: Diplomatic posts on Indian mission abroad are traditionally manned by male officers. WgCdr Anjali Singh is the first woman officer who has been nominated by IAF as Dy Air Attaché in Embassy of Russia. ● Flight Commander: WgCdrShalizaDhami was commissioned into the helicopter stream of the IAF in Dec 2003. She was granted PC in Dec 18. She became the first woman helicopter QFI in the IAF in Nov 13. She has over 2000h of flying to her credit. She has been recently posted as the first woman Flight Commander of a Combat unit of the IAF (131 FAC Flt, Hindonwef 26 Aug 19).
indian coast guard
● Raksha Mantri commissioned Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) ‘Varaha’ in Chennai on September 25, 2019 to further strengthen coastal security. ● Third Vessel in the series of 05 Offshore Patrol Vessels for Indian Coast Guard, ‘Sajag’ was ceremoniously launched on November 14, 2019 at Goa Shipyard Limited by Mrs Vijaya Shripad Naik, wife of Raksha Rajya Mantri, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik. Entirely designed in-house by GSL, these OPVs will form a formidable part of ICG fleet and will be used for protection of Exclusive Economic Zone of India. Ship crackIAS.comAcquisition
● During the year RFP for the following ship acquisition proposals have been issued:-
Project Cost( Date of issue Sl Name of Project Remarks in Cr) RFP Acquisition of 02 Pollution (a) 673.00 27 Feb 19 - Control Vessels (PCVs) Page 78 Acquisition of 12 Air 06 for ICG & 06 (b) 355.80 26 Jun 19 Cushion Vehicles (ACVs) for IA Acquisition of 08 Fast (c) 803.68 26 Jun 19 - Patrol Vessels (FPVs)
● In order to promote indigenous design and development of defence equipment, all RFPs have been issued under ‘Buy (Indian-IDDM)’ category. ● Induction of Ships. 11 Surface platforms (02 Off-Shore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), 03 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), 06 Interceptor Boats (IBs) have been inducted in the calendar year 2019.
Capacity Building of Foreign Maritime Agencies:
● Gifting of Interceptor Boats (IB) to Mozambique Navy. Director General K Natarajan, PTM, TM visited Maputo from 28-30 Jul 19 as part of high level Indian delegation led by Hon’ble RM for handing over two interceptor boats to Mozambique Navy. A four member ICG Team has been deputed to Maputo, Mozambique for assisting and training the Mozambique Navy in the operation and maintenance of these boats. Prior to deputation of team, 14 Mozambique Navy personnel were trained for 12 days from 05-16 Nov 18 at Chennai in IB operations. ● Gifting of Interceptor Boat to Maldives.GoI gifted one ICG Interceptor Boat (C- 447) to Maldives in Nov 19. Training of MNDF crew was also conducted at Chennai from 01-13 Oct 19 in IB operation. ● Spares for Sri Lanka Coast Guard Ship Suraksha. On the request of Sri Lanka Coast Guard, ICG has gifted essential spares for keeping the ship operational.
Surveillance
● In addition to undertaking maritime surveillance in Maritime Zone of India, ICG ships and aircraft are also deployed for undertaking maritime surveillance of littoral states. In crackIAS.com2019, ICG undertook five extended Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) deployments in the Maldivian EEZ. ● A National Level Coastal Defence Exercise (CDE) ‘Sea Vigil-19’ for all coastal states and UTs was conducted from January 22-23 by ICG. The aim was to validate the efficacy of the nation’s Coastal Defence Organisation against threats arising from the sea.
Aid to Civil Authority Page 79
● In August, consequent to issuance of warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal states, ICG Districts and Stations were placed on high alert for assisting Civil Administration. A total of 53 CGDRTs were mobilised in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala with lifesaving/rescue gears and were deployed on rotation. A total of 4418 persons were evacuated by ICG teams to safer locations. ● Consequent to the issuance of warnings by India Meteorological Department (IMD), ICG took pre-emptive measures during Cyclone ‘Fani’ in Bay of Bengal, Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Vayu’ in Arabian Sea, Cyclonic Storm 'Kyarr', Cyclonic Storm 'Maha' and Cyclonic Storm 'Bulbul'.
Coastal Security
● The Indian Coast Guard, in consultation with all stakeholders, has instituted state-wise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for coordination among various agencies on coastal security issues. These SOPs are aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Coastal Security Mechanism. The Mechanism as well as SOPs are validated through biannual exercises in each Coastal State, wherein all stakeholders participate. A total of 16 Coastal Security exercises have been conducted in 2019 till date. ● Based on intelligence inputs, Coastal Security Operation are also being conducted/ participated by the Coast Guard. A total of 45 Coastal Security Operations have been conducted by the Indian Coast Guard in 2019 till date. Overseas Deployment of ICG Ships to Foreign Ports.
● Indian Coast Guard Ships are being deployed overseas from time to time to interact with foreign Coast Guard and other Maritime Agencies in the region. A total of 06 ICG ships visited 15 foreign countries from Jan 19 to till date. DEFENCE RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO)
● IAF CONDUCTS FIVE TRIALS OF AIR-TO-AIR MISSILE ASTRA: DRDO flight- tested Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra form Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha. The trials were held from 16-19 September 2019. Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted the trials against Jet Banshee target aircraft simulating all possible threat scenarios. The five trials conducted during this period, tested missiles in different configurations. Three missiles crackIAS.comwere launched in combat configuration with warhead and neutralized manoeuvring targets to establish the end-game capability of the missile. The trial campaign also included a direct hit of the target by the telemetered missile at maximum range. ● LCA (NAVY) MAKES ARRESTED LANDING: The first ever arrested landing of Light Combat Aircraft (Navy) at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) INS Hansa, Goa, took place on 13 September 2019. The test will pave the way for the indigenous platform to undertake aircraft carrier landing demonstration on board the Indian Naval Aircraft Carrier, Vikramaditya. Text book arrested landing Page 80 heralds the arrival of true indigenous capability. ● LOW WEIGHT, FIRE & FORGET MAN PORTABLE ANTITANK GUIDED MISSILE TESTED: DRDO flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) on 11 September 2019 in the ranges of Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The missile was launched from a man portable tripod launcher on the target mimicking a functional tank. This was the third series of successful testing of MPATGM. The missile is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics. The test paves the way for the Army to have 3rd generation indigenous MPATGM. The missile was earlier tested successfully on 13 March 2019. ● DRDO HANDS OVER SECOND INDIGENOUS AEW&C SYSTEM TO INDIAN AIR FORCE: DRDO handed over the second of three indigenously designed Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, Netra, to the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 11 September 2019 to augment the service’s network centric capabilities. The system was delivered to Bhatinda Air Force Station in Punjab. The system comprises an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, secondary surveillance radar, electronic and communication countermeasures, beyond line-of-sight data links, satellite communication systems, advanced identification friend-or-foe system, provides 240° coverage, and surveillance range more than 250 km. ● QUICK REACTION MISSILE TEST-FIRED: DRDO flight-tested its state-of-the-art Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) against live aerial live aerial targets from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur on 4 August 2019. Two missiles, developed by DRDO, were tested against two live targets, meeting complete mission objectives of engaging the targets. QRSAM, with many advanced technologies, engaged the targets at different ranges and altitudes. The system has been tested in final configuration with radar mounted on a vehicle and missile on the launcher. It comprises indigenous Phased Array Radar, Inertial navigation System, Data Link & RF Seeker, and is being developed for Indian Army with search and track on move capability with very short reaction time. The missile was earlier tested on 26 February 2019. ● INDIAN NEUTRALISES LIVE SATELLITE IN LOW EARTH ORBIT: The country joins a select group of nations with such capability. DRDO conducted an Anti- Satellite (ASAT) missile test ‘Mission Shakti’ from Dr APJ Abdul kalam island in Odisha on 27 March 2019. A DRDO developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile engaged a Live Indian satellite orbiting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) in a ‘Hit to Kill’ mode. The interceptor missile was a three-stage missile with two solid rocket boosters. Tracking data from range sensors confirmed that crackIAS.comthe mission met all its objectives. The test demonstrated India’s capability to defend its assets in outer space and vindicated the strength and robust nature of DRDO’s programmes. ● FINAL OPERATIONAL CLEARNCE OF LCA TEJAS MK I FOR INDIAN AIR FORCE: In a landmark occasion, Light Combat aircraft Tejas Mk I for Indian Air Force was informally awarded Final Operational Clearance (FOC) on 20 February 2019. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy handed FOC Certificate and Release to Service Document (RSD) to the Chief of Air Staff Air chief Marshal BS Dhanoa in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra and chairman and Managing Director of Page 81 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Shri R Madhavan. IOC standard Tejas are already serving in the 45th Squadron of IAF since July 2016. ● DRDO’S IGNITER COMPLEX AT HEMRL, PUNE: Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik inaugurated the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) Igniter Complex at High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pune on 05 NOV 2019. HEMRL has created a state-of-the-art facility for design, processing and evaluation of ignition systems. The facility consists of process, assembly & storage buildings and a design centre. Remotely controlled sophisticated equipments such as Sieve Shaker, Planetary Mixer, Granulating Machine, Pelleting Machine etc are installed in the process buildings. Design, modeling and simulation laboratory; assembly and testing centre are also part of Igniter Complex. ● SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF TWO BRAHMOS MISSILES FROMLAND AND AIR PLATFORMS: DRDO, Indian Air Force and BrahMos jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests today, one each from land and air platforms. The first missile launch was from a land based mobile launcher, where most of the components were indigenous, including the missile airframe, fuel management system and DRDO designed seeker. The second launch of the missile was carried out by Indian Air force (IAF) from SU-30MKI platform against a sea target. The test conducted in user configuration, revalidated the ship attack capability of the advanced air-launched cruise missile. ● SUCCESSFUL FLIGHT TEST OF TWO PINAKA MISSILES IN SALVO MODE: As part of the series of flight trials of Pinaka missile system, two test firings were conducted by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on 17 DEC 2019. The first trial was conducted on December 19, 2019, wherein one missile was fired at 75 kilometre range. ● QUICK REACTION SURFACE TO AIR MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY FLIGHT-TESTED OFF ODISHA COAST: Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) system developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast on 23 DEC 2019. The missile was flight-tested with full configuration in deployment mode intercepting the target mid air, meeting the mission objectives. The entire event was monitored by Ground Telemetry Systems, Range Radar Systems, Electro Optical Tracking System etc.
DEFENCEcrackIAS.com PRODUCTION
● To boost Defence manufacturing under ‘Make in India’, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired a Roundtable Conference with CEOs of Indian & Foreign Defence companies including MSMEs and start-ups on August 9, 2019 in New Delhi. ● To further encourage the ‘Make in India’ initiative in Defence and Aerospace sector, Shri Rajnath Singh accorded approval to allow Private Sector industry to compete with Ordnance Factories and DPSUs for the prestigious Raksha Mantri’s Awards for Excellence on July 16, 2019. Page 82
● Raksha Mantri launched a Dashboard of Department Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence. The dashboard is available for the general public at https://ddpdashboard.gov.in. The DDP Dashboard contains progress on key initiatives of the Department which include Defence Exports, Defence Offsets, Defence Production, Intellectual Property Rights filed (Mission Raksha Gyan Shakti), Make in India in Defence Projects, Startups working in Defence, Investments in Defence Corridors and Artificial Intelligence Projects in Defence. ● Shri Rajnath Singh has approved setting up of a Committee under the Chairmanship of Director General (Acquisition) to review the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 and Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2009. The Committee will revise and align the procedures with the aim of ensuring seamless flow from asset acquisition to life cycle support. ● It is very important to have ‘Ideation, Innovation and Incubation’ to achieve the goal of indigenisation and self-reliance in cutting edge-technologies. This was the underline theme of ‘Def Connect 2019’ organised in New Delhi on October 5, 2019. It was organised to showcase the accomplishments of the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative and construct a strong outreach towards the potential future entrepreneurs of the defence sector. Third phase of Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) thrown open to prospective startups in the event under which three challenges from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
DEFEXPO 2020
● Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh chaired the first meeting of the Apex Committee for DefExpo 2020 in New Delhi on September 9, 2019 in the presence of Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Shri Yogi Adityanath. The huge exhibition that will showcase India’s defence manufacturing capabilities as well as world’s top defence manufacturing companies would be held for the first time in Lucknow from 05 – 08 February, 2020. Raksha Mantri launched its website, www.defexpo.gov.in, which provides online services to exhibitors, besides hosting informative content about the product profile of DPSUs and Ordnance Factories. ● Raksha Mantri chaired Ambassadors’ Round Table on DefExpo 2020 in New Delhi on November 4, 2019 in major outreach to defence manufacturing industries of the world. Heads of Missions and Defence Attaches of over 80 countries participated in the conference. crackIAS.com● Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020 on December 27. The app is available on Apple App Store and Android Play Store. The main features of the app are ‘inform, engage and feedback’. It provides detailed information about the day-to-day programme-wise schedule of the event; participating exhibitors; Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), guest speakers of seminars/webinars planned during the event; publications i.e., electronic brochures and e-books; maps and directions of the venues and city weather.
Page 83 DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELFARE (DESW)
● On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day (AFFD), Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) on behalf of DESW took a unique initiative and organised the first ever Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) conclave on December 02 to create awareness about the Ex- Servicemen (ESM) and how the corporate India can play an important part in their resettlement and rehabilitation. The conclave was chaired by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh. He apprised the audience in great detail about the challenges faced by the ESM and their dependents and appealed to corporate world to come forward and support the cause of their welfare with help of three attached offices of DESW. ● Apart from the Defence Services Estimates (DSE) Budget, AFFD Fund is the major source of funding for welfare and rehabilitation of war widows, ESM and their dependents. A sum of Rs 9.97 crore has been collected during FY 2019-20 (as on December 09, 2019). The fund is administered by KSB Sectt under the aegis of its Management Committee headed by Raksha Mantri and Executive Committee headed by Secretary, DESW. ● As per the Action Plan on Single Use Plasticprepared by the department, instructions have been issued to all our attached offices and field establishments to minimise the use of single use plastic. ● As per the action plan, the department and its attached offices undertook a nationwide campaign on Jal Shakti Abhiyan on August 17. Posters and other informational material on the theme were prepared and shared widely with all field Offices/Establishments. ● A one-day workshop on Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA) and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) was organised on December 06 in New Delhi to create awareness, review the progress and lay down the future roadmap on JSA and SBA. ● A large number of Ex-Servicemen participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ event at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi on October 31to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas). RESETTLEMENT
● An Entrepreneurship-cum-Resettlement Seminar was conducted by DRZ (North) at ‘Richen Auditorium’ Leh on June 22. A DGR stall was set up for the veterans and the event was conducted in the form of interactive lectures. ● An Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) for the KSB Helpline (011-26717987) was launched on September 06 which can attend to 20 calls simultaneously both in Hindi and English.This will reduce the waiting time for the grievance redressal of the ESM and enable ESMcrackIAS.com to access information regarding the status of their applications. ● A total of 65,483 ESMs have been given employment through various self-employment schemes managed by Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) such as Security Agency Scheme, ESM Coal Transport and Tipper Attachment Scheme, Management of CNG, Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) Scheme of BPCL/IOCL/HPCL, Allotment of Oil Product Agencies, Mother Dairy Milk Booths/ Safal Booths, ESM placement by DGR and Rajya Sainik Boards etc. ● There has been increase in employment generated through ESM Job Fairs for employment in private sector. Based on an MoU signed between DGR and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), ESM Job Fairs have been organised. These Job Fairs are conducted at a Page 84 suitable venue where the suitably identified ESM are provided to the corporate employers based on the openings offered matched with the skills of the ESM. Details of Job Fairs conducted during 2019 are as under:-
Participation Corporate Job vacs Location Date Employer ESM (approx) s Kolkata 27 Feb 2019 17 1924 3180 Goa 15 Mar 2019 23 402 368 Ahmadabad 23 Aug 2019 31 1526 559 Chandigarh 11 Oct 2019 31 1090 2570 Pune 16 Oct 2019 29 856 2779 Chennai 22 Nov 2019 42 1438 2430 Kolkata 29 Nov 2019 41 1815 1192 Total 214 9051 13078
● Approval of the Government for recognition of the following Four Ex-servicemen Associations has been accorded vide DESW order dated September 16, 2019. (a) Disabled War Veterans (India)
(b) Indian Ex-Services League (IESL)
(c) Air Force Association
(d) National Ex-Servicemen Co-ordination Committee
HEALTH CARE
● On January 8, DESWissued sanction for setting up of two additional Regional Centres of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) at Yol, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) and Bhubaneswar(Odisha). ● On January 30, sanction was issued for supply of medicines to ECHS beneficiaries by amendment to the provision regarding Authorised Local Chemist (ALC). ● DESW issued an order for grant of ECHS facilities to the Assam Rifles pensioners and their dependents residing in India & Nepal. ● Approval has been issued to CCSorders for grant of ECHS facilities to World War-II Veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers, Short Service Commissioned Officersand pre-mature retirees. ● InstructionscrackIAS.com have been issued to all Command Headquarters and Regional Centres for according priority to ECHS members and dependents above 75 years age in ECHS OPD of Military Hospitals. ● ECHS beneficiaries have been allowed to obtain domiciliary medical equipments for which ECHS ceiling rates are available on the recommendations of Government Hospital Specialists in addition to the Specialist of the Military Hospital. ● 24x7 helpline has been operationalisedto guide and assist ECHS beneficiaries on their general queries. ● A detailed Standard Operating Procedure for taking action against private hospitals empanelled with ECHS has been notified in order to strengthen vigilance against hospitals Page 85 indulging in malpractices in a transparent and faster manner. ● It has been decided to introduce facility for the AYUSH system of treatment in ECHS Polyclinics of Delhi/NCR on a pilot basis.
Directorate General Defence Estates (dgde)
● A Common Mobile Application for all Cantonment Boards, namely 'CB e-Services' has been launched and same is available on Google Play Store, for providing online services to Cantonment residents on a single platform. ● Under the Swachh Bharat Mission launched by the Government, all Cantonment Boards have taken earnest steps for creating clean and green Cantonment areas. All 62 Cantonments have already been certified by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as Open Defecation Free areas and the ODF status is also being sustained in all Cantonments. ● As recommended by the Expert Committee and after consultation with all the stakeholders, necessary instructions were issued to all Cantonment Boards to allow/permit construction of a w.c./toilet in existing buildings in absence of any such provision within that tenement to an authorized resident, subject to condition that proper sewerage connection to the said building already exists in the Cantonment. ● As recommended by the Expert and after consultation with all the stakeholders, necessary instructions were issued on December 10 to all Cantonment Boards regarding definition of repair works to authorize buildings for which notice for sanction under Section 235 of the Cantonment Act, 2006 may not be required. ● Definition of repair works include internal partition wall, parapet wall or a cornice or chajja, repairing of staircase, damaged roof, boundary wall, reflooring of the surface of an existing floor, plastering and patch work, replacing of fallen bricks or stones, false ceiling, whitewashing, repairing existing plumbing, sanitary and other utility services. ● With this decision, the situation in Cantonments would improve thereby benefitting several households residing in the Cantonments.
Land Management:
Ø 264 No. of leases have been renewed/extended in the current year 2019. crackIAS.comØ 15,155 files have been digitised during the year. Ø 2,65,095 acres of Defence Land (both inside and outside Cantonments) have been surveyed.
Ø Government sanction has been issued by MoD in 21 cases for transfer of Defence Land for infrastructure / public utilities projects.
Page 86
BORDER ROADS ORGANISATION
● BRO has constructed approximately 60,000 Km of roads, Maj Pmt Bridge of 51,000 Mtr length, 19 Airfield and 02 tunnels in difficult and remote area of the country. As a part of its contribution of strengthening bonds of friendship with neighboring countries, BRO has also developed road infrastructure in some friendly countries in the neighborhood. ● Foundation Stones by PM. (i) Akhnoor - Poonch Rd. The Akhnoor - Poonch Road is planned to be upgraded to National Highway Double lane (NHDL) specs with paved shoulders. The proposed upgradation also includes four tunnels and bypasses that will ensure AW connectivity. Foundation stone of this roadwas laid by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 03 Feb 19.
(ii) Se La Tunnel. Construction of Se La tunnel on road Balipara – Charduar – Tawang has been undertaken to provide all weather connectivity to Tawang by bypassing Se La pass which has an altitude of 13960 ft. The foundation stone was laid by PM on 09 Feb 2019.
● Achievement of works targets: Achievement of BRO during the period from Jan 2019 to Nov 2019 is as under:-
Items A/U Achievement upto 20 Nov 2019 Formation Works Km Eqvt Cl 9 1123.46 Surfacing Works Km Eqvt Cl 9 2099.58 Resurfacing Works Km Cl-9 2339.38 Permanent Works Cr 1601.15 Tunnel Cr 282.12 Maj Bridge Mtr 2557.64
● Inauguration of Major Bridges.
crackIAS.com(a) Diffo Bridge (span 426.6m long Pre-stressed Concrete Box Girder type) over Diffo River on road Roing - Koronu – Paya under Project Udayak in the state of Arunachal Pradesh by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri Smt Nirmala Sitaraman on 18 Jan 2019.
(b) Kalai Bridge (span 265 m PC Box Grider Bridge) over Suran River on Jammu - Rajouri - Poonch Road (NH-144A) under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, AVSM, YSM, SM, GOC in-C Northern Command on 17 Jan 2019.
(c) E-inauguration of Bein Bridge (span 331.20 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Page 87 Cl 70 R)on Road Parol - Korepannu –Rajpura under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Dr Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Minister of State for Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space on 08 Mar 2019 from Delhi through video link.
(d) Dhok Bridge (span 120.80 mtr Multi Cell Box Bridge of load class 70 R) over Dhok Nallah on road Akhnoor-Palanwalla under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Jugal Kishore, Member of Parliament on 08 Mar 2019.
(e) Averi Patti Bridge (span 135.00 mtr Major pmt Bridge of load class 70 R) on approach road to Averi Patti Army Camp on NH 05 (Kingal – Rampur Road) under Project Deepak in the state of Himachal Pradesh by Lt Gen Surinder Singh, PVSM, AVSM*, VSM, GoC, Western Command on 04 Apr 2019.
(f) Jad Ganga-II Bridge (span 45 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Cl 70 R)on Road Naga- Sonam under Project Shivalik in the state of Uttarakhand by Lt Gen Harish Thukral, PVSM, SM, GOC UB Area on 06 Jun 2019.
(g) Malot Bridge (span 45 Mtr PSC Box Girder Bridge Cl 70 R) on road Simli – Gwaldam under Project Shivalik in the state of Uttarakhand by Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttarakhand on 14 Jun 2019.
(h) Ujh Bridge (span 1000 m, Cl 70)on Parol - Korepannu - Rajpura road under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 20 Jul 2019 in the presence of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon'ble MoS, PMO and COAS.
(j) Basantar Bridge (span 617.40 m, Cl 70) on Rajpura - Madwal - Pangadur - Phulpur road under Project Sampark in Jammu & Kashmir Region by Shri Rajnath Singh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 20 Jul 2019 in the presence of Dr. JitendraSingh, MoS, PMO and COAS.
(k) Zanskar Bridge (span 70 Mtr, Cl 70) on Nimmu-Padam-Darcha road under Project Vijayak in Ladakh Region by Lt Gen Harpal Singh, AVSM, VSM, Director General Border Roads on 29 Aug 2019.
(l) Col ChewangRinchen, MVC*, SM Bridge (span 430 Mtr (10 Spans of 43 Mtr Triple Double Reinforced Extra Wide Bailey Bridge over Micro Pile foundation), Cl 70) on D-S-DBO road under Project Himank in Ladakh Region by Shri Rajnath crackIAS.comSingh, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on 21 Oct 19. (m) Nurla Bridge (span 85 Mtr, Cl 70) on Zojila-Kargil-Leh road (NH 1) under Project Vijayak in Ladakh Region by Shri JamyangTsering Namgyal MP Ladakh on 04 Nov 19.
(n) Sisseri Bridge (span 200 metre / Cl–70 R) on road Ranaghat– Mebo –Dambuk – Bomjir (NH-13) under Project Brahmank in the state of Arunachal Pradesh by Shri Rajnath Singh, Raksha Mantri on 15 Nov 2019.
● Completion of Bridges. The following bridges have been completed:-
Page 88 S/No Name of Br Road Span State (a) Sidhar Jauljibi - Munsiari 40 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand (b) Sirali Jauljibi - Munsiari 45 m, Cl-70 Úttarakhand (c) Bhowlikhalta Jauljibi - Munsiari 45 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand (d) Charigad Jauljibi - Munsiari 85 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand (e) Dongatoli Pithoragarh - Tawaghat 30 m, Cl-70 Uttarakhand Arunachal (f) Tawangchu Balipara - Charduar 50 m, Cl- 70 Pradesh Orang - Kalktang - Arunachal (g) Sukha 45 m, Cl- 70 Shergaon - Rupa - Tenga Pradesh Jammu & (h) Daraj Rajouri - Kandi - Bhudhal 72 m, Cl-70 Kashmir Jammu & (j) Puneja Basoli - Bani – Bhaderwah 50 m, CL-70 Kashmir (k) Jadganga-I Nelong –Naga 40 Mtr/ CL-70 R, Uttarakhand (l) Punar Joshimath –Malari 35 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand (m) Karcha-II Bhaironghati- Nelong 50 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand (n) Kulanagad Pithoragarh-Tawaghat 45 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand (o) Dobat-I Pithoragarh-Tawaghat 40 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand (p) Khandpair Jauljibi-Munsiari 45 Mtr/CL-70 R Uttarakhand Jammu & (q) Uletopko Zozila-Kargil-Leh 35 Mtr/CL-70 R Kashmir
· Completion of Roads. The under mentioned roads have been completed:-
(a) Joshimath- Malari - 62.67 Km
(b) Naga – Sonam - 11.20 Km
(c) Musapani-Ghastoli - 7.40 Km
(d) Tri Jn-Bheem Base-Dokala - 19.72 Km
(e) Nacho -Tama Chung Chung - 53.55 Km
(f) Girthidobla - Sumna - 7.05 Km
(g) Sasoma - Saserla - 52.39 Km
(h) Koyul-Photile-Chusumule-Zursar - 80.30 Km
crackIAS.com (j) Damchu-Haa Link of NHDL specification - 12.80 Km
· Opening of Passes. Imp passes were opened for traffic after timely Snow clearance as under:-
S/No Name of Rd Pass Date of opened for Traffic Page 89 (a) Razdhan Pass 06 May 2019 (b) Zojila Pass 28 Apr 2019 (c) Rohtang Pass 19 May 2019 (d) Baralachla Pass 1. un 2019
● Indo-China Border Roads (ICBRs).BRO has been entrusted with 61 Indo - China Border Roads (ICBRs) having length of 3346 Km. Till date 75% road length has been black topped and 98 % has been connected. As on date 36 roads of length 2501 Km have been completed. ● Underwater Tunnel Across Brahmaputra: The Approval-in-Principle has been accorded by MoD. The proposal includes 02 road tubes and 01 rail Tube. BRO has floated a Global RFP for DPR on 15 Oct 2019 with extended date of opening of technical bid on 22 Jan 2020. ● Nimmu-Padam-Darcha (N-P-D) Road And Tunnels.Nimmu-Padam -Darcha (N-P-D) road is 297 Km long which takes off at Km 400 of Srinagar-Kargil-Leh road, 34 Km short of Leh in J&K state and terminates at Darcha at Km 145 of Manali-Leh road in Himachal Pradesh. Initially in 2002 this road was conceived to be developed to Cl-9 (Single lane) specification under PM package for J&K. However, due to various reasons including operational, during the year 2007, it was decided to develop this road to National Highway Double Lane specification. Out of 297.00 Km connectivity achieved for 257.55 Km.
national cadet corps (NCC)
● Penetration into Remote/LWE Areas: NCC has been constantly making efforts to enhance its presence in remote/LWE areas and costal/border areas. Approx. 35% of newly raised units i.e. 18 units with 54,000 cadets of ongoing 2.0 lakh cadet expansion, are in such areas.
● Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: From August 08 – October 27, this year over 10.5 lakh cadets took part voluntarily in various cleanliness drives. a. crackIAS.comSwachhta Abhayan: Since Jan 2017, NCC Cadets have been associated with Swachhta based activities, to include Eight Fortnight Swachhta based Pakhwada. A mega Swachhta Pakhwada was conducted from September 11 till October 27, with major focus on Plastic Waste Management, as part of Swachhta Hi Sewa (SHS) Plan of the PM in which over 9 lakh cadets participated. As part of Mega Swachhta Pakhwada, to spread awareness Pan India Relay Cycle Rallies encompassing both Inter & Intra State started on August 08 from all four corners of the country and covered almost all the States/UTs. b. Mega Pollution Pakhwada: An Anti-Pollution Pakhwada was conducted by approx.fivelakh cadets of NCC, pan India, from 01-31 July. Rallies and Awareness Page 90 Campaigns on all types of Pollution i.e. Air, Water, Land & Noise were covered in the same. c. MoD Swachhta Pakhwada: Over 7.5 lakh cadets participated in Swachhta Pakhwada fortnight from 01-15 December. On 07 December, approx. 4.5 lakh cadets participated in Plog Runs Pan India based on Plastic Removal theme.
● World Water Day (March 22): Approx. 78,000 NCC Cadets Pan India participated in Water conservation rallies/ programmes. ● Anti-Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking Day (June 26): As part of our Social Service and Community Development Action Plan, approx. 95,000 NCC cadets participated in various rallies and awareness programmes Pan India. ● Tree Plantation: Approx. 4.2 lakh saplings have been planted by NCC Cadets this year including a Special Drive to celebrate Independence Day. ● Blood Donation: Approximately one lakh units of blood was donated through linked civil voluntary programmes and a special Drive on the occasion of NCC Day on November 19. ● International Yoga Day: In keeping up with our set tradition last year, this year also on June 21, over 7.38 lakh cadets participated in the event in around 6, 400 different venues. ● Disaster Relief: NCC cadets were actively involved in assisting the civil administration in relief operations during the Bihar, Kerala, and Maharashtra floods and the damage due to cyclone in Odisha. ****
ABB/SS/Nampi/DK/Savvy/MTJ/ADA
(Release ID: 1597842) Visitor Counter : 1449
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Page 91 Source : www.indianexpress.com Date : 2020-01-02 THE ABCDEF OF IMPLEMENTATION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
The proverb “the proof of the pudding is in the eating” perfectly summarises this government’s delivery first approach to governance — the policy of implementation. Governments have always focused on designing the right policies and development schemes. However, over the years, many such well-designed schemes failed to make a significant dent on the lack of access to basic services that a large proportion of our population faced. While the focus on design and policy architecture may have been well meaning, there may not have been a strong enough focus on ensuring that these policies translate to effective implementation on the ground.
A prime minister in the 1980s had famously said that of every rupee spent by the government, only 15 paise reached the intended beneficiaries. This statement symbolised the skew in emphasis on “policy” in favour of “implementation”.
OPINION | On the reform track: Indian Railways needs restructuring and modernisation, efforts since 2014 are bearing fruit
This government has attempted to change things. There has been a relentless emphasis on taking all schemes to fruition on the ground, with the final delivery being the only metric of success. In the past five years, rural India has seen a massive transformation in access to basic services like electricity, cooking fuel, toilets, houses and bank accounts. These transformations have been at unprecedented scale and speed. The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), in particular, has achieved what no one gave it a chance of achieving when it was audaciously announced by the prime minister during his first Independence Day address from the Red Fort. The journey has thrown up six important guiding principles which can be applied to any large transformation scheme — the ABCEDF of implementation.
A — Align: Different people at different positions may have competing priorities. A goal congruence has to be achieved across the administrative ecosystem. After the PM announced the SBM, the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation had to ensure that the same message percolated down to the chief ministers, 700 district collectors and 2,50,000 sarpanches. This was achieved through a continuous engagement with the states. Team SBM- Grameen visited each state multiple times and also engaged directly with district collectors through learning workshops, informal gatherings and WhatsApp groups, ensuring that sanitation remained on top of everyone’s agenda. The three layers of the PM-CM-DM model working in cohesion is the first and most important step towards policy translating into real delivery.
B — Believe: Often when faced with a seemingly unsurmountable goal, teams that don’t genuinelycrackIAS.com believe that the goal can be achieved find themselves not motivated enough, and hence not trying hard enough and not achieving results — a self-fulfilling prophecy. The next important step was building a team of people who believed that the goal is achievable. Younger people with fresh perspective and lesser administrative baggage believe more easily and focus on finding creative solutions. The SBM brought in a unique blend of young professionals and experienced but driven bureaucrats, at the centre and in the states, and each person quickly became a believer.
C — Communicate: At its core, the SBM is a behaviour change programme. Communication at all levels, above and below the line, mass and inter-personal, was fundamental to the SBM. An army of trained grassroots volunteers called Swachagrahis were created, who went from door to Page 92 door to communicate the message of swachhata. And then the SBM attempted to make sanitation glamorous by engaging extensively with the media, leveraging popular culture, and associating Bollywood stars, sportspersons and other influencers to promote the message of sanitation. And lastly, the Mission kept the buzz alive throughout its life-cycle through regular, large-scale events with the PM at important milestones, helping sanitation stay on top of public recall. A recent study by Dalberg estimated that each rural Indian was reached by SBM messaging about 3,000 times over the past five years. Such was the effectiveness of SBM’s communication. Of course, we had a big advantage — the PM was our Communicator-in-Chief!
OPINION | Strategic Science & Technology ties between countries the only way to address climate change
D — Democratise: As the prime minister has said on many occasions, the SBM became a Jan Andolan. It nudged people to realise that sanitation is not an individual good, but a community good, as its full benefits accrue only when it is universal. Over the years, everyone became a stakeholder and sanitation became everyone’s business. People constructed their own toilets and motivated others, communities planned activities and monitored progress, villages declared themselves open defecation free (ODF). Even corporates, NGOs, civil society organisations and other government ministries and departments played a role in mainstreaming sanitation.
E — Evaluate: The SBM was operating at a massive scale in a largely decentralised manner. As progress started surpassing expectations, many people questioned the veracity of official administrative progress figures. And hence, it became even more important to encourage third- party monitoring of progress and evaluate outputs, outcomes and impacts to reinforce the credibility and keep the implementers motivated. At the same time, pockets of excellence emerged which deserved to be studied and shared with others to replicate. Organisations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and WHO conducted various assessments of sanitation coverage and usage, successes and areas of improvement, as well as the health, economic and social impacts of the SBM. India became the global laboratory for sanitation. Lessons from these studies were incorporated into the programme in real-time.
F — Follow-through: The PM said on October 2 while commemorating the ODF declaration by all states that this is but a milestone and not the finish line. There is a strong focus on not declaring “mission accomplished”, and continuing to work towards sustaining the ODF behaviour and ensuring that no one is left behind. We recently released a forward-looking 10-year sanitation strategy, articulating the goal of moving from ODF to ODF Plus. This post-delivery follow through is a critical to ensure that the change becomes the norm and that things don’t reset to what they used to be in the past. Only then will the delivery be truly complete.
Learning from these guiding principles, the government is continuing in its quest to deliver basic services to the people of India. In his first Independence Day speech of his second term, the prime minister announced an even more ambitious goal — of providing piped water supply to all householdscrackIAS.com by 2024. And aligning with this goal, the Jal Jeevan Mission is being designed to deliver, based on the ABCDEF of implementation.
The writer is secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.Views are personal
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 93 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-03 A WEAK TEST: THE HINDU EDITORIAL ON SWACHH RANKING OF CITIES Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The NDA government’s Swachh Survekshan, the ranking system for clean cities, was rolled out four years ago as the answer to a problem that municipal law failed to solve. Sanitation and public health are responsibilities of State governments, and it is no secret that they have spectacularly failed at managing growing volumes of municipal and hazardous waste. The problem has only been compounded by the absence of plans that take a holistic view of housing, sanitation, water supply, waste management and transport. Ahead of the launch of Swachh Survekshan 2020, the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is once again trying to stir up competition among cities, by pre-ranking them for their performance during 2019 and assigning points to be added this year. As an idea, unleashing the competitive spirit among States may seem appealing, but in reality, the problems confronting urban India require large- scale infrastructure creation, full adherence to legal requirements on waste management, and transparent technical audits. Many cities remain clueless on handling their waste, one shocking example being the rising mountain of garbage at the Ghazipur landfill in Delhi. Ironically, Bhopal, which figures among the top five cleanest cities under the just-released list, continues to live with the effects of the gas disaster of 1984. Ranks and prizes clearly cannot solve the national waste management crisis.
Looking ahead to the next edition of the Survekshan, the Urban Affairs Ministry has identified ambitious targets: “100% processing and safe disposal of waste, complete faecal sludge and septage management, and wastewater treatment and reuse.” These are major tasks. The Ministry has also sanctioned funds under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) to help States set up facilities necessary to manage waste. States should ask for extended funding under such schemes to create the infrastructure for a future- focused clean-up and, simultaneously, institute measures to reduce waste. The emphasis worldwide is on creating a circular economy centred at the principle of material recovery from all kinds of waste, reuse, recycling and reduced pressure on natural resources. A sound ranking of cities and towns would naturally give the highest weightage to this dimension of sustainable management, replacing symbolism with an environmentally sound approach. Such rigour in policy formulation can make the Centre’s goal of eliminating single-use plastic by 2022 seem more realistic, and industry would find a compelling reason to switch to alternatives. Retooling Swachh Survekshan 2020 to go beyond perception management and adopt sustainability is essential to make it a genuine contest.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month. RegistercrackIAS.com to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. Page 94 Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Boris Johnson seems bent on delivering a no-deal Brexit
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 95 Source : www.livemint.com Date : 2020-01-03 A FAULTY SERVICE DELIVERY SYSTEM COULD THWART ANY RURAL STIMULUS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Most of our major schemes aimed at improving lives in rural India suffer from government apathy
The regular flow of data confirms our worst fears about the economy. With the index of industrial production (IIP) declining successively in September and August, there are serious concerns about jobs and incomes in the manufacturing sector. Construction has failed to recover too. Even service sector growth is a slowdown story once government expenditure is taken out. Private investment shows no sign of recovery and consumption continues to show a loss of pace. With exports also continuing their decline and signs emerging of rising inflation driven by food inflation, the task of reviving the economy is tougher than imagined.
There is also a consensus that the rural economy needs a stimulus if demand has to improve in the economy. At the same time, government has continued to make bold claims of increasing transfers to the rural economy in the last five years. However, most of these claims are based on dubious administrative data from departments responsible for managing various schemes. Some of these claims could have been checked had the government allowed the release of India’s full consumption expenditure survey of 2017-18. Leaked estimates suggest that consumption expenditure declined by almost 10% in rural areas, where most of the schemes were implemented. The puzzle then is why consumption declined if government transfers went up in the period this government has been in power.
Reports of the National Statistics Office (NSO) suggest that the problem may lie in a broken delivery system and exaggerated claims of transfers by the government. Not only were government claims found to be at variance with actual survey data, these also suggest serious problems of service delivery of government schemes. A recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has not only flagged a decline in consumption of LPG cylinder refills under the Ujjwala scheme, but also highlighted cases of the delivery of cylinders to minors and unidentified beneficiaries. It also flagged other odd numbers recorded. For example, 1.4 million beneficiary families consumed anywhere between 3 and 41 cylinders each in a month, which is difficult to believe, given that most of them are poor.
Similar discrepancies have been noted on claims of toilet construction between data from NSO surveys and administrative data. As against the claim of several states being classified as “open-defecation free", the surveys show the proportion of our population with toilets and access to these at much lower levels than the figures claimed by the government. It is difficult to believe that peoplecrackIAS.com in rural areas will under-reporttoilets at home, given that these are clearly identifiable structures.
The largest scheme, of transferring cash to farmers as part of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, has also run into trouble, with only 76.2 million people having received the money until 30 November 2019. Of these, only 31.2 million farmers have received all three instalments, as against a target of 140 million farmers. With less than one-fourth of farmers having received the full amount, the scheme has failed to provide the relief intended.
Among other major schemes, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) is Page 96 already suffering from delayed wage payments and non-availability of work. With NREGS wages almost half the market rate, the scheme has lost its ability to play the role of demand multiplier. Similar is the case of the Public Distribution System (PDS) with the government sitting on large stocks of foodgrains, instead of releasing these staples through the system. It has already affected the procurement of grains by the Food Corporation of India, which is struggling with huge stocks and debt due to non-payment of the government subsidy.
There is now an urgent need to revive the rural economy. Public-expenditure-led interventions could have provided the necessary stimulus to raise demand in the rural economy. Unfortunately, the situation on the ground suggests that most schemes are suffering from lack of financial and administrative support. However, even with financial and administrative support, these will be able to impact rural incomes only if the country’s broken service delivery regime is repaired and made efficient.
If the government is serious about reviving the economy, fixing that delivery mechanism should be as big a priority as the need for increased spending through a rural stimulus package.
*Himanshu is associate professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and visiting fellow at the Centre de Sciences Humaines, New Delhi.
Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. It'll just take a moment.
Your session has expired, please login again.
You are now subscribed to our newsletters. In case you can’t find any email from our side, please check the spam folder.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 97 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-03 DELIVERING TB VACCINE INTRAVENOUSLY VASTLY IMPROVES EFFICACY: STUDY Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The tuberculosis vaccine, known as BCG(Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a live, weakened form of vaccine that protects infants from deadly forms of TB but the protection wears off and the vaccine does not protect adults from the most common form of TB — pulmonary TB — especially in people living in endemic countries.
But a study carried out in rhesus macaques, which are even more susceptible to TB than people, shows that a higher dose of the vaccine administered intravenously confers very high level of protection to monkeys when exposed to TB-causing bacteria six months after vaccination.
The researchers found that by merely changing the route of vaccine administration from skin (intradermal) to directly injecting it into blood flowing in the vein(intravenous) conferred greater protection to monkeys. Nine of the 10 animals that received the vaccine were highly protected when exposed to the bacteria six months after vaccination. And six of the 10 monkeys did not show any detectable signs of infection.
The research was carried out by a team of researchers led by scientists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, U.S. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), U.S. and the results were published in the journal Nature.
“When we compared the lungs of animals given the vaccine intravenously versus the standard route, we saw a 100,000-fold reduction in bacterial burden. Nine out of 10 animals showed no inflammation in their lungs,” Prof. JoAnne Flynn from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh and one of the senior authors of the paper says in a University release. “The reason the intravenous route is so effective is because the vaccine travels quickly through the bloodstream to the lungs, the lymph nodes and the spleen, and it primes the T cells before it gets killed,” Prof. Flynn says.
The safety and efficacy of the vaccine when administrated intravenously is yet to be tested on humans. But when such trials on humans is undertaken, the most likely candidates will be children about 10 years old, as they have more mature immune systems, Dr. Robert A. Seder from NIAID and corresponding author of the paper told The New York Times.
The researchers next plan to test whether lower doses of intravenous BCG vaccine could offer the same level of protection without the side effects, which mostly consist of temporary inflammationcrackIAS.com in the lungs. The study provides a “paradigm shift towards developing vaccines focused on preventing TB infection to prevent latency, active disease and transmission” in adolescents or adults, which could have the greatest effect on reducing tuberculosis transmission. However, more skill would be needed to administer intravenous vaccine. It also carries a higher risk of infection, the release says.
According to The New York Times, the reason why the intravenous route was tested is because Dr. Seder had used the same strategy in the case of the experimental malaria vaccine, which showed better priming of the immune system. Page 98 For the trial the researchers administered the vaccine at standard and higher dosage and through five different routes:
While animals that received the vaccine through the skin or by aerosol showed “partial protection”, nine of the 10 monkeys that received the vaccine directly into the blood were completely protected. The researchers studied granuloma formation in the lungs after TB infection to understand active disease. By four weeks, granulomas were seen in monkeys in all groups, including those that received the vaccine intravenously. However, animals in the intravenous group had fewer granulomas compared with the normal dose intradermal group, and six of the 10 animals did not show any granuloma throughout the infection.
When the researchers sacrificed the animals at the end of the study, no detectable TB bacteria in any organ were found in six of the 10 monkeys that received the vaccine intravenously; three other monkeys from the same group had fewer colonies of TB bacteria within just one granuloma.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more PleasecrackIAS.com enter a valid email address. The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu. Page 99 Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 100 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-03 YEAR END REVIEW: MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Science & Technology Year End Review: Ministry of Science and Technology
India launches “Green Crackers” in its bid to curb air pollution; First Indigenous Fuel Cell System launched
DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill - 2019 passed in Lok Sabha
India adopted redefined global units of measurement of kilogram, Kelvin, mole and ampere from 20th May 2019 i.e. the World Metrology Day
Posted On: 01 JAN 2020 2:40PM by PIB Delhi
Indian Science Congress (ISC), 2019 held at Jalandhar
Indian Science Congress (ISC) 2019 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3rd January. The 106th Session of Indian Science Congress, 2019 was held from January 3-7, 2019 at Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, and Punjab.
During the Congress, significant lectures from three Nobel Laureates; 20 Plenary Sessions & several sectional symposia with top authorities from DRDO, ISRO, DST, ICAR, CSIR, ICMR, AICTE, NAAC, UGC, ISCA, the USA, UK Universities, were attended by nearly 30,000 participants. More than fifteen thousand delegates participatedcrackIAS.com at this scientific meet. “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill - 2019” passed in Lok Sabha:
In a landmark decision, the Lok Sabha passed “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill - 2019” on 8th January, 2019. The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology, for establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons. Page 101 MoU signed for Inter-Ministerial Cooperation for Promotion and Facilitation of Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education:
The DBT and ICAR entered into Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 15th January, 2019 for much-needed emphasis on multi-disciplinary R&D activities and nurturing innovations in Agricultural Biotechnology Research and Education.
Highlighting the importance of the MoU, Secretary DBT, Mrs. Renu Swarup said that five to ten focused programmes both short, medium and long term will be developed and implemented. Major facilities and technology platforms created by both the agencies will be accessible to the National systems and a joint working group will be constituted to take the partnership forward.
Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation addresses Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC):
On 16th January, the Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, Professor Mark Walport, during his two-day visit to Delhi, at the invitation of Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Professor K. Vijay Raghavan met and addressed the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM- STIAC).
Chaired by Professor K. Vijay Raghavan, the PM-STIAC is an overarching body that assesses specific science and technology domains in India, and formulates interventions and roadmaps. It advises the India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all matters of science, technology and innovation.
One Health India Conference, 2019 held:
Two-day long One Health India Conference, 2019 was inaugurated on 18th February in New Delhi. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology in partnership with the Departments of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DAHDF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare; the Departments of Health Research (DHR) and Health & Family Welfare (DHFW), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, hosted the “One Health India Conference”. The conference aimed to launch India's new One Health Initiative - an inter-sectoral approach to tackling the most urgent health threats in India as well as in low and middle income countries across South and South East Asia crackIAS.comand Sub-Saharan Africa. Department of Biotechnology celebrates its 33rd Foundation Day:
The Department of Biotechnology in the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day in New Delhi on 26th February with the theme as "Celebrating Biotechnology: Building Indian as an Innovation Nation". On the occasion, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave away the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Technology Excellence (BRITE) awards. Page 102 The Minister announced key missions at the foundation day ceremony including Atal JaiAnusandhan Biotech Mission - Undertaking Nationally Relevant Technology Innovation (UNaTI), which is expected to transform Health, Agriculture and Energy sectors during the next 5 years. This mission included GARBH-ini - A Mission to promote Maternal and Child Health and develop prediction tools for pre-term berth, IndCEPI - A Mission to develop affordable vaccines for endemic diseases, Development of Biofortified and Protein Rich wheat - contributing to POSHAN Abhiyan, Mission on Anti Microbial Resistance for Affordable Diagnostics and Therapeutics and Clean Energy Mission - Innovative Technology interventions for Swachh Bharat.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK on Cancer Research Initiative:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March, 2019, has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and U.K. on Cancer Research Initiative. The MoU was signed on 14th November 2018.
Photo Exhibition titled "Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey" organised:
The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India in Partnership with India International Centre, New Delhi, organized a Photo Exhibition on 7th March, 2019, titled "Celebrating Indian Women in Science: An Incredible Journey". The aim of the exhibition was to remember, acknowledge and showcase the stories of great Indian women scientists on International women’s day, who have contributed to the development of science through their outstanding work.
Cabinet approves five years’ extension of Biomedical Research Career Programme:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27th March approved the continuation of the Biomedical Research Career Programme (BRCP), and Wellcome Trust (WT)/DBT India Alliance beyond its initial 10-year term (2008-09 to 2018-29) to a new five year phase (2019-20 to 2023-24) with Department of Biotechnology (DBT) increasing its commitment to two times that of WT. The total financial implication will be Rs. 1092 crore with DBT and WT contributing Rs.728 crore and Rs.364 crore respectively. GovernmentcrackIAS.com and IIT-Delhi to set up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies:
The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Govt of India, Prof K. Vijay Raghavan and Director, IIT Delhi, Prof V. Ramgopal Rao signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 2nd May, in New Delhi for setting up a Centre of Excellence for Waste to Wealth Technologies for implementation of sustainable, scientific and technological solutions for waste management, through validation and deployment of available technologies for transformation of waste to wealth. Page 103 MoU for Joint Collaboration on Cancer Research:
The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), M/o Science and Technology and the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Government of India on 22nd May signed an MoU for supporting joint collaborative research programmes in the area of Cancer. This MOU shall help strengthen the various initiatives specifically for cancer viz. Strategizing and prioritizing cancer research, development of new and affordable technologies, jointly design and fund clinical trials, coordinate and collaborate for translational research, interventions, training of manpower and infrastructure development.
Launch of electronic collection facility of Non-Tax Receipts of Survey of India The electronic collection facility for the costs of maps and other publications will now be available at all the sale counters of Survey of India (SoI). This will help students, researchers and other customers to buy what they would need using credit/ debit cards etc.
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy (12th June):
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation between India and Thailand in the field of Astronomy / Astrophysics / Atmospheric Science. The MoU will lead to new scientific results, human resource development through increased scientific interaction and training, joint use of scientific infrastructure etc. The MoU was signed in November, 2018.
Cabinet approves Intimation of Letter of Intent between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of signing of Lotter of Intent (LOI) between India and Costa Rica in the field of Biotechnology.
Cabinet approves Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and USA for cooperation in the field of medicine:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th July gave ex- post crackIAS.comfacto approval to the Inter-Institutional Agreement between India and the USA in the areas of regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting, new technologies, exchange of scientific ideas/information and technologies, and joint use of scientific infrastructure.
Drones to undertake Large scale Mapping of Village areas in Maharashtra:
Survey of India, the national mapping agency of the country under the Min of Science & Technology has signed an MoU with Department of revenue & Land records, Govt of Maharashtra to undertake the Large scale Mapping of Village Gaothan (Aabadi) Page 104 areas in the State of Maharashtra using drones.
India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub:
India joined the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) Hub as a new member on 12th September. This expands the global partnership working to address challenges and improve coordination and collaboration in global AMR R&D to 16 countries, the European Commission, two philanthropic foundations and four international organisations (as observers).
National Centre for Clean Coal Research & Development inaugurated at Bengaluru:
Union Minister of Science & Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, inaugurated the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development at Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru on 16th September. Government of India through Department of Science & Technology, has set up the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) as a national level consortium on clean coal R&D, led by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc)-Bengaluru.
Government launches ‘UMMID’ initiative to tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies:
The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 23rd September launched UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative and inaugurated NIDAN (National Inherited Diseases Administration) Kendras.
25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit inaugurated at New Delhi on 15th October:
Inaugurating the 25th edition of DST-CII India Netherlands Technology Summit at New Delhi by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, expressed their pleasure at the successful collaboration in Science & Technology between the two countries. ‘NEXUS’ was the central theme of the summit, discussing how to co-create on pioneering innovative solutions for global challengescrackIAS.com related to water, food and good health for all. Cabinet approves proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd October approved the proposal for Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation between India and the United States of America. The Agreement would provide an opportunity to promote ‘high quality’ and ‘high impact’ research and innovation partnerships as well as broadening and expanding relationships between the Page 105 extensive scientific and technological communities.
Guidelines Released for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India on 24th October:
While releasing the guidelines, Dr. Harsh Vardhan informed that these “Guidelines for Evaluation of Nanopharmaceuticals in India” is one of the most important steps for delineating quality, safety and efficacy assessment of the novel nanoformulations. He further added that these guidelines are intended to provide transparent, consistent and predictable regulatory pathways for nanopharmaceuticals in India. The guidelines will pave the way for significant benefits through such cutting edge technology and contribute to the mission on “Affordable Health Care for All”.
India and Netherlands launched the second phase of the LOTUS-HR (Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuseplant) as a part of joint collaboration:
During the visit of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty, Queen Maxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands a joint launch of the second phase of the Local Treatment of Urban Sewage streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUS-HR) program was done by the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on 5th October. The launch programme was held during the visit of Netherlands King & the Queen to the India-Netherlands water laboratory at the Barapullah drain in Delhi.
5th India International Science Festival held in Kolkata from 5th to 8th November, 2019:
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated via video conference, the 5th India International Science Festival at Kolkata on 5th November. Addressing on the occasion, Prime Minister said the theme of the festival “RISEN: Research, Innovation and Science Empowering the Nation” reflects the aspirations of 21st century India. He said science and technology has a major impact on society, and therefore government is providing the Institutional Support for both Invention and Innovation. Advocating for a strong ecosystem supporting Science and Technology, he said every effort is being taken to support innovation in the country.
India’s first-ever global Mega-Science exhibition, ‘Vigyan Samagam’, inauguratedcrackIAS.com at the Science City in Kolkata (4th November): This multi-venue Science Exhibition, after its successful journey in Mumbai and Bengaluru, opened for public in Kolkata from 4th November till December 31, 2019. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Department of Science and Technology (DST), the funding agencies of these projects and the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, who are venue partners and having expertise in design and hosting such exhibitions, have joined hands to organize this prestigious Science Exhibition. Page 106 3-day Global Bio-India Summit, 2019 inaugurated (21st November):
Union Ministers Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated the Global Bio-India Exhibition. Global Bio-India is one of the largest biotechnology stakeholders conglomerate being held in India for the first time. Over 3,000 delegates from around 25 countries and over 15 states of India are participating in the mega event.
5th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
The 5th Meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States’ Heads of Ministries and Departments of Science and Technology and Permanent Working Group on S&T Cooperation concluded in Moscow, Russia on 21st November. Secretary, DSIR & DG, CSIR, Dr. Shekhar C. Mande, led the Indian delegation. India will be the host of Council of Heads of Government (Prime Ministers) of SCO Member States in 2020, which will approve the Draft SCO Roadmap on cooperation between research institutions of SCO Member States for the period 2021-2023.
Global Bio-India Awards presented on 22nd November:
Presenting the awards, the Union Minister of Railways and Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal said the Government has simplified the Patents regime for Start-ups, MSMEs among others to encourage innovation. He assured the Department of Industrial will extend all support to new and emerging enterprises in Biotechnology sector.
8th Foundation Day of Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) (PPP between Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)) held on 28th November:
Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan recognized and felicitated the exceptional performance of GITA project in contributing towards enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem. The theme of the event was ‘Making India Future Ready’.
PrimecrackIAS.com Minister confers Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018:
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi conferred Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) prizes for the years 2016, 2017 and 2018 in New Delhi on 28th February. The SSB prize is awarded each year on the basis of conspicuously important and outstanding contributions to human knowledge and progress, made through work done primarily in India during the five years, preceding the year of the prize.
Redefined units of measurement of kilogram, Kelvin, mole and ampere Page 107 implented in India by CSIR-NPL:
After decades of ground-breaking laboratory works, the world’s scientific and technical community, in a landmark and historic decision taken in the recent open session of the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) at BIPM on 16th November 2018, has unanimously adopted the resolution to redefine four of the seven base units, the kilogram (SI unit of weight), Kelvin (SI unit of temperature), mole (SI unit of amount of substance), and ampere (SI unit of current). The new SI is being implemented worldwide from 20th May 2019 i.e. the World Metrology Day by CSIR-NPL in India.
NSG facility inaugurated at CSIR-CCMB:
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the Next Generation Sequencing (NSG) facility at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMC) in Hyderabad on 20th July. The facility includes technology for high genome sequencing and also diagnostic sequencing of clinical samples. The state of art machine, acquired at a cost of Rs. 8 crore can sequence 18,000 samples in 8 minutes. The NGS would help prenatal genetic screening and counselling, thereby generating large scale genomic data critical for diagnosis and therapy.
First Indigenous Fuel Cell System developed by CSIR launched on CSIR Foundation Day on 26th September 2019:
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, on 26th September unveiled the first Indigenous High Temperature Fuel Cell System developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in partnership with Indian industries under India’s flagship program named “New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)” on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day in New Delhi. A unique example of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) among CSIR’s three Laboratories [CSIR-NCL, Pune; CSIR-NPL, New Delhi & CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi (Chennai Center)] and two Indian industries; M/s Thermax Limited, Pune and M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Mumbai exemplified exploiting materials of science developments at CSIR laboratories into practice by Industry.
President of India presents awards for outstanding contributions in Science and crackIAS.comTechnology on the occasion of CSIR Foundation Day on 26th September: The President lauded the accomplishments of CSIR and its technological interventions towards the socio-economic development of the nation. The President presented the CSIR Technology Awards to teams of CSIR and the G.N. Ramachandran Gold Medal to Prof. Amitabha Chattopadhyay of CSIR-CCMB.
Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan launches “Green Crackers” developed by CSIR in a bid to curb air pollution on 5th October:
Green logo and QR coding system was also launched to track manufacture & sale of Page 108 counterfeit crackers. Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan announced that Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) labs have been successful in developing various environment-friendly fireworks such as sound emitting crackers, flowerpots, pencils, chakkar and sparklers.
CSIR conducts Whole Genome Sequencing of over 1,000 Indians for Biomedical Applications:
The CSIR has conducted Whole Genome Sequencing of 1,008 Indians from different populations across the country. Announcing details of the IndiGen Genome project, the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Health & Family Welfare, Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the whole genome data will be important for building the knowhow, baseline data and indigenous capacity in the emerging area of Precision Medicine.
CSIR signs MoU with KVIC on promotion of honey production Khadi outlets to also display CSIR products on 5th December:
The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to leverage the expertise available in CSIR with the effort of KVIC for promotion of honey production and also to enable wider outreach of the CSIR technologies and products.
MOU signed between Ministry of AYUSH and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research on 22nd April 2019
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Ministry of AYUSH and CSIR, New Delhi for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science.
CSIR signs MoU with Indian Navy on 5th April 2019
The Indian Navy and CSIR signed a MoU to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy. This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR, the Indian Navy and Indian industry.crackIAS.com
HPCL & CSIR have developed BND
HPCL and CSIR–NPL released 26 Petroleum BNDs (Bharatiya Nideshak Dravya or Indian Reference Material) coinciding with the occasion of World Metrology Day. These will be of immense use for BS VI fuels and will save foreign exchange through import substitution for Certified Reference Materials (CRMs). This will provide traceability for all vital parameters of Petroleum products testing and certification Page 109 comprising of 13 physical properties, 2 Physicochemical properties and 11 Chemical properties, including BND for sulfur content measurement at lower concentrations which will be of immense use for BS VI fuels.
CSIR and IIT Delhi Signed an MoU on 16th July 2019
CSIR and IIT Delhi, have entered into an agreement with five of the renowned National Laboratories of CSIR Viz CSIR-Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute, CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation, CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute, CSIR-Institute of Minerals & Materials Technology, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory. As a part of MoU, IIT Delhi plans to promote collaborative research, exchange of ideas, development of knowledge, enhancing high quality research throughput. IIT Delhi and CSIR aspire to leverage the mutual expertise to contribute to the socio economic needs of the country.
Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel
Honourable Union Minister of S&T Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a demonstration plant for converting plastic waste to diesel based on technology developed by CSIR- IIP. This plant can convert one tonne of plastic waste into 800 liters of diesel every day that is of automotive grade and is in collaboration with Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) India.
CSIR-NPL designated as the National Verifciation Agency for Air quality monitoring instruments
Union environment ministry has designated CSIR-NPL as the national verification agency for certifying instruments and equipment for monitoring emissions and ambient air quality, which will assist in maintaining standards of instruments and data of air quality being collected.
CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma
CSIR-IICT has signed a global licensing pact with Sun Pharma for patents on dermatology, ophthalmology and oncology. Sun Pharma will pay upfront and milestonecrackIAS.com linked payments upto Rs 240 crore and royalties to CSIR-IICT from commercialization.
Joint Workshops conducted by CSIR and Fraunhofer, Germany
Series of workshops were conducted between CSIR and Fraunhofer Institute, Germany towards Indo - German collaboration in Research and Innovation towards leapfrogging in Frontier Technologies. Page 110
CSIR and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (National Institutes of Health) USA, signed an MoU
The MoU was to strengthen and develop research cooperation related to environmental health sciences with emphasis on understanding the health effects associated with exposure to air poluttants and other environmental chemicals.
Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by Union Minister of S&T and ES
Smart Aerospace Composite Manufacturing Facility was inaugurated, by Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES which will produce high quality lightweight polymer composite airframes for the HANSA-NG program of CSIR-NAL and the present prototyping facility shall produce 3 to 4 aircraft per year.
Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a MedTech clean room facility
Hon’ble Union Minister of S&T and ES inaugurated at CSIR-NCL Venture Center, a Med Tech clean room facility which is designed for the manufacture of medical devices and diagnostic services for undertaking clinical study and testing purposes. This has the potential to boost the innovation ecosystem and startups in the medical devices sector.
International training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals conducted by CSIR-IIP
A eight weeks international training programme on Petroleum Refining Technology and Petrochemicals was conducted by CSIR-IIP, Dehradun. About 15 foreign Government officials mainly from African countries participated in the programme under Indian Technical Economic Cooperation.
CSIR-NEERI, Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR
CSIR-NEERI,crackIAS.com Nagpur launched the Indian air quality Interactive Repository or IndAIR which has archived approximately 700 scanned materials from pre-internet era (1950-1999), 1215 research articles, 170 reports and case studies, 100 cases and over 2,000 statues, to provide the history of air pollution research and legislation in the county. Such a repository on the subject of air pollution is one of the first in the world.
Page 111 CSIR-TKDL (Traditional Knowledge Digital Library) signs Agreement with Asiam Agri History Foundation
An agreement with Asian Agri History Foundation, at Pant Nagar was signed by TKDL for cooperation related to digitization and inclusion of information on traditional Indian agriculture and allied domains
CSIR has signed MoU with CNRS, France
MoU signed with CNRS, France for Promotion & Support of Scientific & Technological Research in areas of mutual interest including including plant and marine biotechnology; health research; environment and climate change studies; engineering science and technology; material science and technology; energy science and technology and water research.
CSIR-IHBT, Palampur and Ladakh Farmers and Producers Co-operative Limited (LFPCL) have entered into an MoU
The MoU is to grow saffron in Ladakh using tissue culture technology for production of disease free, healthy and flowering sized saffron corms in the non-traditional areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Leh, North East and hilly regions of Tamil Ladu.
Zero Waste Potash technology developed by CSIR-CSMCRI
The efforts of CSIR scientists from CSIR-CSMCRI who have developed a technology for recovery valuable potash from spent wash and saves foreign exchanges and prevents hazardous spent wash being discarded was appreciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
********
RCJ/PK
(Release ID: 1598135) Visitor Counter : 951
crackIAS.com END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 112 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-03 YEAR END REVIEW 2019: MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Earth Science Year End Review 2019: Ministry of Earth Sciences
Alerts for various cyclone storms during the year
Low cost device for ocean states forecast and mapping potential fishing zones launched
Silver Jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) held in Chennai
Posted On: 01 JAN 2020 2:27PM by PIB Delhi
Alerts for various cyclone storms during the year:
During the year, various alerts and timely warnings were issued regarding Cyclonic storms, Heavy rainfall warning, Sea condition, Storm Surge Warning, Damage Expected, pre- cyclone alerts and expected damage, etc.
The alerts were issued for Cyclonic Storm ‘PABUK’ over Andaman Sea & neighbourhood, Cyclone ‘FANI’ over Southwest Bay & adjoining Southeast of Bengal, Cyclone Alert for Odisha, West Bengal & Srikakulam and Vijayanagaram Districts of Andhra Pradesh Coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘VAYU’ over Northeast & adjoining East central Arabian Sea, Depression over northwest Bay of Bengal off north Odisha – West Bengal coasts, Cyclonic Storm ‘HIKAA’ over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian sea and Cyclonic Storm ‘BULBUL’ over northwest and adjoining West-Central Bay of Bengal. Other alerts like Snowfall over hills, hailstorms and Western Disturbance were also disseminated by issuing press releases. Low costcrackIAS.com device for ocean states forecast and mapping potential fishing zones launched: For seamless and effective dissemination of emergency information and communication on disaster warnings, Potential Fishing Zones (PFZ) and Ocean States Forecasts (OSF) to fishermen, the Government on 9th October launched the Gagan Enabled Mariner’s Instrument for Navigation and Information (GEMINI) device. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), joined hands with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to utilize the GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation) satellite system to transmit the PFZ, OSF and disaster warnings to fishermen with GAGAN system consisting of three geosynchronous satellites (GSAT-8, GSAT- 10 and GSAT-15). GAGAN foot-print covers the entire Indian Ocean round the clock. Page 113 Government launched Special Weather Services for Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj
The government on 14th January launched special weather services for the benefit of people visiting Prayagraj during Kumbh Mela. The Kumbh Mela 2019 was held at Prayagraj during January-March 2019. A mobile application named "Kumbh Mela Weather Service" was developed to disseminate the live weather information (temperature, humidity, rainfall and winds) as observed in all the above four sites. The Mobile App was available for downloading from Google Store.
3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro-meteorology for managing climatic risks of farmers” organised at New Delhi:
Considering the urgent need of sharing the agro-meteorological knowledge among researchers, policy makers, industry and farmers to learn from each other, identify the technologies/practices and develop a roadmap for risk management, the Association of Agro Meteorologists (AAM) organized a 3-day International Symposium on “Advances in Agro Meteorology for Managing Climatic Risks of Farmers” (INAGMET-2019) at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi (India) beginning 11th February, 2019. The symposium was jointly organized with India Meteorological Department, Indian Centre of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Indian Agricultural Research Institute and Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Vice President addressed the Silver Jubilee celebrations of NIOT in Chennai; sought innovative solutions to conserve water and tackle climate change, pollution:
Inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai on 3rd November, the Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu said technology was needed for protection of coastal areas from negative impacts of climate change and for development of blue coastal infrastructure for the benefit of society.
The NIOT was established in November 1993 as an autonomous society under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India by the then Department of Ocean Development. NIOT has established itself as one of the premier institutes in the world, working on various ocean technologies.
Visit of UK’s Prince Charles to India Meteorological Department
Prince Charles visited the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 13th November, 2019. Dr. M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, IMD welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Charles to IMD. DGM IMD highlighted the evolution of cyclone warning system aftermath of Odisha Super Cyclone in 1999 which led to loss of 10,000 human deaths to the current modernised early warning system of IMD which has minimised the loss of lives to less than 100 due to very severe cyclonic storms crossingcrackIAS.com the coast since 2013. The modernised system has not only helped India, but also the 13 countries in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea region to minimize loss of lives to less than 100. His Highness appreciated the accurate predictions during cyclone FANI which crossed Odisha coast in May, 2019 and recent cyclone Bulbul which crossed West Bengal-Bangladesh coast in November, 2019.
MoU between India and the UK on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 28th February was apprised of the MoU between India and United Kingdom (UK) on Cooperation in Weather and Climate Sciences. The MoU was signed on 28th January 2019, under which, an Implementation Page 114 Agreement on Weather and climate science for service partnership will also be signed between India and the UK.
MoU on Antarctic cooperation between India and Argentina:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 27th March was apprised about an MoU signed in February, 2019 between India and Argentina on Antarctic cooperation. The MoU will help scientific cooperation on projects in the fields of Earth sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans.
************
RCS/PK
(Release ID: 1598130) Visitor Counter : 796
Read this release in: Hindi , Bengali
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 115 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-04 MINISTRY OF TOURISM : YEAR END REVIEW 2019 Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Tourism Ministry of Tourism : Year End Review 2019
Posted On: 03 JAN 2020 2:38PM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Tourism is committed to make policies and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism. This sector has the capacity to boost economy, foreign exchange earnings and provide large number of jobs at every level that’s why Ministry of Tourism continuously consults and collaborates with other stakeholders in the sector including various Central Ministries/ agencies, the State Governments/ Union Territory Administrations and the representatives of the private sector. In 2019 Ministry of taken several steps like reducing E–visa fees, reducing GST rates on hotel room booking, opening 120 new peaks for mountaineering etc. Along with this several steps taken under Swadesh Darshan, PRASHAD Scheme and various other events of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat were some of the important highlights for the ministry this year.
crackIAS.com Page 116
● India’s rank in Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) of World Economic Forum has moved from 65th rank in 2013 to 34thrank in 2019.
● Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) during the period January- November 2019 were 96,69,633 as compared to 93,66,478 in January- November 2018 registering a growth of 3.2%.
● During January- November 2019, a total of 25,51,211 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 20,61,511 during January-November 2018, registering a growth of 23.8%.
● Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) FEEs during the period January- November 2019 were Rs. 1,88,364 Crore as compared to Rs. 1,75,407 Crore in January- November 2018 registering a growth of 7.4%.
● Development of thematic circuits is being undertaken under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme. A total number of 77 projects for an amount of Rs 6035.70 Crore have been sanctioned till date under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
● Integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations is being undertaken under the ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) Scheme. A total number of 28 projects have been sanctioned till date for an amount of Rs.840.02Crore under this Scheme.
● The “Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’’ project is a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India, State/ UTs Government for developing tourist amenities at heritage/tourist sites and making them tourist friendly, in a planned and phased manner.Ministry of Tourism has signed 27 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU’s) till dateunder thecrackIAS.com Adopt a Heritageproject.
● E-visa:
● e-Visa has 4 sub-categories i.e., e-Tourist visa, e-Business Visa, e-Medical Visa and e-Medical Attendant Visa.
● e-Visa is valid for entry through 28 designated Airports and 5 designated seaports
● At present the e-Visa Scheme is available to nationals of 169 countries. Page 117
● E-visa has now been further liberalized to include the following:
i. e-Tourist Visa of 5-year duration has been launched in addition to one-year e- Tourist Visa. This e-Tourist Visa for 5 years will be with a stay stipulation of maximum of 90 days’ multiple entry and non-extendable. ii. A one-month e-Tourist Visa with double entry, has been launched. iii. e-Conference Visa, in line with e-Conference Visa for Government/P.S.U. conferences, would be provided for private conferences organized by private persons/companies/ organizations.
● The Government has substantially reduced the visa fee on e – visa to increase tourism competitiveness of the country. New visa rates will be as under:
i. 30 days e-TV (April-June) - US $ 10/- ii. 30 days e-TV (July -March) - US $ 25/- iii. 01-year e-TV - US $ 40/- iv. 05 years e-TV - US $ 80/-
● The Government has opened more than 120 mountain peaks for mountaineering and trekking. The opening of the peaks would help in promoting adventure tourism in the country.
● The Government has reduced GST on hotel rooms with tariffs of 1,001 to 7,500/night to 12%; those above 7,501 to 18% to increase India’s competitiveness as a tourism destination vis-à-vis other competing markets in the region.
crackIAS.com Page 118
❍ Ministry of Tourism was designated as the nodal Ministry for organizing the “Bharat Parv”. The event was held at the Red Fort, Delhi from 26th to 31st January 2019, as part of the Republic Day 2019 Celebrations. It was organized on the theme of Celebrating 150 years of Mahatma. The highlights of the Parv included a replica of the ‘Statue of Unity’ created by Sculptor Padmashri Ram V. Sutar, performances by the Armed Forces Bands (static and moving), a Multi- Cuisine Food Court, Crafts Mela, Cultural Performances from different regions of the country, a Photo Exhibition by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and setting up of Gandhi Gram by Ministry of Culture (NZCC) in which 10 artists created paintings on the theme of 'Ideology of Mahatma Gandhi'.
crackIAS.com Page 119
● Ministry of Tourism organized a Mega Fam Tour as part of the celebration of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21, 2019. Tour Operators, representatives of Travel Media, Opinion Makers, etc. from 20 countries participated in the Mega Fam Tour. A special event for Celebration of IDY was organized at Lal Bagh, Bengaluru on June 21, 2019 for the participants of the Mega Fam Tour. IDY was widely celebrated by this Ministry through its Domestic Indiatourism Offices in the country. An estimated 69 events having participation of more than 26600 persons including tourism stakeholders, Government Officials, tourists and the local communities were held in different cities around the country. IDY branding was undertaken during all these events and many celebrities were invited to create more awareness about the celebration of the IDY. India Tourism, overseas organized events in association with the Indian Missions to celebrate IDY. th ● Ministry of Tourism organized State Tourism Ministers Conference on 20 August 2019 at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi. The Conference was attended by more than 18 Tourism Ministers and senior officials from the State Governments. Various issuescrackIAS.com pertaining to implementation of projects and developing synergy for grievance redressal and Safety & security of the tourists were taken up in the Conference. Page 120
●
● Ministry of Tourism has launched ‘Incredible India Tourist Facilitators Certification’ (IITFC) programme. The certification programme is an Online Learning Management System which aims at creating skilled manpower to work as tourist facilitators. The programme helps local citizens in harnessing the local experience and traditional knowledge for assisting tourists and to be a potential bread earner for their households.
● Ministry of Tourism has revamped the Incredible India website. It showcases India as a holistic destination, revolving around major experiences, such as, spirituality, heritage, adventure, culture, yoga, wellness and more. Going forward, the website will be available in Hindi and leading international languages. Hindi version of the Incredible India was launched in the Tourism Ministers Conference held on 20th August 2019 at Ashok Hotel, New Delhi.
● The Minister of Tourism and Culture led a delegation of senior officials of the Ministry of Tourism to Ladakh from 3-6th September 2019 to explore tourism potential of Ladakh and design appropriate policy interventions for tourism in consultation with the local authorities in Ladakh.
● The Ministry of Tourism supported India Tourism Mart (ITM) 2019 organized by FederationcrackIAS.com of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) held at New Delhi from 23rd to 25th September 2019. About 240 international delegates from 51 countries participated in this event. The B2B meetings and networking sessions between the buyer and seller delegates were held on 24th and 25th September 2019. ITM provides a national platform for Government as well as private stakeholders with an opportunity to interact with the foreign counterparts. Page 121
● The Ministry of Tourism organized the National Tourism Awards 2017-18 function on 27th September 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. A total number of 76 awards under different categories were given during this function. The Hon’ble Vice President of India; Secretary-General of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC) gave away the awards to the winners.
●
● The World Tourism Day was celebrated on 27th September 2019 at Vigyan Bhawan,crackIAS.com New Delhi. This year the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) had designated India as the venue for the celebrations. Its purpose is to foster awareness among the global community of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution of the tourism sector in reaching the Sustainable Development Goals. In 2019, in line with UNWTO’s overarching focus on skills, education and jobs throughout the year, the topic of the World Tourism Day was ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’. Hon’ble Vice President of India was the chief guest for the inauguration of World Tourism Day. Union Minister of State for Tourism & Culture (IC); Secretary-General of United Page 122 Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Tourism Minister of Paraguay and 82 international delegates were present on the occasion.
● The Incredible India "Find the Incredible You" campaign released globally by the Ministry of Tourism during 2018-19 has been declared winner of the PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) Gold Award 2019 in the “Marketing - Primary Government Destination” category. This year’s awards attracted 198 entries from 78 organizations and individuals worldwide.
nd th ● Ministry of Tourism celebrated Paryatan Parv, 2019 from 2 to 13 October 2019 at National Level. The Delhi leg of the Parv was organized from 2nd to 6th October 2019 at Rajpath lawns.TheCentral theme of Paryatan Parv - 2019 was 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi. The platform was also used to promote the idea of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. On pan India level, various tourism related activities were also organized by the State Governments, Line Ministries, India Tourism Offices and Institutes of Hotel Management etc., during Paryatan Parv - 2019. crackIAS.com
● Ministry of Tourism in association with the State Government of Manipur organized the “8th International Tourism Mart” (ITM) at Imphal, Manipur from 23rd to 25th November 2019. The Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Culture & Tourism and the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur jointly inaugurated ITM on 23rd November 2019 at Imphal, Manipur. Page 123
ITM was organized in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. A total of 35 foreign delegates from 18 Countries, 79 domestic sellers from the North Eastern Region and 32 domestic delegates from the Western, Eastern and Northern Region participated in ITM - 2019.
*******
NB/AKJ/OA
(Release ID: 1598374) Visitor Counter : 432
Read this release in: Hindi crackIAS.com END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 124 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-04 MINISTRY OF CULTURE: YEAR END REVIEW 2019 Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Culture Ministry of Culture: Year End Review 2019
Posted On: 03 JAN 2020 1:01PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Culture is committed to preserve and promote the rich art and culture of India, both tangible and intangible. Ministry and his autonomous bodies have worked whole year for this. Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, 29 days cultural extravaganza Sanskriti Kumbh at Kumbh Mela, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, Commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government, Restoration work of architectural genius Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra and various other events of Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat were some of the important highlights for the ministry this year.
1. Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days Cultural extravaganza organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019
Sanskriti Kumbh, a 29 days cultural extravaganza was organised at Kumbh Mela Area, Prayagraj from 10th January, 2019. The Ministry of Culture, Government of India organized Sanskriti Kumbh with intent to showcase the rich Cultural Heritage of India in all its rich and varied dimensions viz. Performing Arts- Folk, Tribal and Classical art forms, Handicrafts, Cuisines, Exhibitions etc. all in one place.
Under the banner of Sanskriti Kumbh, Rashtriya Shilp Mela was also organized in the premises of NCZCC where Shilp Haats were set up to display handicrafts and live demonstration of the skill by craftsmen. Special arrangements were made for the delegates of “Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas” for participating in the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.Around ten thousand participants attended the colourful convention.President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the three day crackIAS.com
Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Parmarth Niketan camp at Prayagraj Kumbh. About 300 Gandhians from different parts of the country and organisations are participating in the Summit.
2. Auction of Mementos received by Prime Minister, organised in two chapters, one in Page 125 January and another in September, 2019
The physical auction of Mementos received by the Prime Minister, organised by National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi, under the aegis of Ministry of Culture, culminated on 28th January 2019 and the e-auction had taken place from 29th to 31st January 2019 for remaining items which are not sold during the physical auction on the portal www.pmmementos.gov.in.
The proceeds from auction are donated for the noble cause of Namami Gange.
Second Chapter Exhibition of Prime Minister’s gifts was organised from 14th September to 3rd October, 2019 by the Ministry of Culture at National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi. Mementos included 576 Shawls, 964 AngaVastram, 88 Pagris and various jackets portraying the diversified and colourful Culture of our Country. The Major Highlight of the Physical auction organized at NGMA was that a specially handcrafted wooden bike, received a successful bid of Rs. 5 lakhs. A similar bid was also received for a unique painting, which depicts Prime Minister Modi on a railway platform – a uniquely artistic interpretation of Narendra Modi’s special bond with the railways.
crackIAS.com
3. New campus of National Museum Institute inaugurated at Noida on 30th January, 2019 Page 126 The new Campus of the National Museum Institute was inaugurated at A-19, Sector 62, NOIDA (Institutional Area), on 30th January, 2019.Four new courses i.e. (i) Archaeology; (ii) Palaeography, Epigraphy and Numismatics; (iii) Structural Conservation and (iv) Cultural & Heritage Management, were proposed to be commence. In addition to these regular courses, short-term courses of five-month duration i.e. Art Appreciation and Bhartiya Kalanidhi (Hindi), which are very popular, were promised to be conducted by the Institute to disseminate the knowledge about the country’s tangible and intangible heritage.
4. Special Postage Stamp on Kumbh Mela was released on 2ndFebruary
Union Minister of State for Railways and Communication Mr Manoj Sinha released a special postage stamp of the Indian Postal Department on Kumbh Mela on 2nd February, 2019. A special first day cover was also released on the occasion. Its cost is five rupees.
5. 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav organised in New Delhi
The 20th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM), the international theatre festival of India, is organized by National School of Drama. The 20th BRM comes with 111 national and international acts in its basket that includes folk and other traditional theatre forms, invitee plays, and productions by the students of the National School of Drama.
6. President of India Presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Sangeet NatakAkademi Awards for the year 2017 at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on February 06, 2019.
crackIAS.com
Page 127
7. Foundation Stone of Taj View Gardenon the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal laid on 14th February
Foundation Stone of Taj View Garden on the Taj Corridor Area between the Agra Fort and TajMahal in Agra was laid on 14thFeburary, 2019.
The Taj View Garden is being developed on the Mughal period’s Charbagh garden pattern by the Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. A permanent photo exhibition was also curated near the newly constructed Visitor’s Facility Centre at the Eastern Gate of TajMahal.
8. Virtual Experiential Museum established at Man – Mahal near Dashashwamedh Ghat at Varanasi
Virtual Experiential Museum has been established by the National Council of Science Museum (NCSM) working under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) helped in designing and curation of this Virtual Experiential Museum and also in preparing of script for various documentaries to be shown in this VEM.The Prime Minister, Sri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Virtual Experiential Museum (VEM) in a Centrally Protected Monument under Archeological Survey of India, Man – Mahal, situated on the bank of the Ganges near holy DashashwamedhGhat at Varanasi.
9. Azaadi Ke Diwane’ Museum at Red Fort Complex in New Delhi, created by ASI Pays Homage to Unsung Heroes of Freedom Struggle of the Nation
The ‘Azaadi ke Diwane’ museum was inaugurated at Red Fort, Delhi on 4th March, 2019. Created by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the museum within the Red Fort complex pays homage to all the unsung heroes of freedom struggle of the nation, who would have otherwise been merged away in forgetfulness. 10. NationalcrackIAS.com Council of Science Museums of Culture Ministry collaborates with Google Arts & Culture for largest interactive online exhibition on inventions and discoveries
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), an organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India has collaborated with Google Arts & Culture for ‘Once upon a Try’: Epic journeys of invention and discovery - the largest online exhibition about inventions and discoveries ever curated, as an attempt to explore humanity’s greatest inventions and discoveries in an interactive online exhibition. The online exhibition was launched on 7th March, 2019 and contains collections, stories and knowledge from over 110 renowned institutions from across 23 countries, highlighting millennia of major breakthroughs and the great minds behind them. Page 128
11. Release of Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle (1857-1947)
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, released the Dictionary of Martyrs of India’s Freedom Struggle, on 7th March, 2019 at an event in Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi. This five-volume dictionary contains an account of the martyrs from India’s First War of Independence in 1857, to India’s Independence in 1947.The martyrs of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, the non- cooperation movement, the Quit India Movement, and those soldiers of the Azad Hind Fauj, who attained martyrdom, among many others are included. The project for compilation of “Dictionary of Martyrs” of India’s Freedom Struggle was commissioned by the Ministry of Culture, to the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) to commemorate the 150th anniversary of uprising of 1857.
12. New Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in UP inaugurated by the Prime Minister
The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Institute of Archaeology at Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh was inaugurated by The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 9th March, 2019. A statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya at the campus and Deendayal Museum in the Institute campus was also inaugurated on the same day. The state-of-the-art institute, built at an estimated cost of Rs. 289 crore is spread over 25 acres. The Institute comprises of an auditorium with seating capacity of 1000 people, an open air theatre and an Archaeological Museum. The Institute of Archaeology (IA) is an academic wing of ASI under the Ministry of Culture.
13. Ministry of Culturefacilitates in setting up of FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal for ‘Amarnath Yatra’ Pogramme For thecrackIAS.com first time ever, on a request from Ministry of Culture (MoC), Ministry of I&B set up a FM Radio Transmitter on 103.7 MHZ frequency at Baltal, on the Amarnath route. A studio facility was set up at Baltal Base Camp, and “AmarnathYatra” program was generated from Baltal base camp. Pahalgam transmitter was also tuned to Baltal. All India Radio (AIR) transmitted regular services on crowd management, weather, health and other alerts; devotional music was provided by Ministry of Culture.Ministry of Culture curated and created high quality devotional content for the Yatra, which includes Mantras, Shlokas and Bhajans with contextual meaning on Shiva, Parvati and Ganesh. Leading music directors and singers were roped in for this purpose. Archival content was taken from National Cultural Audio-visual Archives, under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. Page 129 14. India gets its 38th world UNESCO World heritage site As Pink City Jaipur
India’s nomination of the Jaipur City, Rajasthan got inscribed on 6th July, 2019 on the World Heritage List of UNESCO during the 43rd Session of the World Heritage Committee held at Baku, Azerbaijan. The nomination of Jaipur City has successfully been done by complying with the various UNESCO guidelines of 2017. With Successful inscription of Jaipur City, India has 38 world heritage sites that include 30 Cultural properties, 7 Natural properties and 1 mixed site.
15. Restoration work of architectural genius, Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra initiated by Archaeological Survey of India
The restoration work of Markandeshwar temple in Maharashtra by the Archaeological Survey of India has been initiated in the month of July, 2019. Known as the “Khajuraho of Vidarbha”, the temple of Markandadeo is situated on the bank of River Wainganga in district Gadchiroli of Maharashtra. A detailed documentation process was initiated to carry out the condition mapping of the temple in order to carry out the conservation process.
16. Historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi illuminated with advanced LED Lights
crackIAS.com
Safdarjung Tomb is one of those historical monuments which attracts thousands of tourists every year and is the pride jewel in Delhi’s history.With the illumination the architectural beauty of the 17th century Mughal era monument displayed its historic reflection on Delhi after sunset. To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Safdarjung tomb,a total of 213 technologically advanced LED lights were used which consumes less electricity – the consumption of which is approximately 62% less than conventional light fixtures. Page 130 17. Nepali and Santhali languages included in the Scheme for grant of Senior/Junior Fellowships of Culture Ministry
The Ministry of Culture administers a scheme component namely Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture. The fellowships are awarded for undertaking research oriented projects.Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Dwarka is the Nodal institute for handling the Scheme of Sr. /Jr. Fellowship till selection process. “Literary Arts” is one of the Fields under this Scheme where candidates can apply for research in 22 languages as their Sub-Field. The remaining 2 languages from the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution i.e. Nepali and Santhali were included in the Sub-Field of Field “Literature” in the scheme component ‘Award of Senior/Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes in the Fields of Culture’.
18. Delhi Public Library launchedMobile Library Busesprocured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India
Mobile Library Buses procured under C.S.R assistance from Airports Authority of India were launched under the “Ghar-Ghar Dastak Ghar Ghar Pustak” Scheme of the Delhi Public Library, which aims to provide books to the citizens of Delhi, especially, the residents of slums, resettlement colonies and rural areas.
19.Excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Maharastra’s Phupgaon, indicated towards Iron Age Settlement crackIAS.com
The recent excavation carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Maharashtra’s Phupgaon has revealed evidence of an Iron Age settlement in the Vidarbha region. The excavation at the site was taken up between December, 2018 and March, 2019.The team of ASI took up an intensive survey in the region between Chandur Bazar to Dariyapur of Purna basin at Page 131 Phupgaon (N 21° 24’ 00.6” E 77° 54’ 11.6”), Amravati district of Maharashtra. The site is situated in the vast meander of the river Purna, a major tributary of Tapi, which used to be a perennial river, but at present is completely dried-up due to the dam construction in the upper stream. The site is situated about 20 m away from the river bed and its one-third portion has been subjected to frequent erosion during the heavy water current in the earlier times.
ASI is of the view that the excavation at Phupgaon has provided important insights into Iron Age people of Purna river basin. Chronologically, the site could be placed between 7th C BCE and 4th C BCE. However, further detailed study of the site with chronometric dating is being taken up to reveal further aspects of Iron Age of Vidarbha.
20. ‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’ (1943-44) brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press
‘The Diary of Manu Gandhi’ (1943-44) has been brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press and launched at a function in the auditorium of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library today in New Delhi. The Diary of Manu Gandhi originally in Gujarati has been edited and translated by Dr Tridip Suhrud, a well-known scholar engaged in understanding the Gandhian Intellectual tradition. The first volume covers the period 1943-1944.
21. Integrated NOAPS single window clearing system of National Monuments Authority for 517 local bodies in six States launched crackIAS.com
An integrated NOC online Application Processing System for National Monuments Authority (NMA) for 517 local bodies of six states was launched in the public domain over the URL: http://nmanoc.nic.in/ by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on in New Delhi. Online processing of applications requesting NOC for construction related work in prohibited and regulated area of ASI protected monuments has Page 132 been made simpler with this system. Six New States are now a part of this Integrated Online Application Portal with Urban Local Bodies Count.The Portal has integration with the Smart ‘Smarac’ Mobile App of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), through which the applicant traverses his plot and the geo coordinates of his plot along with the images get uploaded into the NIC portal along with the proximity and the approval status.
22. Water Conservation system and Baby care & Feeding Room installed at Taj Mahal Premises
A Water Conservation system and Baby care& Feeding Room at the premises of Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh was installed and inaugurated by the Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) on 29th August, 2019. The Water Conservation System which in its first turn puts about 10000 litre of polluted water coming out of RO System into the old well located in the premises of the heritage site.
23. ‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at PuranaQilacurated by ASI showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public
‘Gallery of Confiscated and Retrieved Antiquities’ at Purana Qila curated by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)showcases confiscated and retrieved antiquities for public, the Gallery is located in the arched cells of Purana Qila. The number of antiquities recovered in the last five years has been the highest ever, So far, ASI, has retrieved 44 stolen antiquities from USA, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Canada and England and 119 more antiquities are in the process of retrieval. Owing to the efforts of ASI no theft has been reported from any Centrally Protected Monument or site museum under ASI during last few years.
24. First ever architectural LED illumination of Qutab Minar crackIAS.com
The historic Qutb Minar came alive as it saw the first ever architectural LED illumination inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (I/C) Shri Prahalad Singh Patel in New Delhi on 31st August, 2019.
To highlight the architectural beauty including arches and minarets of the Qutb Minar, a total of 358 technologically advanced LED lights have been used which will consume 62% less electricity than conventional light fixtures. Warm lights will highlight the architectural features on the monument’s facade. Apart from the minaret, the pathways and smaller structures around the Page 133 Qutb Minar have also been lit. The new illumination comprises lighting that accentuates the silhouette of the monument with the interplay of light and shade. The duration of illumination will be from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily with a monthly cost of Rs16,615/- which comes out merely to Rs 1,99,388/- for a year.
25. The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition (SCIENCE EXPLORER) of NCSM organised in Leh for entire Ladakh Region
The first ever Mobile Science Exhibition (SCIENCE EXPLORER) for the entire Ladakh Region in Leh was flagged off by the Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel on 5th September, 2019.
Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) programme, originally launched as Mobile Science Museum (MSM) in 1965, with a mission ‘If the people cannot visit the museum, let the museum visit the people at their doorsteps’, is the largest and the longest running outreach programme of NCSM. It is very successful in supplementing formal education with non-formal mode of science education, in creating a scientific awareness in the society and nurturing scientific temper and creative potential of the young people in the areas where MSE programmes are conducted.
26. Union Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participates in BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meet at Curitiba, Brazil
crackIAS.com Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel participated in BRICS Culture Ministers’ meeting held in Curitiba, Brazil.On the occasion, Shri Patel said that India attaches importance to its engagement with BRICS which has emerged as a valuable forum for consultation, coordination and cooperation on contemporary global issues of mutual interest and has helped to promote mutual understanding. Joint exhibition titled Bonding Regions & Imagining Cultural Synergies is being hosted by National Gallery of Modern Arts of India under the auspices of the BRICS Alliance of Museums and Art Galleries during November-December, 2019.Shri Patel proposed to add another field of cooperation under the aegis of BRICS Alliance on Literature envisaging BRICS Literary Festival to enhance Page 134 cooperation and exchanges in the field of literature and promoting translation of literary works of famous writers and poets of BRICS member states.
27. 10th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav' organised in Madhya Pradesh
Under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Matrix, 10th edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav was organised by the Ministry of Culture in Madhya Pradesh. Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri LaljiTandon in the presence of Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (I/C), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the festival in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, on14th October, 2019. Under the broad umbrella theme of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat has covered a profusion of art forms practised and performed by artists from all Zonal Cultural Centres of India, from Classical dance, viz. Classical dance, Loknritya, folk music, to visual and culinary arts. Handloom and handicrafts are equally being exhibited in stalls and tents curated at this Mahotsav. The gastronomic culture of Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and several other partnering states is being showcased in food stalls. After its conclusion in Jabalpur, Mahotsav travelled to Sagar and concluded at Rewa on 21st October, 2019.
28. CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel at the event “Digital Bharat Digital Sanskriti” launched
CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel was launched at“Digital Bharat – Digital Sanskriti” programcrackIAS.com organised by Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (Ministry of Culture) on 20th October, 2019 at CCRT Head Quarter located at Dwarka, Delhi. With an aim to take India to a newer digital pinnacle and to promote our culture Union Minister will inaugurate CCRT e-portal and YouTube Channel (with support from Routes 2 Routes).
29.Commemoration event of ‘76th Year of Formation of Azad Hind Government’
Page 135
Union Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel took part in the commemoration event of 76th anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind Government on 21st October, 2019 at Red Fort, Delhi.
30. Excavation by Archaeological Survey of India in Gottiprolu, Andhra Pradesh indicate it as a Trade Centre of Early Historic Period
The 1st phase of excavation by a team of Archaeological Survey of India’s Excavation Branch – VI, BangalorecrackIAS.com at Gottiprolu near Naidupeta in Nellore (now renamed as Sri Potti Sri Ramulu) district, Andhra Pradesh has discovered the remains of a huge settlement surrounded by a massive brick enclosure. Among many other antiquities unearthed are one life size Vishnu sculpture and a wide variety of pottery of the early centuries of current era.
Detailed topographical study and drone images have helped in identifying an early historic settlement surrounded by a fortification and the possibility of a moat encircling it. The fortification is very much clear on the eastern and southern sides of the mound while its other arm seems to have been levelled as a result of modern settlements.
31. UNESCO designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO creative cities network (UCCN) Page 136 in the field of film and Hyderabad in the field of gastronomy
UNESCO has designated Mumbai as a member of UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the field of FILM and Hyderabad in the field of GASTRONOMY.
32. Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by the Parliament
Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament after it was passed in RajyaSabha. The Bill was earlier passed in LokSabha on 2nd August 2019. It seeks to make apolitical the trust that runs Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial by removing the clause pertaining to the President of INC as a permanent member of the trust. The Bill also amends to include the Leader of Opposition recognised as such in the House of the People (LokSabha) or where there is no such Leader of Opposition, then the Leader of the single largest Opposition Party in that House as a member of the trust.
33. All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and placed them in the National Archives of India
All records relating to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and Azad Hind Fauj de-classified and were placed in the National Archives of India. Accordingly, a total of 304 declassified records/files have been transferred to National Archives of India by above mentioned Ministries/Offices for permanent retention. Out of 304 files, 303 files are already uploaded on the Netaji web portal i.e. www.netajipapers.gov.in .
34. ‘Kalash’ (urn) containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyr unveiled at National Museum
‘Kalash’ (urn) containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh, the soil of martyrs primarily was presented to the Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi and later, unveiled at National Museum in New Delhi. The maincrackIAS.com idea behind displaying the ‘Kalash’ containing soil of Jalianwala Bagh in National Museum is to inspire the youth of India specially children and pay tribute to the martyrs of freedom struggle. The holy soil was brought by the Culture Minister when he visited the historical Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial. The soil from the land of sacrifice has reached National Museum after 100 years.
35. Indian Culture Portal showcasing information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India launched by Union Culture Minister Page 137
The Indian Culture portal was envisioned by the Ministry of Culture and was developed by a team from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay while the curation of the data has been done by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).Indian culture portal is the first government authorized portal where knowledge and cultural resources of various organizations of Ministry of Culture are now available in public domain on a single platform.This project is a part of the Prime Minister’s Digital India initiative to showcase information about the rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage of India both at home and abroad.
36. President of India chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind chaired the second meeting of the National Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rashtrapati Bhavan on 19th December, 2019. Participants of the meeting included members of the National Committee including the Vice President, Shri Venkaiah Naidu; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi; members of the Union Cabinet; Chief Ministers of various states; noted GandhianscrackIAS.com among others. Prime Minister of Portugal HE Mr. Antonio Costa, the only foreign Prime Minister to be a member of the Committee, also participated in the meeting.
The Prime Minister addressed the dignitaries stating that while government commemorations of centenaries are held from time to time, the ‘Gandhi@150’ commemorations have become far more than just an occasion. They have become a program of the Jan Samanya and a matter of pride for every Indian.
Page 138 *******
NB/AKJ/OA
(Release ID: 1598364) Visitor Counter : 595
Read this release in: Hindi
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 139 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-05 THE DOUBLE BURDEN OF MALNUTRITION: NEED FOR URGENT POLICY ACTION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Poverty & Hunger and related issues
Bitter fact: Challenges of overweight, obesity and even early non-communicable disease are no longer just faced by adults. | Photo Credit: A. M. Faruqui
Last year was a remarkable one for nutrition in India. After years of slow and somewhat tentative action to acknowledge, understand and act on the challenge of undernutrition, India’s National Nutrition Mission brought focus and ambition and a range of actions followed. National and State governments were mobilised, district administrators engaged, the private sector mobilised in its own way, while civil society continued to push for accountability and action.
As researchers committed to evidence-informed policies and programmes, we welcome India’s nutrition efforts. We call for even stronger systems to support the use of data and science to inform India’s efforts, to track progress and to learn from both successes and failures.
The mission of using evidence to inform policy in nutrition in India goes back to the days of India’s ‘father of nutrition’, Dr. C. Gopalan, someone whom both of us had the privilege of knowing and working with closely. He invested in connecting science with the policy world, but he also served in a world where information systems limited the reach and connect between science and policy. Today, that world has changed, information flows have been dramatically reshaped by technology – the science and evidence community must use these new tools, new networks and new ways to engage the public and the policy community on critical issues such as nutrition.
What are some challenges that face India on the nutrition front as we approach the decade of action for the SDGs?
First, work led by ICMR and published recently in the Lancet Global Health shows that progress in maternal and child undernutrition varies tremendously by State. It also highlights how malnutrition contributes the most to child deaths as well as disability in adults. Saving lives of children under five in India will require a steady focus on nutrition.
Second, new data on malnutrition among children from the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey highlights how challenges of overweight, obesity and even early non-communicable disease, are no longer adult challenges. About 10% of children under 19 years have pre- diabetes. Coherence is needed in areas of public policy across multiple ministries – incentivising the cultivation and consumption of a range of food commodities; using the levers of government financing to buy better nutrition (not just more calories) in programmes such as the PDS, ICDS and schoolcrackIAS.com meals; ensuring optimal healthcare of adolescents, pregnant women and young children; restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods and drinks; and expanding efforts to improve nutrition literacy.
Third, India’s adults also bear a tremendous double burden of malnutrition. Recent work from IFPRI and Emory University, has highlighted how economic progress is a double-edged sword – reducing underweight among women while also exacerbating the challenge of overweight among others. Today, some districts in India have levels of overweight that are as high as 40%.
Fourth, a range of studies published by researchers in India and abroad, demonstrate that social Page 140 determinants related to gender, education, sanitation and poverty are key drivers of stunting and undernutrition. Early-life undernutrition is an important risk factor for later-life adult disease, along with food environments, physical activity and preventive healthcare.
Today, India’s efforts in tackling malnutrition have already come a long way – a range of programmes and policies have been launched against child undernutrition (POSHAN Abhiyaan), anaemia (Anaemia Mukt Bharat) and healthy eating (Eat Right India). However, malnutrition does not exist in isolation – individuals, households and communities share multiple forms of malnutrition. Therefore, it is imperative that policy efforts also come together under a common umbrella and an overarching body is needed to ensure convergence.
Given the diversity and complexity of the challenge, we call for an even sharper evidence-based and data-driven approach to diagnosing the challenge of malnutrition in India’s states, districts and communities. We call for a nuanced understanding of the risk factors that contribute the most to the multiple burdens. And we call for the use of data on the reach of programmes and interventions to identify critical gaps and fuel rapid action.
The underlying data that is now available to undertake these assessments, such as the Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey, must be made available to the scientific community. Silos in data systems should be broken and community health-workers and anganwadi workers provided feedback on areas of good performance and where improvement is needed.
On actions, a range of evidence-informed options are available to India as they are to the global community – the World Health Organization’s updated Essential Nutrition Actions Across the Life Course, is a critical guide that must be adapted to India’s needs.
Addressing the double burden of malnutrition will take an unrelenting focus in coming years – the challenge is complex, the actions needed must come from different sectors, and data and accountability mechanisms must absolutely inform what happens next. The consequences of poor nutrition are too broad, too deep and too costly for society to ignore.
(Soumya Swaminathan is Chief Scientist at the World Health Organization and is based in Geneva, and Purnima Menon is Senior Research Fellow with the International Food Policy Research Institute, and is based in New Delhi, India.)
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in Sign upcrackIAS.com for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences. Page 141 We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 142 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-07 YEAR END REVIEW 2019- DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Human Resource Development Year End Review 2019- Department of Higher Education
Posted On: 06 JAN 2020 12:54PM by PIB Delhi
In pursuance Prime Minister's vision for ‘Transforming India’, Ministry of Human Resource Development took a leap forward in transforming education sector with the motto of “, ”(Education for All, Quality Education).
In the year of 2019 Dr K. Kasturirangan Committee submitted the Draft National Education Policy to Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’. The Government of India had initiated the process of formulating a New Education Policy to meet the changing dynamics of the requirements of the population with regard to quality education, innovation and research, aiming to make India a knowledge superpower by equipping its students with the necessary skills and knowledge and to eliminate the shortage of manpower in science, technology, academics and industry. MHRD has launchedPradhan Mantri Innovative Learning Program (DHRUV) to identify and encourage talented children to enrich their skills and knowledge .MHRD also launched several new schemes in Higher Education Department to boost research & Innovation culture in the country. Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP). SWAYAM 2.0, Deeksharambh andPARAMARSH are some of the other major schemes of Department of Higher Education launched in 2019.
1. Five-year vision plan 'Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion Programme (EQUIP)' finalised and released by HRD Ministry:
● In accordance with the decision of the Prime Minister for finalizing a five-year vision plan for each Ministry, the Department of Higher Education of HRD Ministry has finalized and released a five-year vision plan named Education Quality Upgradation and Inclusion ProgrammecrackIAS.com (EQUIP). This report has been prepared after a detailed exercise done by the Experts. ● Sets out to deliver further on principles of Access,Inclusion,Quality,Excellence and enhancing employability in Higher Education. ● EQUIP is a vision plan aiming at ushering transformation in India’s higher education system by implementing strategic interventions in the sector over five years (2019-2024). ● EQUIP has been prepared based on reports of Ten expert groups constituted to deliberate upon important aspects of Higher Education. ● Currently EQUIP has been submitted for in principal approval of EFC.
Page 143
2. Institution of Eminence (IoE):
● 10 institutions in public sector and 10 institutions in private sector have to be declared as IoE. ● Each Public institute (IoE) will be eligible to receive Rs. 1000 crore during next 5 years. ● 10 Public Institutions are IISc Bangalore, IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kharagpur, University of Hyderabad, Banaras Hindu University, University of Delhi, Jadavpur University & Anna University.
● 10 Private institutions are BITS Pilani, MAHE Karnataka, Jio Institute, Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham, Tamil Nadu , Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology, Odisha, O.P. Jindal Global University, Haryana, Bharti Institute, Satya Bharti Foundation, Mohali, Shiv Nadar University, Uttar Pradesh. 3. Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS)
● Launched in February, 2019. To be implemented, monitored and managed by IISc, Bangalore. ● For providing extra mural funding to faculty of HE institutions for research projects in basic sciences. ● Total budget of Rs. 250 crore has been allocated out of which Rs. 50 crores will be released in FY 2019-20. ● More than 1000 proposals received, out of these 141 proposals approved.
4. Higher Education Financing Agency
● HEFA finances for HEIs, KVs, NVs, AIIMS and other educational institutions of the Ministry of Health. ● To fund projects to the tune of Rs. 100,000 crore by 2022. th ● As on 11 December, 2019, projects worth Rs. 37,001.21 crore have been approved. ● A loan amount of Rs. 25,564.52 crore have been sanctioned and Rs. 5,537.06 crore have actually been disbursed ● The number of educational institutions that have availed funding through HEFA stands at 75.
5.crackIAS.com Construction of permanent Campuses in IISER Tirupati and Berhampur
● Permanent campuses of IISER, Tirupati & IISER Berhampur will be setup by funding through HEFA with capital cost of Rs. 1137.16 crore & Rs. 1229.32 crores respectively ● Both institutes has been sanctioned Rs. 525 crore each in first tranche.
6. RashtriyaUchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA)
● Rs.5871.82 crore including Rs. 801.82 crore during the FY 2019-20 has been released to Page 144 State Governments.
7. Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS)
● to support the social science research in the higher educational institutions and to enable research to guide policy making. ● A total cost of Rs.414 Crore for implementation up to 31.3.2021. The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi is the project implementing agency. 8. Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC)
● 394 proposals totalling Rs. 251.09 Crores have been approved in the first call for proposals. ● Rs. 80 crores have been released to IIT Kharagpur for FY 2019-20 under SPARC. 9.National Education Policy
● Currently, the Ministry is in the process of finalising the National Education Policy, 2019 ● based on the Draft NEP report submitted by the Committee to Draft NEP, and the stakeholder feedback thereon. 10.SWAYAM 2.0
● Launch of SWAYAM 2.0 with enhanced features and facilities. ● To offer Online Degree Programmes through SWAYAM by Top Ranking Universities.
Key Features of SWAYAM 2.0 –
● Higher Scalability and Performance ● Enhanced features for faculty and students ● Improved assessment and evaluation ● Internationalisation ● Translation to Indian languages ● Local chapters and mentors ● Offering of On-line Degrees SWAYAM 1.0 was Launched on 9th July 2017 by the President of India with the Objectives ofEqual access to Quality education ,Increase GER in Higher Education from 26 to 30 in next crackIAS.com5 years and Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime learning In SWAYAM platform
● 2800+ courses offered ● 1.23 Crore students enrolled in the courses ● Examinations conducted across 125 cities across India ● Over 5 lakh students obtained certificates
Page 145 11. SWAYAM PRABHA- DTH Educational Channels:
● Project for telecasting high quality educational programs through 32 DTH channels on 24x7 basis to reach out to student/learners of India with wide reach and minimal cost. ● It aims to support those students who do not have good learning options like lack of teacher or internet etc. It also aims to provide dedicated channels ‘IITPAL’ to assist the students of 11 and 12 standards aspiring to join premier educational institutions in the country. ● SWAYAM Prabha project is managed by Chief Coordinator from IIT Madras. ● All 32 channels are telecasting high quality curriculum mapped educational contents on 24x7 basis. ● Every day, there will be new content for at least (4) hours which would be repeated 5 more times in a day. ● All telecasted videos are available on YouTube as archival. ● Total telecasted videos are around 60,000. ● On YouTube there are 4,12,403 subscribers and 2,05,70,482 views.
12. Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS)
A new Scheme for Higher Education Youth in Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS) was launched for providing industry apprenticeship opportunities to the general graduates exiting in April 2019 through the National Apprenticeship Promotional Scheme (NAPS). The program aims to enhance the employability of Indian youth by providing ‘on the job work exposure’ and earning of stipend.
13. Study in India Programme:
● An initiative of MHRD
● Total Number of Registrations on Study in India Portal was 69012 from across 190 countries of the world. ● Total Number of Admissions till date around 3800. ● 1800+ scholarships awarded. ● Education Fairs conducted in Malaysia, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal. ● Approval received to start IND-SAT examination in April 2020. 14. Scholarship Schemes
● Central Sector Scheme of Scholarship for College and University Students (CSSS) : 37293crackIAS.com scholarships disbursed involving an amount of Rs 44.66 crores in F.Y. 2019-20. ● Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir :10720 scholarships disbursed involving an amount of Rs 165.82crores in F.Y. 2019-20. ● Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme (CSIS) :Total 935497 interest subsidy claims involving an amount of Rs 1584.69 crores in F.Y. 2019-20. 15. ASEAN Fellowship
● Launched on 16th September, 2019 by MHRD & MEA. ● 1000 fellowships to the students of ASEAN countries for pursuing integrated Ph.D Page 146 programmes in IITs. 16. Launch of the Endowment Fund of IIT Delhi
● Launched on 31.10.2019. ● Will work towards building a relation of trust and credibility with its alumni through better communication, professionally managed team structure and periodic reporting.
● The Alumni are coming together to make an initial contributions to the tune of INR 100 Crores towards the target of USD 1 billion that will be created over a period of six to seven years (2025). 18. Central Universities
● Two new Central University in the State of Andhra Pradesh have been established in August, 2019 namely: Central University of Andhra Pradesh and Central Tribal University of Andhra Pradesh. 19. Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs)
● IIIT has been opened at Raichur (Karnataka) from July, 2019 in PPP Mode. IIT Hyderabad is the Mentor Institute. ● Financial allocation for this in year 2019-20 is 03 crores. 20. Language Institutes:
● The proposals to convert the three Sanskrit Deemed to be Universities namely, Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan (RSKS), Delhi, Sri Lal Bahadur Shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (SLBSRSV), New Delhi and Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha (RSV), Tirupati has been passed in Lok Sabha and is proposed to be introduced in the Rajya Sabha in the forthcoming budget session of Parliament. ● Central Institute of Classical Telugu shifted from Mysore to Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. ● Fund allocation for National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) & National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language (NCPSL) is Rs 84 Crore and 5.65 Crore respectively in both the years 2018-19 & 2019-20. ● In the FY 2019-20, For Langauage Institutions a total of Rs 52.84 Crores has been allotted.
21. crackIAS.comNational Institutes of Technology & Indian Institutes of Engineering Science and Technology:
● Foundation stone for permanent campus of NIT, Uttarakhand has been laid by the HRM. 10% EWS reservation has been implemented. ● NIT Think Tank Group has been constituted to suggest ways for improving NIRF rankings of NITs & IIEST.
22. Filling up of vacancies in Higher Educational Institutes Page 147
● Vacancy position in centrally funded higher education under MHRD is updated on every friday. ● Vacancy position in state funded institutions is maintained by RUSA. ● Since June-19, advertisements have been issued for 12272 faculty vacancies in CFIs and 1507 posts filled up. ● In HEIs under State Govts, 25419 faculty vacancies advertised since June-19 and 6170 posts filled up. 23. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) :
● For IITs an amount of Rs 5616.77 Crores has been Budgetary allotted in FY 2019-20. ● After including an amount of Rs 526.25 crore through HEFA, the total allocation mounted to Rs 6143.02 crores. 24. UNESCO Activities
● Organisation of ‘World Youth Conference on Kindness’ by MGIEP in partnership of MHRD on 23.08.2019 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi ● Nomination of four Indian cities i.e. Srinagar, Mumbai, Lucknow and Hyderabad for the UNESCO Creative City Network.
Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Culture :-
● UNESCO Reactive Monitoring Mission : Mrs. Nao Hayashi, UNESCO, Paris and Dr. Michael Pearson, ICOMOS, Australia, Members of Reactive Monitoring Mission nominated by UNESCO World Heritage Centre visited Mountain Railways of India - World Heritage Sites and give-suggestions for maintaining of World Heritage Status. For this purpose, the team met the Deputy Secretary-General of INCCU on 12.12.2019. Representatives of Ministry of Culture and ASI were also present in the meeting. ● Nominations for Reconstitution of Indian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO have been called from Ministry of Culture. th ● Nominations for 40 General Conference of UNESCO were called from Ministry of Culture ● Forwarding of communication from UNESCO that in the framework of the forthcoming Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, an Information and exchange session took place on 3 October 2019 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ● InternationalcrackIAS.com Center for Documentary Heritage (ICDH) of UNESCO, newly established UNESCO Category II Institution in the Republic of Korea specialized in documentary heritage-related issues including UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme, organized its first capacity-building workshop for Member States. The workshop was held in Daejeon, Republic of Korea, from 19 to 22 November 2019. ● Forwarding a letter received from the Assistant Director-General for Culture, inviting GoI to participate in the thirteenth meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the 1954 Hague Convention, scheduled to take place on 2 December 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room XI, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. ● Forwarding a letter received from Assistant Director-General for Culture, inviting GoI to Page 148 participate the seventh meeting of the Parties to the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This session will take place on 3 and 4 December 2019, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Room XI, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. ● In consultation with Ministry of Culture, nominations of four Indian Cities for UNESCO Creative Cities Network sent to UNESCO
Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Communication :-
● Nominations for 40th General Conference of UNESCO were called from Ministry of Communication
Coordination of INCCU with Ministry of Environment &Forest :-
● Forwarding the proposal of Panna Biosphere Reserve (PBR) received from Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change for inclusion in the World Network of Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO.
25. International Cooperation
● Launch of DUO- India Fellowship Programme. Exchange of faculty and students would be taken up between India and 14 European countries which come under SPARC. ● Initiated the process of setting up of a chair in a University in the UK on Guru Nanak Dev Ji in commemoration of 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji in coordination with University Grants Commission (UGC). ● Study in India Programme: Number of Foreign students admitted under Study in India Programme for the Academic Year 2019-20 is 3164. ● Bilateral Meetings by Union HRD Minister during UNESCO’s General Conference 13- 15.11.2019) Date: 13.11.2019 : Norway, Mexico, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, UAE
Date: 14.11.2019 : Singapore, Saudi Arabia crackIAS.comDate: 15.11.2019 : Uganda, Nepal 26. National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT):
● Finalized a newly proposed scheme i.e. National Education Alliance of Technologies (NEAT) through PPP Model between MHRD and EdTech companies ● for offering Adaptive and personalized learning through Artificial Intelligence (AI) ● to the students with specific emphasis on students from economically and socially backward regions..
Page 149 27.Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT)
● Launched in 2018. ● The first round of training was completed in March 2019 with the conduct of examination. ● For ARPIT 2018, 75 NRCs identified, 9 deleted due to non- adherence of timelines; 51000+ enrolments, with actual enrolment being 37199 (one learner registering in more than one course). Of these, 6411 faculty registered for exam, 3338 qualified and in re-examination 469 qualified thereby a total 3807 faculty qualified ARPIT 2018 ● UGC as per their notification recognised ARPIT as equivalent to a refresher course for their career advancement.
● Funding for NRCs is as per the approved budget for development of online MOOCs faculty refresher courses under National Resource Centres (NRCs) through SWAYAM which is Rs. 14.70 lakhs. ● An additional provision of Rs. 5 Lakh has been provisioned for meeting of Advisory Council / workshop and other contingency expenditure. ● In order to popularise the ARPIT 2019, this time Ministry used the database of Higher education faculty in the disciplines notified as NRCs and intimated each of the faculty individually through SMS and e-mails informing them about ARPIT program offered by different NRCs in distinctive disciplines persuading them to log in and join this online program and get benefit from it. ● Total 1,46,214 learners enrolled for 48 ARPIT courses. 28. University Grants Commission (UGC) : Implementation of Quality Improvement Programme
● Deeksharambh –
A guide to Student Induction Programme’ has been launched on 18.07.2019. In 8 Regional Workshops 1650 candidates participated. Total 319 HEIs have implemented the Student Induction Programme. crackIAS.com
● Learning outcomes based curriculum framework (LOCF) revision: New curriculum in 16 subjects which is based on LOCF has been uploaded on UGC website to facilitate universities to revise the curriculum.
● Use of ICT based learning tools for effective teaching learning process: 125 Universities Page 150 have come on board for accepting credit transfer for MOOCs courses done through SWAYAM platform.
th ● Life skills (Jeevan Kaushal) for students : The curriculum launched on 11 September, 2019
● Social and Industry connect for every institution: Every institution shall adopt at least 5 villages for exchange of knowledge and for the overall social/economic betterment of the village communities.
● Induction training for all new teachers, and annual refresher training for all the teachers – role of the NCRs; and mandatory leadership/management training for all educational administrators.
● Scheme for Trans-disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE): launched on 01.07.2019 for Promoting quality research by faculty and creation of new knowledge.
● PARAMARSH- A scheme to mentor institutions seeking National Assessment and Accreditation Council accreditation Launched on 18th July, 2019. 29. AICTE achievements:
● Training for Technical Teachers: “A comprehensive training Policy for Technical Teachers” introduced for the first time in the world. Target: 30,000 fresh faculties & 30,000 faculties having up to 5 years of teaching experience are to be trained every year. ● Revision of Curriculum: Diploma in Engg. & Tech. (7 Disciplines); B. Arch.
● ATAL Academy: 11 Academies launched covering as many states; Conducted 100 FDPs in thrust areas.
● ProtsahancrackIAS.com Mudra Scheme: Android App has been developed and launched.
● Mandatory Induction Program: 120 Faculty Development Programs; 15,000+ Faculties Trained.
● Examination Reforms: To test the understanding of the concepts and the skill – rather than the subject knowledge. 2250 teachers participated in 17 Workshops held in 2019. Page 151
● Mandatory Internship: Over 1 Lakh internships posted on an exclusive portal developed by AICTE.
● Smart India Hackathon 2019: Over 3 lakh students participated at 66 centers.
● One Student One Tree: More than 55,000 AICTE Institutions Participated; More than 2 Lakhs Students Participated; More than 28 Lakh trees Planted.
● Jal Shakti Abhiyan: More than 34000 Students of AICTE colleges mapped to the local administration of water- stressed districts.
30.EK BHARAT SHRESHTHA BHARAT :
● Celebrating Diversity to Realise Unity
● 4 Lakh Plus people across country participated/ witnessed range of activities ● About 16 states showed enthusiasm & regular activity ● 358 Schools, 227 HEIs, 28 states, 7 Uts, 7 Central Ministries participated ● About 1000 activities of Literary, Cultural, Sports, Culinary & Student Exchanges etc. held ● Same pairing of States/ UTs to be continued till June 2020. ● 8 Participating Ministries :Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Sports, Department of Youth Affairs , Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Defence ● activities : Student Exchange , Teacher Exchange , Youth Festival , EBSB Day , EBSB Clubs , Screening of Films, Translation of Books 31.Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan :
st th ● SwachhtaPakhwada 2019 for HEIs conducted during 1 -15 September th th ● Swachhata Hi Seva 2019 observed in HEIs from 11 September to 27 October, 2019 ● 6900 institutions participated in Swachhta Ranking exercise. Swachhta Awards given to HEIs on 3rd December, 2019 ● BBA and MBA Courses on Waste Management Launched crackIAS.com
32. FIT India Movement:
th ● Fitness Pledge taken by HEIs on 29 August, 2019. nd ● FIT India Plogging Run organised on 2 October, 2019 in Universities and Colleges. ● Participants collected plastic garbage while running. Other Activities Proposed:
● Fitness Hour - Every HEI to provide for a fitness hour in its daily routine from January 2020. Page 152
● Fitness Clubs – Each Institution to have a fitness club that will lead the activities during Fitness Hour ● Monthly, theme based Fitness Awareness Campaigns – Every Institution to carry out month long campaign on selected themes related to various aspects of fitness ● Sports Competitions – Every HEI to organize annual sports competitions, which will lead to State level and National level University games. ● First University Games to be held in Odisha in February 2020 ● Star Rating of Universities based on performance on the above Fitness promoting criteria
33. 70th Anniversary of Indian Constitution :
th ● A year long, mass awareness campaign was launched on the Constitution Day - 26 November 2019 in institutions of Higher Education across the country ● 155075 students and faculty from over 700 universities and colleges viewed the live telecast from Central Hall of Parliament and read the Preamble to the Constitution ● Kartavya Portal launched ● An online, National Essay Competition for students of HE Institutions announced ● The competition to be held in 11 rounds, one every month, focussing on one Fundamental Duty th ● Over 5000 students registered for Ist round to be held on 26 December ● National Law University, Delhi is the national coordinating university, 25 state coordinating universities ● Competition to be held through NTA, registration through the portal - kartavya.ugc.ac. ● Debates, Mock Parliaments, MOOT Courts ● workshops, guest lectures by eminent jurists, poster making , slogan writing, street plays *****
NB/AKJ/AK
(Release ID: 1598503) Visitor Counter : 552
Read this release in: Hindi
crackIAS.comEND Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 153 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-08 YEAR END REVIEW 2019 - MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Year End Review 2019 - Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare
Launch of PM KISAN scheme; 8.12 crore beneficiaries registered till date
Launch of farmers’ pension scheme PM Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana; Over 19 lakh beneficiaries registered till date
Government constitutes a High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’
Posted On: 07 JAN 2020 3:46PM by PIB Delhi
The major highlights of the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare during the year 2019 are as follows:
Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
PM-KMY inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 12th September, 2019 provides for payment of minimum pension of Rs.3000/- per month to the eligible small and marginal farmers on attaining the age of 60 years. It is voluntary and contributory pension scheme, with entry age of 18 to 40 years. The monthly contribution by farmer ranges between Rs.55crackIAS.com to 200. Central Government will contribute an equal amount in the pension scheme. Till now 19, 19, 802 beneficiaries have been registered.
Launch of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)
PM-KISAN Scheme inaugurated by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 24th February, Page 154 2019 which provides for transfer of an amount of Rs. 6000/- per year in three equal instalments each of Rs. 2000/- directly into the bank account of beneficiary farmer families. The Scheme initially covered only small and marginal farmer families with land holding upto 2 hectares as beneficiaries, subject to certain exclusion criteria for higher income status. The Government later extended the scheme with effect from 1st April 2019 to all farmer families irrespective of land holding size, subject to applicable exclusions. Since the launch of PM Kisan till now about 8.12 crore farmer families have been benefitted and more than Rs. 48,937 crore has been released under the scheme. A new facility has been provided on PM-KISAN Web-portal (www.pmkisan.gov.in) through ‘Farmers’ Corner’ Link to facilitate the farmers for self registration, edit his/her name in PM-Kisan data base as per Aadhar Card, access the beneficiary list and status of payment. The farmers are being facilitated for self registration and data correction through Common Service Centers.
Constitution of High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for ‘Transformation of Indian Agriculture’
A High Powered Committee of Chief Ministers for “Transformation of Indian Agriculture” has been constituted and two meetings of the Committee have been held on 18th July, 2019 and 16th August 2019 to deliberate and firm up their report.
Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Kharif 2019-20 season and Rabi Crops of 2019-20 increased
The Union Government has announced an increase in MSP for Kharif 2019-20 season. MSP of Paddy increased by Rs.65 per quintal, Jowar by Rs.120 per quintal, Bajra by Rs.50 per quintal, Ragi by Rs.253 per quintal and Maize by Rs.60 per quintal. MSP of Tur, Moong and Urad pulses raised by Rs.125, Rs.75 & Rs.100 per quintal respectively. MSP of Groundnut up by Rs.200 per quintal, Sunflower seed by Rs.262 per quintal, Nigerseed by Rs.63 per quintal, Medium staple cotton by Rs.105 per quintal, Long staple Cotton by Rs.100 per quintal, Soybeen (yellow) by Rs. 311 per quintal and Sesamum by Rs. 236 per quintal.
The Government has announced the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi CropscrackIAS.com of 2019-20 to be marketed in Rabi marketing season (RMS) 2020-21. The MSP of Wheat and Barley increased by Rs. 85 per quintal each, Gram by Rs. 255 per quintal, Lentil by Rs. 325 per quintal, Rapeseed & Mustard by Rs. 225 per quintal and Safflower by Rs. 270 per quintal.
e-NAM –One Nation One Market
421 new mandis have been approved for integration under the e-NAM. Along with these, FPOs Page 155 have also been on-boarded on e-NAM portal and they have started uploading their produce for trading from their premise. Further, 23 Warehouses of CWC located in 11 districts of AP have been declared as Deemed Market under Agriculture Produce and Livestock Marketing (APLM) Act which will facilitate trading in future through these warehouses on e-NAM portal.
Other Initiatives and Achievements:
25 Seed-Hub Centres have been sanctioned across the country for increasing availability of quality seeds of Nutri-Cereals (Millets) and the first instalment of Rs.723.00 lakh has been released.
During current year (2019-20), 12.40 lakh Soil Health Card has been distributed to farmers under Model Village Project.
Under Farm Mechanization 1,44,113 machineries have been distributed and 2300 Custom Hiring Centres have been established during current year (2019-20). During 2019-20, 32,808 machineries have been distributed and 8662 Custom Hiring Centres have been established under Crop Residue Management Programme.
Muti lingual Mobile App “CHC-Farm Machinery” was launched, which helps the farmers for getting rented farm machinery and implements through Custom Hiring Service Centres (CHC) in their area. As on date, 41,992 CHCs with 1,33,723 Agricultural machinery for renting out are registered on this Mobile app. Total 1,12,505 farmers as users are registered on this Mobile App.
During current year (2019-20) 73,658 hectare additional area has been covered under Horticulture Crops and 59 Nurseries have been established.
crackIAS.com***** APS/JP/Year End Review 2019
(Release ID: 1598628) Visitor Counter : 503
Read this release in: Urdu Page 156
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 157 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-08 VICE PRESIDENT CALLS UPON CIVIL SOCIETY AND BUSINESS HOUSES TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT IN ELIMINATING MALNUTRITION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Poverty & Hunger and related issues
Vice President's Secretariat Vice President calls upon Civil Society and Business houses to support government in eliminating malnutrition
Create awareness among youngsters on the need to avoid junk food and maintain physical fitness: Vice President
Visits the mechanised kitchen facility at Adamya Chetana in Bengaluru
Appreciates them for providing nutritious food to around 1.5 lakh children daily
Posted On: 07 JAN 2020 3:16PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today called upon the Civil Society, NGOs and Business houses to supplement government’s efforts in eliminating malnutrition in the country.
Expressing concerns, the Vice President said that despite considerable progress made by the nation in various spheres in the past seven decades, malnutrition remains a major challenge. “It is sad state of affairs that that 35.7% of our children below 5 years of age are underweight and 38.4% are stunted,” he added.
Addressing the gathering after visiting Adamya Chetana in Bengaluru today, the Vice PresidentcrackIAS.com pointed out that various studies have shown that nutritional status of children was strongly associated with their academic performance.
“Lack of nutritious food may lead to poor brain development, weak learning, low immunity and increased infections,” he added.
Shri Naidu said that malnutrition perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and affects the economic development. He asserted that immediate steps must be taken to avoid such scenarios for the healthy development of the children and the adolescents. Page 158 Referring to the growing incidence of Non Communicable diseases due to sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits, the Vice President called for creating awareness among youngsters on the need to avoid junk food and maintain physical fitness at all times.
The Vice President appreciated Adamya Chetana founded by late Shri Ananth Kumar and his spouse Smt. Tejaswini Ananth Kumar for providing food to around 1.5 lakh children from four of its kitchens located in Benguluru, Hubbali, Kalburgi and Jodhpur in Rajasthan daily.
Shri Naidu lauded the organisation for personifying age-old Indian values of Sharing and Caring. He stated that the POSHAN Abhiyaan or the National Nutrition Mission by the Government was playing a major role in improving nutrition indicators across India.
Earlier, the Vice President went around the campus and visited different facilities engaged in food preparation. He complimented the management, workers and volunteers for converting the Annapoorna kitchen into a zero garbage and fossil-fuel free kitchen.
Shri Naidu said that the orgnaisation’s process of fulfilling its energy needs from biomass and solar energy was worthy of emulation by others.
In this context, Shri Naidu said that starting of Ananth Kumar Pratishthana to develop and mentor new leaders through a Leadership Institute in all fields was a welcome step and said that it would carry forward work on healthcare and green lifestyle, both areas in which Shri Ananth Kumar ji strongly believed.
On the occasion, Shri Naidu recalled his close association with former Union Minister, late Shri Ananth Kumar and said “I not only lost a dear friend in Shri Ananth Kumar, but our nation lost a true leader. It is imperative that we continue the ideals, values and work that he espoused,”
The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri C. N. Ashwath Narayan, Shri Tejasvi Surya, MP, Bengaluru South, Managing Trustee and Chairperson of Adamya Chetana, Dr Tejaswini Ananth Kumar, and others associated with the organisation were present at the event. FollowingcrackIAS.com is the full text of the speech – “It is an emotional moment for me to be amidst all of you here at Adamya Chetna today.
I am overwhelmed with the memories of my dear friend and former Union Minister, Shri Ananth Kumar Ji.
My association with Ananth Kumar ji dated back to my student days. After that, we were fellow companions since the beginning of our journey in political life. Page 159 When I reached Delhi in those times, I stayed with Ananth Kumar ji and Tejaswini ji in their house. I always felt myself a member of their family.
On a personal note, both Ananth and I were foodies. Ananth ji, Jaitley ji and I have spentmany evenings relishing local delicacies.
I have known about Adamya Chetana for years and have been very impressed by the dedication and meticulous way that Ananth Kumar ji and Tejaswini ji have worked on this noble platform to serve people. But I never had an opportunity to actually visit.
Today when I am here, I am truly amazed by the sheer dedication of the staff, management and volunteers who prepare hot cooked meals with deep love for around 1 lakh 50 thousand children for four of its kitchens located in Benguluru, Hubbali , Kalburgi and Jodhpur in Rajasthan daily.
You are doing commendable work!
Share and care has been the core of Indian philosophy. Ours is the culture that believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – the whole world as one family and ‘‘Sarve Janah Sukhino Bhavantu’- the happiness and wellbeing of all.
Work and principles of Adamya Chetna personify these age old values.
Dear friends,
It is a fact that despite considerable progress made by nation in various fields in past seven decades, malnutrition remains a major concern. It’s a sad state of affairs that 35.7% of our children under 5 years of age are underweight and 38.4% are stunted.
A recent UNICEF report says that malnutrition is behind 69 per cent deaths among children below 5 years in our country. The report also suggests that children under the age of five years are affected by micronutrient deficiencies and there is a disturbing trend towards unhealthy food and snacking. Child diets are lacking in proteins and micronutrients.
It is a well-known fact that young children need to be fed nutritious food to support their rapidly growing body and brains. Various studies have confirmed that the nutritional status of the children is strongly associated with their academic performance.crackIAS.com Lack of nutritious food may lead to poor brain development, weak learning, low immunity and increased infections.
A 15 year-long study by the NGO - 'Save the Children' reveals how access to nutrients affects the child's learning capacity. The study found that an eight years old malnutritioned child is 19 per cent more likely to face difficulty in reading simple sentences like 'The sun is hot.'
Malnutrition also impacts the children's future capabilities. When today's malnourished children become part of tomorrow's working population, it impacts their Page 160 earning potential. Thus malnutrition perpetuates the vicious cycle of poverty and affects the economic development.
The POSHAN Abhiyaan or the National Nutrition Mission by the Government is playing a major role in improving nutrition indicators across India. Recently only I launched Poshan Anthem at a WCD Ministry event to spread awareness about the issue of malnutrition.
Here the role and work of organisations like Adamya Chetna becomes very important in supplementing the Government’s efforts.
Our Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi used to say, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
I call upon all like-minded individuals to come forward and help the Government create a malnutrition free India.
It is also admirable that you have turned Annapoorna kitchen here into a zero garbage and fossil-fuel free kitchen.
I am told that earlier this kitchen was consuming 400 litres of diesel and creating 300 Kilograms of waste on a daily basis.
But now Adamya Chetna It became a zero-garbage generating unit with every leftover resourcefully reused. It is fulfilling its energy needs from biomass and solar energy. This feat is worth emulating by others.
Also, your concept of the plate bank is a unique innovation. Having 10 thousands set of steel plates, glasses that anybody can borrow free of cost to make their own functions plastic garbage free - It’s truly imaginative and farsighted idea.
Our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has given a call for plastics free India. It’s duty cast upon all of us to turn it into a people’s movement. It is next step of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
I am sure that this model of Adamya Chetana can serve as an inspiration to many. And I am not surprised by this. I have known Ananth Kumar ji and Tejaswini ji for decadescrackIAS.com and they are always committed to setting higher bar. Last year has been a trying one for all of us. I not only lost a dear friend in Shri Ananth Kumar, but our nation lost a true leader. It is imperative that we continue the ideals, values and work that he espoused.
In that direction, I am glad to know that you are starting Ananth Kumar Pratishthana to carry his work forward.
Drawing inspiration from Shri Ananth Kumar ji, this Pratishthana should work on developing and mentoring new leaders through a Leadership Institute in all fields. Page 161 This is a noble initiative and would help in creating a glowing future of our country.
The Pratishthana will also work on health care and green lifestyle – both areas Shri Ananth Kumar ji strongly believed in and supported. His commitment for healthcare is evident from various initiatives under his leadership such as PM Jana Aushadhi Kendras and making cardiac stents and knee implants more accessible and affordable to all. His consistent efforts for Banguluru Metro only affirm his commitment for people’s welfare and the Green lifestyle.
Shri Ananth Kumar ji conceptualized the enormously successful Green Bengaluru 1:1 program promoting planting lakhs of trees in Bengaluru and other towns. All of you know how he was personally committed to this program every Sunday (last Sunday was the 210th consecutive Sunday).
Green Bharat program launched recently by Dr. Tejaswini ji where people can adopt a tree will take it to the next level across the nation.
These are admirable initiatives. I have always highlighted the importance of nature and culture for a better future.
Adamya Chetana is a noble effort. Its focus on Anna – Akshara – Arogya (Food – Education – Health) can serve as a role model for others to create a healthy, educated, clean and green India.
I hope AK Pratishthana will also carry forward the works that Ananth Kumar stood for.
I wish you all the very best.
Thank you.
Jai Hind!”
****
VRRK/MS/MSY/RK
(Release ID: 1598625) Visitor Counter : 232 crackIAS.com Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 162 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-10 1023 FAST TRACK SPECIAL COURTS WILL BE SET UP FOR SPEEDY DISPOSAL OF RAPE AND POCSO ACT CASES Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Children - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Ministry Of Law & Justice 1023 Fast Track Special Courts will be set up for Speedy disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases
These are under National Mission for Safety of Women
Posted On: 09 JAN 2020 5:08PM by PIB Delhi
Incidents of rape and gang rape of minor girls below age of twelve years and similar heinous crimes against women have shaken the conscience of the entire nation. Therefore, the offences of rape and gang rape of women and children require effective deterrence through fast and time bound completion of trial relating to sexual offences. To bring out more stringent provisions and expeditious trial and disposal of such cases, Union of India enacted the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018.
The has taken up work of setting up of Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) as a part of National Mission for Safety of Women (NMSW). Accordingly, the Central Government has started a Scheme for setting up of 1023 FTSCs across the country based on pendency of subject cases obtained from various High Courts (1,66,882 numbers as on 31.03.2018) for time bound trial and disposal of pending cases related to rape and POCSO Act. Further, in pursuance to the direction of Supreme Court of India in Suo Moto Writ Petition (Criminal) No.01/2019 dated 25.07.2019, out of 1023 FTSCs, 389 Courts have been proposed to be set up exclusively for POCSO Act related cases in Districts where pendency of such cases is more than 100. The Scheme was circulated to all concerned State Governments/ Union Territories Administrations in September, 2019. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Law and Justice has written and appealed to all the Chief Ministers of States for opening these courts and for effective implementation of the Scheme which will act as strong deterrence against such crimes.
Out of total 31 States and UTs, so far, 24 have joined this scheme (Andhara Pradesh, Assam, Bihar,crackIAS.com Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, NCT of Delhi, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, UT of Chandigarh, Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh) for setting up of 792 numbers of FTSCs/ including 354 exclusive POCSO courts. Efforts are constantly being made to obtain consent/willingness of remaining States/UTs.
The Department of Justice in the Government of India is constantly endeavoring to extend requisite assistance to the High Courts and State Governments in setting up of these Courts for Page 163 prompt trial and disposal of cases to ensure safe and worth living environment especially to women and children in totality. 216 numbers of POCSO courts have already been operationalized in 12 States under the scheme.
***
BN/BK
(Release ID: 1598939) Visitor Counter : 448
Read this release in: Urdu , Hindi , Bengali
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 164 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-11 HUMAN RIGHTS ARE NOT SOLELY AN ‘INTERNAL MATTER’ Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights Issues - Human Rights and NHRC
A protest in Srinagar in December 2016.
The human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) following the dilution of Article 370 and the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) have brought renewed international focus on India’s human rights practice. Responding to criticism made by the United Nations agencies and others, the Indian state asserted that both J&K and CAA are entirely internal matters and there cannot be any interference in such sovereign decisions.
What is remarkable about modern international human rights law is its recognition of individuals as subjects. Classic international law governed the conduct between states and did not recognise the rights of individuals. Countries made agreements on the premise that a sovereign state had the exclusive right to take any action it thought fit to deal with its nationals. Such a notion of absolute sovereignty was challenged in 19th century with the emergence of humanitarian intervention to protect minorities living in other states. Later, in 1919, the evolution of labour standards led to the establishment of the International Labour Office (ILO). In 1926, the Slavery Convention adopted by the League of Nations prohibiting slave trade heralded the first human rights treaty based on the principle of dignity of a human being. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948 by the United Nations, was the first comprehensive international human rights document. The Universal Declaration has acquired the force of law as part of the customary law of nations. It has provided the basis for binding human rights treaties and non-binding guidelines/principles that constitute a distinct body of law known as international human rights law.
This progress of international law in the last 100 years makes the Indian state’s assertion of its sovereign right unsustainable. The evolution of international human rights law is also about the gradual weakening of the concept of unrestricted sovereignty. The Indian government has ratified several international human rights treaties and submits periodic reports to the respective treaty bodies. By doing so, it has acknowledged the principle that the treatment of its citizens is not entirely an internal matter, and such measures do not enjoy an absolute sovereignty.
The Indian government’s response to concerns about its human rights practice has always been that international scrutiny is unwarranted since the country is the largest democracy in the world with an independent judiciary, free media, and an active civil society. These claims sound less credible after the recent developments in J&K and the passage of the CAA.
Non–discrimination is a fundamental principle of human rights. Discrimination in various forms occurscrackIAS.com in all societies, but what is of concern is institutionalised discrimination. Apartheid was pronounced as a crime against humanity since it institutionalised discrimination based on race. Similarly, for the first time in post–Independence India, a religious group has been excluded from the purview of a law dealing with citizenship.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), which is the lead agency within the UN system on all aspects related to human rights, has expressed its concern stating that the CAA “is fundamentally discriminatory in nature”. It has also said that “although India’s broader naturalization laws remain in place, these amendments will have a discriminatory effect on people’s access to nationality.” Page 165 International human rights law includes safeguards against unwarranted foreign intervention and stresses the exhaustion of domestic remedies before an issue is considered by an international body. The Indian state always assured the international community that the judiciary, mainly its Supreme Court, would provide adequate remedies to victims of human rights violations. However, of late, the faith of the common people in the higher judiciary has been weakened. In the face of serious allegations about human rights violations in J&K, the Supreme Court has “ducked, evaded and adjourned”, as put across by advocate Gautam Bhatia.
While responding to criticism against its human rights practices, the Indian government also refers to the role of free media and civil society in protecting the human rights of vulnerable groups. However, in the context of J&K and the ongoing struggle against the CAA, the media has not come out any better. As for civil society organisations, the government since 2014 has systematically targeted them, including by making it difficult for them to receive funds from foreign donors. Since 2014, the government has cancelled the registration of about 14,000 NGOs under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). It has also mainly targeted its own critics.
Indian and international human rights groups are getting increasingly concerned about the actions of people associated with the ruling party who are engaged in the intimidation of critics, attacks against minorities, and restrictions on the freedoms of artistes. The brazen attack on JNU students on January 5 by armed goons and the total lack of response by the police is emblematic of free reign given to non-state actors in various parts of the country.
The international community is sympathetic to governments that are committed to upholding human rights but lack human and other resources to pursue it. In the case of India, it is not a question of resources but an unwillingness to uphold human rights. The government’s action in J&K, the passage of the CAA, and its response to protests on the CAA demonstrate that the present regime is not fully committed to upholding human rights and does not respect international human rights standards. Of course, it is possible for the Indian government, due to its diplomatic clout, to avoid robust intervention by the UN Human Rights Council and other UN human rights mechanisms. However, it would not be able to avoid scrutiny by the international community, which would complement the struggle of the Indian civil society to reclaim the Indian Constitution and advance human rights.
Ravindran Daniel is a human rights lawyer who has served as Director with the UN peacekeeping missions in East Timor, Libya and Sudan
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. AlreadycrackIAS.com have an account ? Sign in Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly. Page 166 A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 167 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-11 A HEALTH EMERGENCY: ON RISK OF INTERNATIONAL SPREAD OF POLIOVIRUS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Based on the risk of international spread of poliovirus, the World Health Organization announced on January 7 that polio will continue to remain a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for three months. The decision was taken based on the recommendation of the emergency committee under the international health regulations that assessed the situation last month. The committee arrived at the unanimous decision based on the “rising risk” of international spread of wild poliovirus type-1. Polio was declared as PHEIC in 2014 and has continued to remain one since then. There were 156 cases of wild polio type-1 cases in 2019 compared with 28 in 2018. With 128 cases, Pakistan accounted for the most number of cases, while Afghanistan reported 28 cases. Besides the four-fold increase in cases, there were instances of the wild type-1 virus getting exported from Pakistan to Iran and Afghanistan, as also on the spread from Afghanistan to Pakistan. In addition to the virus causing polio in children, it was found in the environment in Pakistan and, to a lesser extent, in Afghanistan. This is particularly a concern as the number of children not vaccinated in Afghanistan has been increasing. In 2018, a total of 8,60,000 children in Afghanistan did not receive polio vaccine due to security threats. The situation did not improve in 2019 and, as a result, a large cohort of children in the southern region of the country remains unprotected. Therefore, even other parts of the country that have been free of the virus in the past are at risk of outbreaks.
An equally disturbing development is on the outbreak of vaccine-derived poliovirus cases in 16 countries; in all, there were 249 vaccine-derived poliovirus cases in 2019. Surprisingly, of them, only 30 were in countries where vaccine-derived poliovirus is endemic. “The rapid emergence of multiple circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type-2 strains in several countries is unprecedented and very concerning, and not yet fully understood,” the committee noted. But, not a single case of vaccine-derived poliovirus was reported from Afghanistan, while Pakistan had just 12 cases. In comparison, the number of cases in Angola was 86 and the Democratic Republic of the Congo was 63. While Nigeria reported 18 cases of vaccine-derived poliovirus, not a single case of wild poliovirus type-1 has been reported from the country for over three years; the last reported case was in August 2016. A country is said to have eradicated polio when no new case of wild poliovirus is reported for three successive years. Nigeria is all set to be declared as having eradicated polio this year, and in turn, the entire African region will become free of wild poliovirus.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
AlreadycrackIAS.com have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. Page 168 Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Boris Johnson seems bent on delivering a no-deal Brexit
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 169 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-13 INDIA’S UNDER-5 GIRLS FACE HIGH MORTALITY Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Children - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
India is among the few countries in the world where, in 2018, the mortality for girls under 5 years of age exceeded that of boys, according to the ‘Levels and Trends in Child Mortality’ report by the United Nations (UN) inter-agency group for child mortality.
The report states that in 2018, fewer countries showed gender disparities in child mortality, and across the world, boys are expected to have a higher probability of dying before reaching age 5 than girls. But this trend was not reflected in India.
“In some countries, the risk of dying before age 5 for girls is significantly higher than what would be expected based on global patterns. These countries are primarily located in Southern Asia and Western Asia,” said the report.
According to India’s 2017 Sample Registration System, the States with the highest burden of neonatal mortality are Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, with 32, 33 and 30 neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively. India’s neonatal mortality rate is 23 per 1,000 live births.
Further, Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttarakhand showed the largest gender gaps in under-5 mortality.
“The burden of child mortality is determined both by the mortality rate (the proportion of children who die) and by the estimated population of any given State (total number of annual births). In this sense, Uttar Pradesh is the State with the highest number of estimated newborn deaths in India, both because of the high neonatal mortality rate and because of the large cohort of births that occur every year in the State,” noted information released by UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).
Half of all under-5 deaths in 2018 occurred in five countries: India, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ethiopia. India and Nigeria alone account for about a third.
The major causes of neonatal mortality are pre-term birth, intrapartum related events, and neonatal infection.
The report adds that despite advancements made over the past two decades, one child or young adolescent died every five seconds in 2018. “CurrentcrackIAS.com trends predict that close to 10 million 5- to 14-year-olds, and 52 million children under 5 years of age, will die between 2019 and 2030,” said the report.
Special discount offer on The Hindu subscription only for Today’s paper readers
Already have an account ? Sign in
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations. Page 170 A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 171 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-14 WHO CALLS FOR VIGILANCE ON WUHAN VIRUS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The WHO also maintained that the outbreak had not spread and that the seafood market in Wuhan — a major domestic and international transport hub — is now closed and no cases have been reported elsewhere in China or internationally. | Photo Credit: Reuters
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned that though there is no evidence currently of human-to-human transmission of the Wuhan pneumonia that has killed one person in China and infected 40 others, there is a “need to remain vigilant.”
Speaking to The Hindu, Poonam Khetrapal, regional director, of WHO (South-East Asia) said on Monday, “We have shared technical guidelines on surveillance, testing as well as infection prevention and control practices for suspected cases.”
She added that the world body is in close contact with national authorities in the region and will extend all possible support to ensure core capacities are geared up for addressing potential cases that may come to countries.
Senior Health Ministry officials added that they were keeping a “close watch on the developments but so far the outbreak has been reported in a single seafood market in the central city of Wuhan and has not, so far, spread beyond there. We have been told that the virus is the same family that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).”
The WHO also maintained that the outbreak had not spread and that the seafood market in Wuhan — a major domestic and international transport hub — is now closed and no cases have been reported elsewhere in China or internationally.
“WHO stands ready to provide all possible technical support to countries to ensure core capacities are geared up and have advises against travel or trade restrictions on China based on the information currently available on this event,” added Dr. Khetrapal.
WHO has noted that the Chinese authorities have made a preliminary determination of a novel (or new) coronavirus, identified in a hospitalised person with pneumonia in Wuhan. Chinese investigators conducted gene sequencing of the virus, using an isolate from one positive patient sample.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses and according to Chinese authorities, the virus in question can cause severe illness in some patients but does not transmit readily between people.crackIAS.com “In the coming weeks, more comprehensive information is required to understand the current status and epidemiology of the outbreak, and the clinical picture. Further investigations are also required to determine the source, modes of transmission, extent of infection and countermeasures implemented. WHO continues to monitor the situation closely and, together with its partners, is ready to provide technical support to China to investigate and respond to this outbreak,” the organisation added.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. Page 172 Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 173 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-15 WHO ENDORSES INDIGENOUS MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR TUBERCULOSIS DIAGNOSIS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Photo: Twitter/@WHO
The World Health Organisation has endorsed TrueNat, an indigenous molecular diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis. The disease remains a threat to public health and is the top infectious cause of death globally.
In 2018, an estimated 10 million people developed TB and 1.5 million died of it while at least a million children become ill with it every year. Also about 5,00,000 new cases of multidrug 2 and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis (MDR/RR-TB) are estimated to emerge annually but only one in three cases was reported by countries to have been diagnosed and treated in 2018.
WHO has noted that since the approval of Xpert MTB/RIF in 2010, significant additional evidence has been generated on its use as initial test for the diagnosis and rifampicin-resistant TB.
“In recent months new data on the use of Xpert and on the latest version TrueNat MTB and MTB Plus system have also become available. WHO commissioned a systematic review of all the available data in 2019. The results were assessed during a meeting of an independent WHO- convened Guideline Development Group (GDG) on 3-6 December 2019. Detailed recommendations will be published as part of updated WHO Consolidated Guidelines on TB diagnosis in 2020,’’ noted WHO.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations. A selectcrackIAS.com list of articles that match your interests and tastes. Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more Page 174 Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 175 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-15 A GOVERNMENT THAT CHOOSES ITS CRITICS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Role of NGOs, SHGs, Donors & Charities, and Institutional & other Stakeholders in Development Process
On November 16, 2019, the Central Bureau of Investigation raided Amnesty International’s offices in Bengaluru and Delhi based on allegations that the NGO had violated provisions of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, and of the Indian Penal Code. Amnesty has been vocal about human rights abuses, notably in Jammu and Kashmir and Assam.
The raid is not an isolated incident but part of a pattern of harassment of NGOs in India. In early 2019, Greenpeace had to shut two offices in India and reduce its staff. Since 2015, Greenpeace India has been barred from receiving foreign donations. In July 2019, there were raids in the offices of the Lawyers Collective. In 2019 alone, more than 1,800 NGOs lost their licence to receive foreign funding.
This is worrying given that international funding is crucial for NGOs to function. The contribution of NGOs to human rights and public awareness is significant in India. The recognition of the rights of homosexuals and transgender people, for instance, would have been unimaginable without the sustained effort of civil society organisations. Likewise, developments in the public provision of health and education are unlikely to come about without pressure by NGOs.
Most NGOs are neither politically powerful nor have great financial capacity. For example, small environmental or tribal rights groups protesting against environmental violations by multinational companies cannot fight back against companies that use their resources — profits from elsewhere — for public relations, campaigning, and advertisement to resist the protests. Thus there is a power imbalance in this struggle, exacerbated by financial restraints on organisations.
The FCRA regulates the receipt of funding from sources outside of India to NGOs working in India. It prohibits receipt of foreign contribution “for any activities detrimental to the national interest”. The Act specifies that NGOs require the government’s permission to receive funding from abroad. The government can refuse permission if it believes that the donation to the NGO will adversely affect “public interest” or the “economic interest of the state”. This condition is manifestly overbroad. There is no clear guidance on what constitutes “public interest”. Consequently, a government could construe any disagreement with, or criticism of, any of its policies as being against public interest.
The current government has already done this. For example, in 2014, several groups including Greenpeace were accused by the Intelligence Bureau of stalling India’s economic development. In the government’s narrow view, public interest is interpreted as being equivalent to its priorities. That is simply not the case. Thus, an environmental or human rights organisation criticisingcrackIAS.com the government can be accused of “acting against public interest”. The restrictions also have serious consequences on both the rights to free speech and freedom of association under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(c) of the Constitution. The freedom is based on the idea that individuals can form voluntary groups and pursue various interests. It is a form of collective expression and thought. The Supreme Court has held that this right includes the right to continued sustenance of the association, without unreasonable restraint (Damyanti Naranga v. Union of India, 1971).
The foreign funding prohibition also negates the significance of voluntary, non-profit associations in a democracy. Free speech is valuable not because everyone agrees, but because it enables Page 176 a culture of dissent, deliberation, and debate. The right to free speech is affected in two ways. One, by allowing only some political groups to receive foreign donations and disallowing some others, the government can ensure a biased political debate. It can reduce critical voices by declaring them to be against public interest. Two, this chilling effect on free speech can lead to self-censorship. Speech that is protected by the Constitution can be construed as “against public interest”. Thus, the standard regulates speech in a manner that is incompatible with the Constitution. In Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court was similarly faced with overbroad classifications in the Information Technology Act. Striking down Section 66A, the Court held that the Act could be used in a manner that has a chilling effect on free speech. This has already happened in the case of the FCRA. NGOs need to tread carefully when they criticise the regime, knowing that too much criticism could cost their survival.
Democracy requires critics and civil society. This is why invoking the FCRA to curb the work of NGOs is deeply troubling. In a democracy, criticism should be welcomed, not repressed. No government should ever be able to choose its own critics.
Thulasi K. Raj is a practising lawyer and was an Indian Equality Law Fellow at Melbourne Law School; Bastian Steuwer is a political philosopher at the London School of Economics
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience. Why youcrackIAS.com should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more Please enter a valid email address.
To reassure Indian Muslims, the PM needs to state that the govt. will not conduct an exercise like NRC
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In Page 177 Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 178 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-15 CHALK AND CHEESE IN PRIVATE VS. GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Education and related issues
One of the big debates in early childhood education is on children’s “school readiness” and whether early childhood education provides them with the requisite skills to cope with the school curriculum. A vast literature exists on the importance of certain cognitive abilities that are supposed to be developed during the years children spend in pre-school, so that they are “ready” when they enter school in grade one.
In terms of what children learn in school, one of the big debates is whether children in private schools perform better than those in government schools. In the Indian context, the consensus seems to be that a large proportion of the differences in the learning levels of children enrolled in private and government schools can be attributed to “home factors”. And, while the private school effect remains positive, even after taking into account the child’s home environment, learning outcomes in private schools are nowhere near grade competency. But, when do these differences start to manifest themselves? Do children who start grade one in private schools have a learning advantage? Let us look at the case of language. According to the grade 1 curriculum, children are supposed to be able to identify and read words and simple sentences. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2019, 21% children in grade one of government schools could read words compared to 46.7% in private schools — an advantage of 122%. How is this possible? Is this a fair comparison? Are we comparing apples with apples? The answer is clearly no.
First, the age distribution in grade one of government schools is very different from that in private schools. The Right to Education and national policy mandates that children enter grade one at age six. However, 26.1% children in grade one of government schools are four or five years old compared to 15.7% in private schools. At the other end of the spectrum, 30.4% children in grade one of government schools are seven-eight years old compared to 45.4% in private schools. Therefore, comparing learning levels in grade one between government and private schools becomes problematic. The higher learning levels in grade one, in private schools, may be partly due to the fact that grade one in those schools has a higher proportion of older children.
Second, it is well known that children who go to private schools come from relatively affluent backgrounds. They also tend to have more educated parents. This affords them certain advantages which are not available to children who are from less advantaged families and are more likely to attend government schools. For instance, 30% of government school grade one children, in the ASER 2019 sample, had mothers who had never been to school compared to only 12% of grade one private school children. Further, 27.3% of grade one children in private schoolscrackIAS.com had private tutors compared to 19.5% in government schools.
Third, early childhood education is supposed to prepare children for school. Children are supposed to be exposed to activities that build their cognitive abilities and early literacy and numeracy skills. For instance, the National Early Childhood Care and Education curriculum framework talks about developing skills related to sequential thinking, predicting patterns, observing, reasoning and problem solving in the pre-school stage. These cognitive and early language skills are highly correlated with the child’s ability to acquire further language skills. Therefore, children who enter grade one better prepared with these skills are likely to perform better. For instance, among the cognitive tasks administered in ASER 2019 (seriation, pattern Page 179 recognition and puzzle) only 23.8% children of grade one in government schools could do all three tasks compared to 43.1% in private schools.
Once we take into account all these factors — age distribution in grade one, home factors such as affluence, mother’s education, home learning environment, and some baseline abilities that children enter grade one with, private schools still have a learning advantage. Where is this coming from? Since we are talking about grade one, this difference cannot be attributed to an accumulated effect of better teaching practices in private schools.
What private pre-schools are doing is to start children on the school-based curriculum in pre- school itself. In other words, the private sector keeps children longer in pre-school and exposes them to school-like curricula even before they have entered school. For instance, 14% children in anganwadis could recognise letters or more compared to 52.9% in private pre-schools; and 12.9% children in these private pre-schools were already reading words (something they are supposed to learn in grade one) compared to 2.9% in anganwadis. It is not surprising, therefore, that children from private pre-schools perform better in school.
Finally, children in anganwadis do worse than private pre-school children on cognitive as well as early language tasks such as picture description. For instance, while 23.4% of private pre-school children could do all three cognitive tasks, only about half (12%) of the children in anganwadis could do them.
India has a huge investment in its early childhood programme, administered through 1.2 million anganwadis under the Integrated Child Development Services Scheme. The findings of ASER 2019 make a clear case for strengthening these early childhood education centres so that they implement appropriate “school-readiness” activities. A case can also be made for streamlining the curriculum at the pre-school stage so that all pre-schools focus on activities that build cognitive and early literacy and numeracy skills. These will aid further learning.
Wilima Wadhwa is Director, ASER Centre
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list. EnjoycrackIAS.com reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations. A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience. Page 180 Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
To reassure Indian Muslims, the PM needs to state that the govt. will not conduct an exercise like NRC
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 181 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-15 A NEW VIRUS EMERGES IN CHINA Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
An electron microscope image of a coronavirus, part of a family of viruses that cause ailments including the common cold and SARS.
On December 31, 2019, China informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause in Wuhan City, Hubei Province of China. A few patients in Wuhan had been suffering from respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia since December 8, 2019. Besides providing care, Chinese public health officials began carrying out environmental assessments at the wholesale market and trying to identify the microbe causing the outbreak.
On January 9, 2020, the WHO issued a statement saying Chinese researchers have made “preliminary determination” of the virus as a novel coronavirus in a person with pneumonia. The researchers were able to determine the virus by sequencing the genome of the novel virus using an isolate taken from an infected patient. “Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China’s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks,” WHO tweeted.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less severe common cold to more severe diseases such as the Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). While SARS coronavirus was transmitted from civet cats to humans in China in 2002, MERS coronavirus was from dromedary camels to humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
On January 11, China shared the whole genome sequence data with WHO and submitted them to the Global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID) platform to allow researchers across the world to access the data. Sharing the data with GISAID will hep other countries to quickly identify the virus in infected people and provide care, and also develop specific diagnostic kits, drugs and even vaccines. Since Jan 11, five more genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID.
Using the genomic test kit, China was able to accurately identify that only 41 of the 59 suspected cases have been infected with the novel coronavirus. According to the WHO, the clinical signs and symptoms of the patients are mainly fever and fatigue, accompanied by dry cough, with a few having difficulty in breathing, and chest radiographs showing fluid in both lungs.
Of the 41 patients, seven have severe illness, two have already been discharged and one person had succumbed to the disease. The remaining patients were reported to be in a “stable condition”. The last reported case was on January 2. The patient who died on January 9 is apparentlycrackIAS.com a 61-year-old man who had chronic liver disease and was a frequent customer at the market which is under investigation to identify the animal species that has transmitted the virus to humans. Public health experts are yet to identify the source of the new virus.
According to the WHO, 763 people, including medical staff, who have come in close contact with patients infected with the novel coronavirus have been identified for close monitoring. So far the virus doesn’t seem to have the ability to spread from one person to another as the infection has not been found in any of the close contacts. Based on preliminary epidemiological investigation, most of the patients have come in close contact with animals or frequently visited a wholesale seafood market, which has been closed since January 1. Page 182 On January 8, a woman who had travelled from Wuhan to Thailand was hospitalised and mild pneumonia was diagnosed. Subsequent testing confirmed that the woman, a Chinese national, had been infected with the novel coronavirus. But none outside Wuhan in China has been found to be infected with the virus directly from animals.
At this point in time, the “WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the information currently available”. It does not recommend that travellers take any specific measures either. However, the WHO provides general tips to reduce the risk of infection such as cleaning hands with soap and water, covering nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, avoiding contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, and avoid making unprotected contact with wild or farm animals.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover SubscribecrackIAS.com to The Hindu now and get unlimited access. Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Page 183
Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 184 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-15 YEAR END REVIEW 2019 – MINISTRY OF POWER Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Government policies & interventions for development in various Sectors and issues arising out of their design & implementation incl. Housing
Ministry of Power Year End Review 2019 – Ministry of Power
Electrification of Approximately 2.6 Crores Households Achieved
3,71,985 Kms of LT Lines and 1,77,676 Kms of HT Lines (11 KV and 33 KV) Erected
Guidelines Issued to all States/UTs to Convert Existing Meters into Smart Ones. more than 9 Lakh Smart Meters Installed.
Posted On: 14 JAN 2020 12:15PM by PIB Delhi
Availability of reliable and affordable energy is key for development of any country. Several steps have been taken to reform and strengthen the power sector as a whole including power generation, transmission & distribution. The details of year-long achievements for Ministry of Power are as below :
1. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA):
● Launched in Sept., 2017 with the objective to achieve universal household electrification by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households in rural and urban areas by 31st March, 2019 ● Scheme Outlay: Rs. 16320 Crore including GOI Grant of Rs. 12320 Crore ● GOI Grant released : Rs. 5720 Crore st ● As on 31 March, 2019, all States reported electrification of all willing households under ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har GharYojana’ (Saubhagya), except few households in LWE affected Bastar region of Chhattisgarh.
● crackIAS.com Electricity connections to 262.84 Lakh households have been released from 11.10.2017 to 31.03.2019. ● Subsequently, seven States reported 19.09 Lakh un-electrified households which were un- willing earlier but are now willing to get electricity connection. These households are being electrified by the concerned States and as on 20.12.2019, electricity connections to 7.42 Lakh Households have been released.
2. Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram JyotiYojana (DDUGJY):
th ● 100% villages across the country stands electrified as on 28 April, 2018. Page 185
● Total Scheme Outlay is Rs.75893 Crore (DDUGJY: Rs. 43033 crore and RE Component: Rs.32860 Crore) ● Projects with total cost of Rs. 43486 crore have been sanctioned in 32 States/UTs. ● Besides above, additional amount of Rs.14270 crore has been sanctioned for creation of additional infrastructure to support 100% household electrification. ● GoI Grant released (Including RE Component) Since 2014-15 - Rs.45174 Crore
During 2019-20 (Up to 24.12.19) - Rs.3857 Crore
● Achievements as on 30.11.2019
Rural Electricity Infrastructure (Including additional infrastructure created for household electrification under DDUGJY & Saubhagya)
● 1475 nos. new sub-stations commissioned ● 1658 nos. sub-stations augmented ● 4,92,181nos. distribution transformers installed ● 3,71,985Kms of LT lines and 1,77,676Kms of HT lines (11 KV and 33 KV) erected ● 1,00,318 Kms feeder separation completed ● Metering. Consumers : 1.27 Crore Nos.
DistributionTransformers : 1,73,559Nos.
Feeders : 11,425 Nos.
3. Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS):
● Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) was launched in the year 2014 with an Outlay of Rs. 32,612 crore for improving and augmenting the distribution and sub- transmission systems in Urban areas with a view to improve reliability. ● Under the scheme, till today, system strengthening of sub-transmission and distribution network has been in 371 circles. 560 additional urban Towns have been IT-enabled, and about 30,000 kms of HT/LT lines have been installed across 546 circles in the country. 820 new substations have been constructed, while more than 50,000 Distribution transformers havecrackIAS.com been installed. For better work flow management in the Utilities, IPDS has also funded Enterprise resource planning (ERP) across several Utilities, out of which implementation has been completed in 6 Utilities. ● Under the older projects subsumed under IPDS, till now, 1287 towns have been IT enabled, and SCADA systems have been completed in 57 towns. System strengthening works have been completed in 1195 towns. ● Significant progress has been made under the scheme in the current financial year with the physical progress of IPDS reaching almost 80% in the system strenghening works. The details of the works accomplished under IPDS in new projects in the current financial year are as follows: Page 186 Works Accomplished under IPDS in Current Financial Year
Achievement * Items Unit April 2019 – 26 DEC 2019 New Substation No. 200
Substations Capacity enhancement & Additional No. 280 Transformers HT (33 & 11KV) CKm 5,143 Over-head Lines LT (440 V) CKm 1,464 Aerial Bunch / Under Cables CKm 19,050 Ground Distribution Transformers No. 10,079 Smart/ Prepaid No. 46,806 Meters Consumer-System No. 20,533,72 Solar Panels KWp 12,347
4. Smart Metering:
● In the current financial year, Ministry of Power has issued guidelines to all States to convert all existing consumer meters into Smart meters in prepaid mode. Operation of Smart meters in prepaid mode would allow consumers to pay as per their own financial convenience and electricity consumption requirements. ● EESL, a JV between CPSUs in the power sector, has been providing Smart metering services to various Utilities as per MOUs entered into with them. EESL has also established innovative financing arrangements for the Smart metering projects that would enable them to provide smart metering services to the DISCOMs without requiring any outright CAPEX funding from the States/Utilities. The recoveries against the funding towards smart metering installations would be taken as a monthly annuity from the Utilities over a period of seven to eight years. ● Apart from installations in NDMC for about 50,000 consumers, EESL has also started installationcrackIAS.com of Smart meters in Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan. Out of these States, the maximum installation is in the State of Uttar Pradesh, where more than 7.78 Lakh smart meters have already been deployed across 11 cities.
● More than 9 lakh smart meters have been installed in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, NDMC-Delhi and Andhra Pradesh as detailed below:
Page 187 Smart Meter installations
Name of State/ DISCOM by EESL Sr. No
1 NDMC 56,220 2 Uttar Pradesh 7,78,631 3 Haryana 73,933 4 Andhra Pradesh 780 Total 9,09,564
5. Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY):
● Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY), a scheme for financial and operation turn around of Power Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) was launched by the Government for State owned Distribution Utilities on 20-11-2015 at a time when the outstanding debts and losses of the Distribution utilities had increased to levels that were adversely affecting the viability of the Power and Banking Sectors. The purpose of UDAY was to usher reforms across the Power and coal Sectors through competitive and cooperative federalism to pave the way for 24X7 affordable and reliable Power for all.
● UDAY incorporated a slew of measures, including financial re-engineering measures, as well as operational improvement measures. Exemptions were given to the States to borrow outside the FRBM limits in order to enable them to take over 75% of the outstanding debts of DISCOMs, as existing on 30th November 2015. The scheme had two outcome parameters: (i) AT&C loss reduction to 15%; and (ii) ACS-ARR gap reduction to zero by March 2019. Due to the large scale of problems/ challenges in some States, as well as late joining, some States were given extension to complete the turn around process by one or two years
● UDAY scheme is now in final stages, with majority of states having completed 3 years at the end of FY19. The performance from FY16 to FY18 (based on the data submitted by states on the UDAY portal) shows a consistent improvement in AT&C losses, and reduction in annual losses by almost 50% of pre-UDAY times.
● Significant improvements have been observed in terms of reduction in AT&C loss from 20.7% in FY16 to 18.2% in FY19. The lines losses have come down to below the levels of 20%, due to an increase in billing and collection of revenues, reduction in theft, and reductioncrackIAS.com in technical losses. States like Bihar, Haryana, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Manipur have increased the billing efficiency by ~ 8-10%. In many states, like Assam, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya, collection efficiency has improved by more than 5%.
● Similarly, the gap between ACS and ARR has reduced from 59 paise per unit in FY16 to 27 paise per unit in FY19 due to cost side optimization measures including control in power purchase costs, and reduction in interest costs, and discipline in revision of tariff filings in most of the states. Page 188
● Half yearly trends of performance of UDAY States in FY20 indicate that the AT&C losses are lesser than those in the same period by 62 basis points, though there is a marginal deterioration in the revenue gaps. Variation in pattern of electricity consumption due to extent of heat and rainfall accounts for these variations.
● The Government of India is formulating additional reform frameworks to buttress the efforts under UDAY to achieve a complete financial and operational turn around of State owned Utilities.
6. Hydro
● 16% higher generation (120.7 BU) in 2019-20 (April ~ Nov.) from generation (103.9 BU) in 2018-19 (April ~ Nov.) ● Mangdechhu hydropower project (720 MW) in Bhutan commissioned in August 2019 and inaugurated by Prime Minister on 17.08.2019
● CCEA approval of Rs. 1600 crore in July 2019 for pre-investment activities of NHPC’s Dibang Multipurpose (2880 MW) project in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest hydropower project to be initiated in the country. ● Revival of Subansiri Lower (2000 MW) project in Arunachal Pradesh, the largest under construction hydropower project, which was stalled since December 2011 due to local unrest and NGT case, has been re-started after NGT case was dismissed on 31.07.2019 and local issues were resolved ● Revival of Teesta-VI (500 MW) project in Sikkim, which was stalled since December 2012 through NHPC’s take over of the project through NCLT bidding. ● On the advice of the Central Govt., the state governments of hydro-rich states of Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have provided relaxations to reduce tariff of hydropower projects:
● Jammu & Kashmir has deferred free power, exempted water cess for 10 years and have given exemptions from local taxes to Kiru and Kwar Projects. ● Himachal Pradesh has also deferred free power, agreed for 50% reimbursement of State GST and for booking 1.5% LADF to any head other than project cost, BOOT/ BOOM for 70 years etc, with an objective to bring down hydro tariff below Rs. 4.5 per unit. On these lines, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh signed agreements with 3 CPSUs viz. NTPC, NHPC and SJVN for setting up 10 hydropower projects of 2917 MW on Chenab river entailing an investment of about Rs. 28,000 crore. ● GuidelinescrackIAS.com being prepared for operationalising the following measures to promote hydropower sector approved by the Union Cabinet on 07.03.2019 : ● Declaring Large Hydropower Projects (>25 MW) as Renewable Energy ● Hydropower Purchase Obligation(HPO) ● Tariff rationalisation measures ● Budgetary support for flood moderation component & ● Budgetary support for enabling infrastructure like bridges, roads etc.
The saleability issues facing hydropower would be addressed through HPO, tariff Page 189 rationalisation measures and budgetary support for flood moderation and enabling infrastructure like roads, bridges etc. Large Hydropower projects (>25 MW) would also become eligible for green funding after being categorised as renewable energy source.
7. One Nation-One Grid-One Frequency:
● Expansion of ISTS transmission lines (220 kV and above) by 14,546 km ● Transformation capacity addition of ISTS network by 74,910 MVA ● Inter-Regional Transfer capacity of addition of 5,700 MW
8. MoP has approved implementation of ISTS transmission projects worth about Rs. 15,186 Cr under RTM/TBCB mode. 9. Setting up of Renewable Energy Management Centre (REMC): Eight REMCs have been commissioned in the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and Southern Regional Load Despatch Centre and Western Regional Load Centre during 2019. These REMCs would help in Grid integration of Renewable Energy by taking care of intermittency of RE generation and, facilitating real time forecasting, scheduling and real time tracking of Renewable Energy Generation.
10. Restoration work during Odisha cyclone: Provided support by way of manpower, material and other support to the tune of Rs.11.48 crore for early restoration of transmission lines/ power system in the state of Odisha, which was badly affected by the cyclone ‘Fani’
11. Important works done in Jammu & Kashmir: 12. 220 kV Transmission Line/ System from Srinagar to Leh, via Drass and Kargil was commissioned in February, 2019, but due to collapse of a few towers during the avalanche was not fully functional. This was restored and made fully operational.Restoration of Kishenpur-New Wanpoh Transmission lines in J&K, affected by the recent snow storm in Kashmir, was completed under adverse weather conditions and difficult terrainMoU signed and Work commenced in two CSR Projects in J&K at an estimated cost of Rs.5.78 crore Improvement/ upgradation of inner link road at Wagoora.Upgradation of 10 Army Goodwill Schools in J&K. 13. Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Khalsti-Leh transmission system: On 3rd February,2019, Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of lndia dedicated the 220kV Srinagar-Drass-Kargil-Khalsti-Leh transmission system aimed at powering Kargil and Ladakh region of Jammu & Kashmir thereby, connecting these regions of lndia to the NationalcrackIAS.com Grid. 13. MAHARATNA Status: Power Grid Corporation of lndia Limited (POWERGRID) has been conferred with the coveted Maharatna Status by the Government of India on 23.10.201 9.
14. Power Rail Koyla Availability through Supply Harmony (PRAKASH) Portal: PRAKASH portal was launched on 03.10.2019. Benefits of Portal to the Stake-holders: On a single platform, the following information will be available:
● Coal company: Stocks and the coal requirement at power stations Page 190
● Indian Railways: Actual coal available at siding. ● Power stations can plan future schedule by knowing rakes in pipe line and expected time of receipt ● MoP/ MoC/Ministry of Railways/CEA/POSOCO can review the overall availability of thermal power in different regions and coal available for the same Information available on portal:
● Summary Dashboard: Summary of Generation, Coal receipt for power plants, Dispatch by Coal Company and Rake placement by Railways for month and financial year. ● Geo Status: Summary of power plant and siding details on Map of India. ● Reports: Following report will be available
● Daily Power Plant Status: Report gives Station data related to power generation, coal receipt, consumption and stock. ● Plant Exception Report: Report gives Station list having given stock on particular date. ● Periodic Power Plant Status: Report gives station data related to power generation, coal receipt, consumption and stock for selected period. Coal materialization based on dispatch by Coal Company is available. ● Coal Dispatch Report: Report gives subsidiary wise coal dispatch for particular period. It also gives source wise details of dispatch. Dispatch trend is also visible.
15. Transport Sector: "Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles - Guidelines and Standards" were issued on 14.12.2018 which were subsequently revised on 01.10.2019.
● Public Charging Stations Installed by NTPC/EESL till December 2019: NTPC : 57EESL : 65
16. Energy Efficiency in Industry Sector:
● After the completion of PAT 2 Cycle involving 621 designated consumers from 11 Sectors, BEE has undertaken monitoring and verification process. It is estimated that these 621 large consumers would achieve energy saving target of 9.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent annually which is equivalent to reduction of 35 million tonnes CO2 emissions for the country. th ● National conclave on Enhancing Energy Efficiency in MSME’s held on 23-24 September,2019. Two new numbers of Energy Management Centres established in 2019. Energy Conservation Guidelines for MSME sector was published.
17. Appliances Sector:
● crackIAS.com Energy Consumption standards for Air conditioners have been notified vide S.O. No. 3897 (E) dated 30th October, 2019 for further improvement with effect from 1st January, 2021. As part of the notification, it will be mandatory for the Air Conditioner manufacturers to incorporate "24-degree default setting" in their AC models from next year. ● The Energy Consumption standards for LED Lamps have been revised vide S.O. No.3631(E) dated 09.10.2019. th ● Voluntary Star Labelling of Solar Water Heater to be launched on 14 December,2019 during National Energy Conservation Awards Day. Page 191 18. Building Sector:
● ECBC has been notified by 15 States /UT till November, 2019. ● ECO-NIWAS Samhita (Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings) has been launched in December, 2018 and Star labelling of Homes was launched in February, 2019.
● Star-rating of commercial building is developed for office, BPO, shopping mall and hospitals.33 nos. of commercial buildings were awarded BEE star rating in 2019. ● An International Building Energy Conference – ANGAN (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat) with support from GIZ under IGEN (Indo-German Energy Program) organized on 9-11, September, 2019. ● “ECO-NIWAS” Portal (www.econiwas.com) for promoting energy efficiency in residential building sector launched to benefit construction of energy efficient homes.
19. National Energy Conservation Awards and Painting Competition:
● Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been organizing school, state and national level painting competitions across the country every year. During 2019, over 84 lakhs students participated in these competitions and awards are to be given to the winners during the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day i.e. 14th December,2019. ● On this occasion 33 industrial units from various sectors were given awards for their excellent performance in energy efficiency. Altogether 355 units and establishments across the country participated in this year’s National Awards Programme and a total electrical saving of 10566 Million units and thermal Savings of about 2.40 milliontoe has been reported. This has resulted in CO2 emission reduction of 10.5 million tonnes.
20. North Eastern states:
● Over 1 crore LED bulbs, 93,900 LED tube lights and 3.65 lakh energy efficient fans distributed under UJALA scheme. ● Over 1 lakh LED street lights installed under SLNP.
21. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA):
● Over 36.10 crore LED bulbs, 71.61 lakh LED tube lights and 23.10 lakh energy efficient fans distributed across the country. ● This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 47 billion kWh per year with avoided peak
demand of 9,590 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 38 million t CO2 per year and estimatedcrackIAS.com cost saving of INR 18,935 crore per year in electricity bills of consumers.
22. Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP):
● Over 1 crore energy efficient LED streetlights have been installedacross the country. ● This has resulted in estimated energy savings of 6.9 billion kWh per year with avoided peak
demand of 1,152 MW, estimated GHG emission reduction of 4.76 million t CO2per year and estimated annual cost saving of INR 2,686 crore in electricity bills of Municipalities.
23. National E-Mobility Programme: Page 192 Procurement process of 10,000 e-cars concluded. The price discovered for e-cars is 25 % less than similar cars in market. Till date,1510 e-cars deployed/under deployment for Government offices and 470 Captive Chargers (300 AC & 170 DC) commissioned in these offices.
24. Electric Vehicles Charging Infrastructure: EESL is also installing Public Charging Stations to promote Electric vehicles. Till date, 65 nos. of Public Charging Stations (PCS) have been commissioned in New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) area. MoUs signed with multiple stakeholders across the country.
25. Building Energy Efficiency Programme (BEEP): Building energy efficiency project has been completed in 10,310 buildings including Railway stations and Airports.
26. Agricultural Demand Side Management (AgDSM): Over73,600 energy efficient pumps have been installed in Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
27. Decentralized solar power plants: Decentralized solar power plant of60 MW cumulative capacity commissioned in the state of Maharashtra.
28. Atal JyotiYojana (AJAY) and Solar Study Lamp scheme: Over 1.48 lakh Solar LED Street Lights commissioned in rural areas under AJAY and over 59.18 lakh Solar Study Lamps distributed to school going students under Solar Study Lamp scheme.
29. Ensuring Sustainability of Power Sector- Addressing issue of Payment delays by Discoms:
● The Central Government has taken a major step to address the problem of mounting outstanding dues towards Generating Companies by the Distribution Companies by issuing an Order on 28th June, 2019 regarding Opening and maintaining of adequate Letter of Credit (LC) as Payment Security Mechanism under Power Purchase Agreements by Distribution Licensees. This mechanism has been made effective w.e.f 1st August, 2019.
● Under this mechanism the Power will be scheduled for dispatch only after Letter of Credit (LC) for the desired quantum of power with respect to the generating stations has been opened. It shall be ensured by the concerned Load Despatch Centre that such entity, during the period of non-scheduling of power on account of Non opening of LC or advance payment,crackIAS.com has no access to procure power from the Power Exchange(s) and they shall not be granted Short Term Open Access (STOA).
● The measure is expected to improve payments to the power generators and improve sustainability in the Power Sector.
30. Measures towards reduction of cost of power to the consumer:
● In order to reduce the cost of power procured by the Distribution Licensees, a new system has been put in place where for Inter State Generating Stations (ISGS), the merit order Page 193 dispatch at national level shall be followed. Hence the cheapest generation will be available at the maximum level. This is a step where for ISGS, the State level merit order has been shifted to National level merit order. This mechanism has resulted in savings of approximately Rs 3 Crores every day and has a potential of saving Rs 1200 Crores in a year towards power procurement cost of Distribution licensees. ● An Order was issued by Ministry of Power on 15.11.2019 on “Reduction in cost of power due to pre-payment in entire value chain of power sector”. Electricity Regulatory Commissions are requested to take necessary actions in reduction of cost due to pre payment as in such cases the working capital requirements get reduced. This initiative reduces the cost of power to the consumer.
31. Promotion of Renewable Energy:
● In Order to promote the capacity addition of Solar and Wind Power Projects, the waiver available for use of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS transmission charges and losses) has been extended for use of Inter State Transmission System (ISTS) for transmission of electricity by Solar or Wind power projects commissioned till December 2022. The waiver shall be applicable for the twenty five years from the commissioning of such projects. ● Clarification on Orders related to Renewable Purchase Obligation for Captive Power Plants (CPP) has been issued on 1st February 2019.
32. Allowing use of linkage coal for short term power procurement and power exchanges:
● For the first time, linkage coal was allowed to Power Plants for selling power in the Day Ahead Market (DAM) through power exchanges or in short term through a transparent bidding process through Discovery of Efficient Energy Price (DEEP) portal. A methodology in this regard was issued by Ministry of Power on 2nd December 2019. ● Till now the Coal Linkage was granted to power generating stations only for selling power through long term and medium term power purchase agreements. This move shall de-stress the Power Generating Stations which have not secured long term or medium term power purchase agreements.
33. Revival of Stressed Assets : Pilot Scheme II:
● In our endeavour for revival of the stressed assets, a Pilot Scheme was introduced by MOP in April 2018 to facilitate procurement of aggregated power of 2500 MW for 3 (three) years (coveredcrackIAS.com under medium term) from the generating companies having coal based Power Plants which are already commissioned without having a power purchase agreement for the quantum of power the Bidder is willing to bid. Based on the experience gained in the Pilot Scheme, Pilot Scheme –II for procurement of another 2500 MW for the period of three years under medium term was notified on 01.02.2019. ***
RCJ/SKP/CKR Page 194
(Release ID: 1599334) Visitor Counter : 531
Read this release in: Bengali
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 195 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-17 TB DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVELOPED IN INDIA HAS HIGH ACCURACY, SAYS WHO Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
According to WHO, the overall sensitivity of the Truenat MTB assay is 83% and specificity is 99%. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a Rapid Communication published on January 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) had mentioned that the India-made Truenat MTB, a molecular diagnostic test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB, has high accuracy.
Truenat MTB has “high diagnostic accuracy as initial test to diagnose TB and to sequentially detect rifampicin resistance”, says the WHO Communication. It will be used as an initial test thus replacing sputum smear microscopy.
Truenat is developed by the Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. The company was provided with technical assistance and resources by the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) to help commercialise Truenat. ICMR had assessed and validated the diagnostic tool.
“Truenat will be cheaper per test than Xpert. The equipment and cartridges cost more in the case of Xpert,” says Prof. Balaram Bhargava, Director-General of ICMR. “Truenat is robust and most suited for Indian conditions.”
“With its better sensitivity, Truenat can be used as the initial tool for TB diagnosis,” says Prof. Bhargava.
Besides other studies, a multi-centric, prospective field evaluation study was carried out in India, Ethiopia, Peru, Papua New Guinea involving 744 participants, with final results on bacteriological culture.
While sputum microscopy has only about 50% sensitivity, Truenat has been found to have higher sensitivity and specificity. According to WHO, the overall sensitivity of the Truenat MTB assay is 83% and specificity is 99%. In the case of Truenat MTBPlus, which uses two targets to diagnose TB bacteria, the sensitivity increases to 89% and the specificity is 98%.
In comparison, Xpert, which is also a molecular diagnostic test and has been widely used across the world, the sensitivity is 85% and specificity is 98%.
In cases where the sample is found to be positive, tests can be done to know if the TB bacteria are alreadycrackIAS.com resistant to rifampicin, a drug used as part of first-line treatment. Truenat MTB-RIF test for knowing the resistance has 93% sensitivity and 95% specificity.
According to WHO, the accuracy of Truenat and Truenat MTB Plus is comparable with Xpert and Xpert Ultra. Likewise, the accuracy to detect rifampicin resistance using Truenat MTB-RIF is comparable with Xpert and Xpert Ultra.
Based on data available from around 230 diagnosing units in the primary and community health centres in Andhra Pradesh, scientists at the Chennai-based National Institute of Epidemiology found Truenat had better ability to diagnose more TB positive cases. “Compared with smear microscopy, there was 30% more number of positive cases diagnosed after Truenat was Page 196 implemented in the 230-odd units,” says Dr. Manoj V. Murhekar, Director of NIE.
“Instead of smear microscopy, Truenat can be used as an initial and point-of-care tool for diagnosing TB,” he says. “Since not much expertise is needed to carry out the test, it can be used in peripheral units such as public and community health centres.”
While Xpert needs reliable electricity supply and air-conditioning, Truenat is battery operated and portable, hence, it can be used in remote places. Truenat takes about 25 minutes to extract the DNA and another 35 minutes for diagnosis. Testing for rifampicin resistance takes an hour and is done only if the sample tests positive for TB. In the case of Xpert, it takes two hours to complete the diagnosis and test for rifampicin resistance.
Compared with a one ml of sputum sample required in the case of Xpert, only 0.5 ml sample is needed for Truenat. In the case of TB positive samples, the actual bacterial load in 1 ml of sputum sample is given, while Xpert provides only a qualitative result.
The main cost advantage while using Truenat will be in the manner the tests are carried out. Only when samples test positive will the test for rifampicin resistance be carried out in the case of Truenat. This is unlike Xpert where both TB diagnosis and rifampicin resistance test are done in one go. Hence the use of reagents may be reduced and will help make the testing cheaper when Truenat is used.
Also, a peripheral-level TB test using Truenat will reduce the delay in diagnosis and when combined with improved treatment initiation rates will fare better compared with district-level Xpert testing. After all, early diagnosis and treatment initiation will help reduce TB transmission and incidence.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. MovecrackIAS.com smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly. A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address. Page 197 Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 198 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-18 LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE FAILING TO INVEST ENOUGH IN HEALTH, SAYS WHO Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
“Leaders across the globe, are failing to invest enough resources in core health priorities and systems and putting lives, livelihoods and economies in jeopardy,” said World Health Organisation (WHO) releasing its latest list of urgent global health challenges for this decade.
“Public health is ultimately a political choice. Countries invest heavily in protecting their people from terrorist attacks, but not against the attack of a virus, which could be far more deadly, and far more damaging economically and socially. A pandemic could bring economies and nations to their knees. Which is why health security cannot be a matter for ministries of health alone,” noted WHO.
It added that countries have to realise that health is an investment in the future.
Reacting to this a senior health ministry official noted that the Union Health Ministry is looking at “more funds allocation for the coming year.”
A release issued by the central government noted that that department of health has sought for "untied funds to help in funding gaps in primary health care in the States. It has also asked for performance based incentives – a Composite Health Index to be utilized to encourage States to demonstrate performance on year on year basis."
“The Health Ministry projected the requirement of funds for a primary care for the purpose of addressing shortfall in infrastructure, health care professionals, supporting AB-HWCs, National Ambulance Service, and Funds for Medicines and Diagnostics. For a 5-year period, total of 5,38,305.38 crores fund has been projected,” noted the release.
Meanwhile, WHO also listed out -- climate change, access to medicines, epidemic, anti-biotic resistance, growth in harmful products etc as important challenges for this decade.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director general in his statement said: "We face shared threats and we have a shared responsibility to act. With the deadline for the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals quickly approaching, the United Nations General Assembly has underscored that the next 10 years must be the “decade of action”.
“This means advocating for national funding to address gaps in health systems and health infrastructure,crackIAS.com as well as providing support to the most vulnerable countries,” he added. You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list. Page 199 Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 200 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-18 TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL PROGRAMME RENAMED, TO FOCUS ON ELIMINATION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
On January 1, 2020, India’s TB control programme got a change of name. It is no longer known as the Revised National TB Control Programme (RNTCP), and has been rechristened as the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP).
The change in name is in line with the larger goal of eliminating the disease by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals target. In March 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced 2025 as the target year for ending TB.
On December 30, 2019, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare sent a letter to Chief Secretaries of all States and Union Territories intimating about the change of name. “The Government of India has committed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of ending tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global targets. In view of this ambitious target, a change in name of the programme, representative of the ultimate goal of eliminating TB disease, was thought to be necessary,” the letter says.
“Changing the name will help us in providing adequate advocacy required for achieving the goal,” Dr. Raghuram Rao, Deputy Director (TB), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare told The Hindu. “TB is not just a disease but a socio-economic problem. So this requires every section of the society to be playing its part in fighting to end the disease.”
The change in name is expected to give “huge thrust to the people working for elimination of tuberculosis from the top to bottom and the general population”.
It might be recalled that both in the case of leprosy and polio, the national programme underwent a name change to align with the larger goal. In the case of leprosy, the name was changed from National Leprosy Control Program to National Leprosy Eradication Program in 1983. Similarly, for polio, the name of the programme was changed from National Program for Control of Poliomyelitis to Polio Eradication Program in India.
The goal to end TB by 2025 got a much needed boost with the World Health Organization stating that the indigenously developed molecular test (TrueNat MTB) for diagnosing pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB has high diagnostic accuracy. Being battery- operated, the diagnostic tool will be used in peripheral TB centres in India. This will help reduce the delay in diagnosis and enable early initiation of treatment to break the transmission cycle and achieve better cure rates.
As a firstcrackIAS.com step, TrueNat MTB will be available at community health centres and would slowly be extended to primary health centres across the country. There are 5,500-6,000 community health centres and about 25,000 PHCs. While States will be procuring the diagnostic machine directly from the Goa-based manufacturer, the Central government is in the process of procuring 1,500 machines for the high-load TB microscopy centres.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. Page 201 Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Page 202 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-20 THE MIND MATTERS: HOW TAMIL NADU IS COPING WITH HIGH PREVALENCE OF MENTAL ILLNESSES Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Persons with Disability including Mentally Ill People - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Mental illness changed the lives of these three women. Like hundreds of people in the same situation, Akila, Bairavi and Jency are still not understood by the vast majority. The reasons: lack of awareness and stigma attached to mental disorders.
The problem partly lies in differentiating mental health from physical health. From there on, it takes a different path; a path in which availability and access to mental health services, adequate mental health professionals, affordable treatment leading to rehabilitation and integration into society become issues.
The recently-published ‘The burden of mental disorders across the States of India: the Global Burden of Disease Study 1990-2017’ (Lancet Psychiatry, 2019) says mental disorders are among the leading causes of the non-fatal disease burden in India. Giving the prevalence and disease burden of each mental disorder for the States, it finds that the proportional contribution of mental disorders to the total disease burden in India has almost doubled since 1990.
The prevalence of mental disorders that predominantly manifest during adulthood – depressive and anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder – was generally higher in the more developed southern States than in the less developed northern States, it says.
Tamil Nadu, being one of the States in the high socio-demographic index group, accounted for a high prevalence of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.
The crude Disability Adjusted Life Years (a summary measure of total health loss) rate of depressive disorders was highest in T.N. in this group.
Commenting on the study, R. Thara, vice-chairperson of Schizophrenia Research Foundation, says that there has been no country-wide look at the burden of mental disorders so far.
“The Global Burden of Disease study is not prevalence or an epidemiological study. The data was collated from experts. Nevertheless, it gives us an overview of the prevalence of mental disorders,” she says.
With better literacy rates and mental healthcare services, southern States such as T.N. and Kerala have accounted for higher rates of depressive and anxiety disorders and schizophrenia.
“We needcrackIAS.com to see if this is due to better reporting or a true reflection of prevalence rates. How are we going to handle this? We need to think about increasing awareness on mental health, early diagnosis and treatment, and reduction of stigma,” she adds.
Modernisation and urbanisation are among the likely causes for this high prevalence. Vandana Gopikumar, co-founder, The Banyan, feels that urbanisation has resulted in migration, cultural disaffiliation, identity crisis and certainly overcrowding, all of which may have an impact on mental health. “Nuclearisation of families has many gains, but it has also resulted in decreased support networks,” she adds. Page 203 C. Ramasubramanian, former State Nodal Officer for Mental Health Programme, attributes the rise in the numbers of depressive and anxiety disorder to the isolation caused by urbanisation. Even in tier-2 cities such as Madurai, joint families have disintegrated to form nuclear families which make individuals ‘islands’, he says.
Dr. Thara says: “Our research has shown that in rural areas, 80-85% persons do not access mental health services and remain untreated for 10-12 years. Despite a fairly good District Mental Health Programme in the State, the distance to the nearest medical facility is still huge.
When treatments are not accessible, disease burden increases, observes Anna Tharyan, retired professor of psychiatry, Christian Medical College, Vellore. “Psychological treatment is even less accessible than medical treatment, especially to low and middle socio-economic populations in rural areas. Non-availability of psychiatric treatment at primary and secondary level government hospitals means that the financially deprived cannot access care.”
It is here that primary health care should play a larger role.
“Today, we have technology to address most of the problems of mental health at the primary and secondary care level but its implementation is ineffective. The emphasis is on starting invention as early as possible. The primary health care system, which comprises the first contact care, should identify persons with mental illness and bring them to care,” says K.V. Kishore Kumar, director, The Banyan.
Certain areas continue to be less recognised — post-partum depression, substance/alcohol abuse and domestic violence.
The study observed sex differentials in the distribution of mental disorders; higher prevalence of both depressive and anxiety disorders in women than in men could be related to gender discrimination, violence, sexual abuse, antenatal and postnatal stress and adverse socio-cultural norms.
Mental health is not without newer challenges, especially involving the young. The rapidity of social changes is a huge factor. Social networking, gadget addiction and having virtual friends than real friends, experts add.
Sapna Bangar, psychiatrist and head, Mpower-The Centre, Mumbai, says children are not taught to take ‘no’ for an answer and are given more privileges; as a result, they, as a generation, have poor resilience and poor coping strategies.
Are there strong links between mental disorders and suicides? Lakshmi Vijayakumar, psychiatrist and founder of SNEHA, says depression is an important factor associated with suicide but not the only factor. One-third of persons who die by suicide are addicted to alcohol or are undercrackIAS.com the influence of alcohol. “Here, we need to look at triad of depression-alcoholism- suicide,” she says.
For a State that leads in a number of health indicators, T.N. has come a long way in establishing mental health services, but more needs to be done, say experts.
P. Poorna Chandrika, director of Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Chennai, says, “When compared to other States, Tamil Nadu is way ahead in providing mental health services.”
Under the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), which was launched in 1997 and expanded to 32 districts over the years, every district has two psychiatrists, a clinical Page 204 psychologist, psychiatric nurse and social worker, and 10 beds allotted for psychiatric patients in district hospitals.
IMH, one of the largest treatment facilities in T.N., is currently home to around 900 patients. A document of the Department of Health and Family Welfare shows that IMH catered to an average of 341 out-patients per day during 2017-2018 and 352 during 2018-2019. Its in-patient figures were 861 per day during 2017-2018 and 833 during 2018-2019. But it is the average length of stay of each patient that makes IMH different from other institutions – 97 days in 2017- 2018 and 102 in 2018-2019.
“The mindset of people should change. Institutions such as IMH are hospitals and not asylums. Integrating persons, who improve with treatment, back in society is crucial, and we are taking steps towards it by providing training, and creating job opportunities for many of them,” Dr. Chandrika adds.
Implementation of DMHP varies from place to place.
A 10-bedded psychiatric ward at Usilampatti’s Government Hospital is occupied by patients with reported fever cases. “It is common for us to utilise the psychiatric ward because there are only a few people who ever get admitted. Some visit the doctor at the out-patient wing if there is a necessity but it is not used much,” says a nurse.
Usilampatti Government Hospital is a telling sign of the ground-level execution of the mental health programme in Madurai. Although several institutional arrangements are made for the effective implementation of the mental health programme here, the work on the ground does not measure up.
There are districts that are trend-setters. Take Pudukottai for instance. Its DMHP programme officer, R. Karthik Deivanayagam, says a special helpline for people to contact in case of emergencies was launched, and it receives at least five such calls a day. Among other initiatives, Mental Health Clubs at various government schools and colleges, and village mental health committees at the panchayat level are being formed.
He says that interdepartmental dependence is required across all medical domains, not just in mental health.
"If a patient has a cardiac problem, is he/she not referred to the cardiologist? Similarly, a psychiatric referral must also be resorted to," he says. The biomedical approach to medicine, wherein medicines are prescribed for all illnesses, must be discouraged, he adds.
At the school level, the city corporation and M. S. Chellamuthu Trust have begun ‘Happy Schooling’ at 24 schools in Madurai city. The programme is aimed at promoting emotional well- beingcrackIAS.com among the students. Revathi Mohan, a psychologist from Thiruchengode, says that though counsellors are appointed in many schools, they are not utilised well.
Long-term care is one of the many challenges. Ms. Gopikumar, points out, “In keeping with the Mental Healthcare Act, Mental Health Policy and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, it is essential that inclusive living options be provided for such persons when they seek it.”
Dr. Bangar says the immediate need is to improve the healthcare budget as the government spends less than one per cent on mental healthcare, when the need is four to five per cent. Page 205 There is a need for more number of mental health professionals.
Social workers dedicated to mental health at the block primary health centres and creating posts of deputy director for mental health at the district-level are important, say officials. A senior psychiatrist says a line listing of all cases is essential.
“Attitudes change by contact and experience. Therefore, we need to have more people with mental health issues in the workforce and greater diversity in communities. Challenging prejudice and stigma requires determination, persistence and radical empathy. That alone will ensure lasting change and better help-seeking patterns,” Ms. Gopikumar sums up.
*Names have been changed to protect identity
(With inputs from Sanjana Ganesh in Madurai, Kathelene Antony in Tiruchi and Vignesh Vijayakumar in Salem)
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more PleasecrackIAS.com enter a valid email address. The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu. Page 206 Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 207 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-20 WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF THE NEW SARS-LIKE DISEASE REPORTED IN CHINA? Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The story so far: On December 31, 2019, China informed the World Health Organization (WHO) of a cluster of cases of pneumonia of an unknown cause in Wuhan City in Hubei province. A few patients in Wuhan had been suffering from respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia since early December. Besides providing care, Chinese public health officials began carrying out environmental assessments at the wholesale market and trying to identify the microbe causing the outbreak.
On January 9, 2020, WHO issued a statement saying Chinese researchers have made “preliminary determination” of the virus as a novel coronavirus in a person with pneumonia. They were able to determine the virus by sequencing the genome using an isolate taken from an infected patient. WHO tweeted: “Preliminary identification of a novel virus in a short period of time is a notable achievement and demonstrates China’s increased capacity to manage new outbreaks.”
Public health experts are yet to identify the source of the new virus.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing less severe common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). While the SARS coronavirus is thought to be an animal virus from an as-yet-uncertain animal reservoir, perhaps bats, that spread to other animals (civet cats) and first infected humans in the Guangdong province of southern China in 2002, the MERS coronavirus was passed on from dromedary camels to humans in Saudi Arabia in 2012.
On January 11, China shared the whole genome sequence data with WHO and submitted them to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) platform to allow researchers across the world to access the data. Sharing the data with GISAID will help other countries to quickly identify the virus, provide care, and also develop specific diagnostic kits, drugs and even vaccines. Since January 11, five more genome sequences have been submitted to GISAID.
Using the genomic test kit, China was able to accurately identify that only 41 of the 59 suspected cases have been infected. On January 17, four more cases were reported by the Wuhan health department. According to WHO, the clinical signs and symptoms of the patients are mainly fever and fatigue, accompanied by dry cough, with a few experiencing difficulty in breathing. Chest radiographs showed fluid in both lungs. As of crackIAS.comJanuary 17, two people had died. WHO has said 763 people, including medical staff, who have come in close contact with patients infected with the novel coronavirus, have been identified for close monitoring. Based on preliminary epidemiological investigation, most of the patients had come in close contact with animals or frequently visited a wholesale seafood market (which authorities in Wuhan said was the centre of the outbreak, and closed since January 1).
But in the case of the Japanese man who had travelled to Wuhan and found to be infected with the new virus, the transmission does not seem to be from animals as the person did not visit the Huanan seafood market. Page 208 According to WHO, the fact that certain cases do not seem linked with the seafood market would mean that the possibility of “limited human-to-human transmission cannot be excluded”.
On January 8, a 61-year-old woman who had travelled from Wuhan to Thailand was hospitalised and mild pneumonia was diagnosed. Thermal surveillance at the one of the airports in Bangkok detected the febrile illness of the traveller. Subsequent testing confirmed that the woman, a Chinese national, was that country’s first imported case of a ‘novel’ coronavirus infection. She had not visited the Wuhan seafood market but instead another market where freshly slaughtered animals are sold. A second case was seen in Thailand on Friday, January 17 in a 74-year-old Chinese woman who travelled from Wuhan. On January 16, Japan reported a case of a man in his 30s who was infected with the new coronavirus. He has been discharged from hospital.
India has issued a travel advisory asking citizens to follow certain precautionary measures while visiting China. “WHO advises against the application of any travel or trade restrictions on China based on the information currently available”. It does not recommend that travellers take any specific measures either. However, WHO provides general tips to reduce the risk of infection such as washing hands with soap and water, covering one’s nose and mouth while sneezing and coughing, avoiding contact with anyone who has cold or flu-like symptoms, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, and avoid making unprotected contact with wild or farm animals.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com crackIAS.com Page 209 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-20 TB DIAGNOSTIC TEST DEVELOPED IN INDIA HAS HIGH ACCURACY, SAYS WHO Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Competitive edge: Truenat has been found to have sensitivity and specificity comparable with the currently used molecular diagnostic test.
In a Rapid Communication published on January 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) had mentioned that the India-made Truenat MTB, a molecular diagnostic test to diagnose pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB, has high diagnostic accuracy.
Truenat MTB has “high diagnostic accuracy as initial test to diagnose TB and to sequentially detect rifampicin resistance”, says the WHO Communication. Truenat MTB will be used as an initial test to diagnose TB thus replacing sputum smear microscopy.
Truenat is developed by the Goa-based Molbio Diagnostics. The company was provided with technical assistance and resources by the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND) to help commercialise Truenat. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had assessed and validated the diagnostic tool.
“Truenat will be cheaper per test than Xpert. The equipment and cartridges cost more in the case of Xpert,” says Balaram Bhargava, Director-General of ICMR. “Truenat is robust and most suited for Indian conditions.”
“With its better sensitivity, Truenat can be used as the initial tool for TB diagnosis,” says Prof. Bhargava.
Besides others, a multi-centric, prospective field evaluation study was carried out in four countries — India, Ethiopia, Peru, Papua-New Guinea — involving 744 participants, with final results on bacteriological culture.
While sputum microscopy has only about 50% sensitivity, Truenat has been found to have higher sensitivity and specificity. According to WHO, the overall sensitivity of the Truenat MTB assay is 83% and specificity is 99%. In the case of Truenat MTBPlus, which uses two targets to diagnose TB bacteria, the sensitivity increases to 89% and the specificity is 98%.
In comparison, Xpert, which is also a molecular diagnostic test and has been widely used across the world, the sensitivity is 85% and specificity is 98%. In casescrackIAS.com where the sample is found to be positive for TB, tests can be done to know if the TB bacteria are already resistant to rifampicin, a drug used as part of first-line TB treatment. Truenat MTB-RIF test for knowing rifampicin resistance has 93% sensitivity and 95% specificity.
According to the WHO, the accuracy to diagnose TB using Truenat and Truenat MTB Plus is comparable with Xpert and Xpert Ultra. Likewise, the accuracy to detect rifampicin resistance using Truenat MTB-RIF is comparable with Xpert and Xpert Ultra.
Based on data available from around 230 TB diagnosing units located in primary health centres and community health centres in Andhra Pradesh, scientists at the Chennai-based National Institute of Epidemiology found Truenat had better ability to diagnose more TB positive cases. Page 210 “Compared with smear microscopy, there was 30% more number of positive cases diagnosed after Truenat was implemented in the 230-odd units,” says Manoj V. Murhekar, Director of NIE.
“Instead of smear microscopy, Truenat can be used as an initial and point-of-care tool for diagnosing TB,” says Dr. Murhekar. “Since not much expertise is needed to carry out the test, it can be used in peripheral units such as public and community health centres.”
While Xpert needs reliable electricity supply and air-conditioning, Truenat is battery operated and portable and so can be used in remote places. Truenat takes about 25 minutes to extract the DNA and another 35 minutes for TB diagnosis. Testing for rifampicin resistance takes an hour and is done only if the sample tests positive for TB. In the case of Xpert, it takes two hours to complete the TB diagnosis and test for rifampicin resistance.
Compared with a one ml of sputum sample required in the case of Xpert, only 0.5 ml sputum sample is needed for Truenat. In the case of TB positive samples, the actual bacterial load in 1 ml of sputum sample is given, while Xpert provides only a qualitative result.
The main cost advantage while using Truenat will be in the manner the tests are carried out. Only when samples test positive for TB will the test for rifampicin resistance be carried out in the case of Truenat. This is unlike Xpert where both TB diagnosis and rifampicin resistance test are done at one go. Hence the use of reagents may be reduced, and this will help make the testing cheaper when Truenat is used.
Also, a peripheral-level TB test using Truenat will reduce the delay in diagnosis and when combined with improved treatment initiation rates will fare better compared with district-level Xpert testing. After all, early diagnosis and treatment initiation will help reduce TB transmission and incidence.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. MovecrackIAS.com smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly. A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more Page 211 Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 212 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-21 CORONAVIRUS: AIRPORTS START SCREENING Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
A statement released by the Union Health Ministry on Monday maintained that various precautionary measures have been initiated to prevent the spread of Novel Coronavirus. The Health Ministry has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) to facilitate thermal screening at the international airports of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi.
Airlines are to follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for managing and notifying anybody reporting illness on flights originating from China and disembarking in India.
According to the World Health Organisation, the risk of the global spread of Novel Coronavirus that has been reported from China remains low as of now.
GET RARE PAGES OF JAN 26, 1950 EDITION FREE with the Hindu subscription
Already have an account ? Sign in
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
crackIAS.comEND Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 213 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-21 GUARANTEEING HEALTHCARE, THE BRAZILIAN WAY Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Photo: Getty Images/iStockPhoto
As Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visits New Delhi this Republic Day, one interesting field of cooperation to explore in the strategic partnership is healthcare. Achieving universal health coverage is a very complex task, especially for developing countries. Here, the example of Brazil, the only country where more than 100 million inhabitants have a universal health system, is worth studying. It can also provide lessons for Ayushman Bharat, currently the world’s largest and most ambitious government health programme.
Following the end of military rule, the Brazilian society decided to achieve universal coverage by establishing a government-funded system. The Unified Health System (SUS), which guaranteed free health coverage that included pharmaceutical services, was written into the new Constitution in 1988.
In the last 30 years, Brazilians have experienced a drastic increase in health coverage as well as outcomes: life expectancy has increased from 64 years to almost 76 years, while Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 53 to 14 per 1,000 live births. In terms of service provision, polio vaccination has reached 98% of the population. A 2015 report said that 95% of those that seek care in the SUS are able to receive treatment. Every year, the SUS covers more than two million births, 10 million hospital admissions, and nearly one billion ambulatory procedures.
This has been made possible even amidst a scenario of tightening budget allocation. While universal health systems tend to consume around 8% of the GDP — the NHS, for instance, takes up 7.9% of Britain’s GDP — Brazil spends only 3.8% of its GDP on the SUS, serving a population three times larger than that of the U.K. The cost of the universal health system in Brazil averages around $600 per person, while in the U.K., this number reaches $3.428.
A study conducted by the Brazil-based Institute for Health Policy Studies (IEPS) forecasts that public health spending in Brazil will need to increase by nearly 1.6 percentage points of the GDP by 2060 in order to cover the healthcare needs of a fast-ageing society.
Achieving universal coverage in India, a country with a population of 1.3 billion, is a challenge of epic proportions. Hence, the advances in this field should be seen not in binaries but judged by its steady growth and improvement. For instance, India must record details of improvement in terms of access, production and population health on a year-by-year basis. A starting point for this daunting task is funding. Public health expenditure is still very low in India, at around 1.3% of GDPcrackIAS.com in the 2017-2018 fiscal year. The Brazilian experience can also inform the design of the expansion of primary care that underlies Ayushman Bharat, that is, the creation of 1,50,000 wellness centre by 2022. The Family Health Programme (Programa Saúde da Família), which relies on a community-based healthcare network, is the backbone of the rapid expansion of coverage in Brazil. The strategy is based on an extensive work of community health agents who perform monthly visits to every family enrolled in the programme.
These agents carry out a variety of tasks. They conduct health promotion and prevention activities, oversee whether family members are complying with any treatment they might be receiving, and effectively manage the relationship between citizens and the healthcare system. Page 214 The strategy works: a large body of research shows that the programme has drastically reduced IMR and increased adult labour supply. Equally impressive has been its expansion, from 4% of coverage in 2000 to up to 64% of the overall population in 2015; it was able to reach even the rural areas and the poorest States of the country.
Both Brazil and India are composed of large States with a reasonable degree of administrative autonomy. This fact implies great challenges and opportunities. The major challenge is that a one-size-fits-all approach for such heterogeneous regional realities is inconceivable: Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, and Bihar differ in so many ways and this diversity must be met by an intricate combination of standardised programmes and autonomy to adopt policies according to their characteristics. Moreover, regional disparities in terms of resources and institutional capabilities must be addressed. This diversity, nevertheless, can be a powerful source of policy innovation and creativity.
Miguel Lago is an executive director at the Brazil-based Institute for Health Policy Studies, where Arthur Aguillar works as a public sector specialist
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more PleasecrackIAS.com enter a valid email address. To reassure Indian Muslims, the PM needs to state that the govt. will not conduct an exercise like NRC
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up Page 215 To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 216 Source : www.indianexpress.com Date : 2020-01-22 A NEW VIRUS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
On January 22, the World Health Organisation will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the situation arising out of the outbreak of a mystery respiratory illness, which has killed at least four people and infected more than 200 in China. With cases also being reported in Japan, South Korea and Thailand, the outbreak has revived memories of the SARS epidemic — caused by a coronavirus — that killed nearly 800 people and infected more than 8,000 others across the world in 2002-2003. Preliminary analysis of the new virus’s genetic code reveals that it is more closely related to SARS than any other coronavirus detected in humans in the past 20 years. And, though experts suggest that the new flu may not be as lethal as SARS, there are enough reasons for health authorities around the world to be vigilant.
The infection, initially transmitted from animals, was first detected in Wuhan province in mid- December. Some reports have hinted that the virus spread from a seafood market in Wuhan. But the fact that several people who contracted the flu never visited the market has complicated the search of the disease’s origins. Chinese researchers now believe that, given the large number of cases, the likelihood of human-to-human transmission is large. But the failure to isolate the animals that transmit the virus in the first place could compromise efforts to contain the outbreak.
In 2016, the WHO reported that more than 75 per cent of the new diseases that have affected humans over the last decade have been caused by pathogens hosted by animals or from products of animal origin. Population pressure and clearing vegetation, whether for agriculture or urban expansion, is bringing humans, domestic animals and poultry into closer contact with animals known to be carriers of diseases — rodents, primates and bats. And when humans and animals share space, they also share microbiology. The genetic make-up of most viruses allows them to jump from an animal host to humans. It also allows them to adapt to a foreign environment — such as the human immune system — and makes several resistant to drugs. Compounding this public health challenge are the forces of globalisation, especially the speed and volume of global air travel. For example, after originating in China, the SARS virus traversed nearly 30 countries in less than a year. That is why health authorities across the world should be careful in case of the new coronavirus. The outbreak in Wuhan has coincided with the Chinese Lunar New Year — vacation time in China, when millions of Chinese travel across the world.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 217 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-22 NOT ENOUGH IS KNOWN ABOUT CHINA CORONAVIRUS STRAIN, SAYS WHO OFFICIAL RODERICO OFRIN Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The Wuhan Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market, where a number of people related to the market fell ill with a virus, remains closed in Wuhan, China on January 21, 2020. | Photo Credit: AP
As six deaths were reported in China due to the Novel Coronavirus [2019-nCoV], Dr. Roderico Ofrin, Regional Emergency Director, World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region, has said much remains to be understood about the virus.
In an interview to The Hindu, he said an emergency meeting of the WHO will assess the situation. It will decide whether the situation constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and what recommendations should be made, explained Dr. Ofrin.
According to WHO Worldwide, there have been a total of 222 officially reported, confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV — 218 in China, two in Thailand, one in Japan and one in the Republic of Korea — as on January 20.
Stating that not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how the virus is transmitted, the clinical features of the disease, its severity, the extent to which it has spread, or its source, Dr. Ofrin said, “Based on previous experiences with respiratory illnesses and in particular with other Coronavirus outbreaks and our analysis of data shared by China, human to human transmission is likely occurring.”
“More cases could be expected in other parts of China and possibly other countries in the coming days,” he noted.
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. A Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.
“An animal source seems the most likely primary source of this outbreak, with limited human to human transmission occurring between close contacts. WHO’s guidance to countries includes the possibility of the disease spreading through contact with animals, contaminated food, and/or person to person,” said Dr. Ofrin. CoronavirusescrackIAS.com (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Some transmit easily from person to person, while others do not.
Worldwide, there has been a total of 222 officially reported, confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV — 218 in China, two in Thailand, one in Japan and one in the Republic of Korea [as of January 20]. More cases could be expected in other parts of China, and possibly other countries, in the coming days. Page 218 Much remains to be understood about this novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Not enough is known to draw definitive conclusions about how it is transmitted, clinical features of the disease, its severity, the extent to which it has spread or its source.
The WHO Director-General is convening an Emergency Committee on the new coronavirus under International Health Regulations. The Committee will meet on January 22 to advise him if the situation constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and what recommendations should be put in place.
Reports suggest that 2019-nCoV infection can cause mild to severe disease, and be fatal in some. Based on current data, some new cases seem to experience milder disease, which is within the milder end of spectrum of symptoms caused by respiratory illnesses.
Based on current information, an animal source seems the most likely primary source of this outbreak, with limited human-to-human transmission occurring between close contacts. As the source of the outbreak remains unclear, WHO’s guidance to countries and individuals includes the possibility of the disease spreading through of contact with animals, contaminated food, and/or person-to-person.
Based on previous experience with respiratory illnesses and in particular with other coronavirus outbreaks and our analysis of the data shared by China, human-to-human transmission is likely occurring.
On January 20, Chinese authorities confirmed that, in the light of the latest developments, there is human-to-human transmission among close contacts, though the extent of such transmission is not able to be determined with available information.
Although an animal source seems the most likely primary source of this outbreak, investigations are still required to determine the exact source and mode of transmission of the virus.
WHO is proposing specific studies to better understand transmission, risk factors, and source of the infection. Some of these studies are being undertaken already.
A team from WHO is concluding a mission with health officials in Wuhan working on the response to 2019-nCoV. While in Wuhan, the team has been meeting with health experts and officials conducting the investigation into the outbreak, the mission is part of ongoing information-sharing between the Government of China and WHO.
WHO has been in regular and direct contact with Chinese as well as Japanese, Korean and Thai authorities since the reporting of these cases. The three countries have shared information with WHO under the International Health Regulation (IHR). WHOcrackIAS.com is constantly analysing data as we receive it, and working closely with global networks of experts on a range of topics. As more cases are identified and more analysis undertaken, we will get a clearer picture of disease severity and transmission patterns. We will update and expand our guidance as we learn more.
WHO is working with our networks of researchers and other experts to coordinate global work on surveillance, epidemiology, modelling, diagnostics, clinical care and treatment, and other ways to identify, manage the disease and limit onward transmission.
WHO has been working on strengthening health security through the implementation of the International Health Regulations (2005) adopted by 194 countries. The IHR are an international Page 219 legal instrument that aim to help the international community prevent and respond to acute public health risks that have the potential to cross borders and threaten people worldwide. IHR require countries to report certain disease outbreaks and public health events to WHO. Building on WHO’s experience in global disease surveillance, alert and response, the IHR define the rights and obligations of countries to report public health events, and establish a number of procedures that WHO must follow in its work to uphold global public health security.
WHO has been working with countries to build core capacities to respond to public health emergencies. And when events such as the current one occur, WHO, based on evidence, shares guidelines with member countries to prevent and minimize impact of these events.
On this novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), WHO has issued interim guidance on testing as well as infection prevention and control practices for suspected cases, and continues to update this information in consultation with networks of experts across the globe. WHO is working closely with countries to help them prepare for the rapid detection and response to cases or clusters.
Even before an outbreak strikes, WHO is constantly on alert for the emergence of known and new severe respiratory diseases and offers technical advice and capacity strengthening as needed, including laboratory support. We are mandated to keep other countries informed of any threats and to provide guidance on how to respond. On January 2 the incident management system was activated across the three levels of WHO (country office, regional office and headquarters) and the Organization is prepared to mount a broader response, if needed.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences. We briefcrackIAS.com you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day. *Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
The soreness or injury from a workout can make you feel like you are hungover
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access. Page 220 Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 221 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-23 ANOTHER EXTENSION FOR OBC SUB- CATEGORISATION PANEL Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of STs, SCs, and OBCs - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
G. Rohini
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a six-month extension in the tenure of the commission to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBC), which was appointed in 2017 with an initial time frame of 12 weeks.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a proposal to extend the commission’s term till July 31.
The Cabinet also approved an addition to the commission’s terms of reference.
The commission will now also “study the various entries in the Central list of OBCs and recommend correction of any repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription”, a statement said.
The commission has been appointed to look into the existing list of OBCs and categorise the castes that have not benefited from reservation in government jobs and education.
It is also expected to give its recommendations to ensure that these marginalised communities get the benefits of various schemes.
The commission is headed by the G. Rohini, former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court.
“The commission has come to the view that it would require some more time to submit its report since the repetitions, ambiguities, inconsistencies and errors of spelling or transcription, etc., appearing in the existing Central list of OBCs need to be cleared. Hence the commission has sought extension of its term by six months, that is up to July 31, 2020 and also addition in its existing terms of reference,” a government statement said.
GET RARE PAGES OF JAN 26, 1950 EDITION FREE with the Hindu subscription
Already have an account ? Sign in
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
EnjoycrackIAS.com reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day. Page 222 *Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 223 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-23 PLAYING WITH LEARNING: ON STATUS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Education and related issues
The Annual Status of Education Report 2019 data on early childhood education in rural areas makes the case that the pre-school system fails to give children a strong foundation, especially in government-run facilities. Going by the findings, the percentage of girls in government schools is higher than in private institutions, the cognitive skills of children attending official anganwadi playschools do not match those attending private schools, and there is a significant percentage of underage children in the first standard of formal school, in violation of the stipulated age of six. It is beyond question that children will be benefitted greatly if they are provided a properly designed environment to acquire cognitive skills. These skills are critical to their ability to verbalise, count, calculate and make comparisons. What the ASER data sampled from 26 Indian districts seem to indicate is an apparent imbalance in State policies, which is disadvantaging the less affluent as anganwadis and government schools are poorly resourced. Official policies are also not strict about the age of entry, resulting in four and five year olds accounting for a quarter of government school enrolment, and over 15% in private schools.
Chalk and cheese in private vs. government schools
Substantive questions of pre-primary and early children education raised even by meagre surveys such as ASER call for a deeper look at how governments approach funding of institutions and teacher training for better outcomes. It is as important to let teachers feel invested in anganwadis as play-and-learn centres aiding children in acquiring cognitive skills, as it is to provide physical infrastructure. Building human resource capabilities would depend on teachers being recruited on the basis of aptitude, their training in credentialed colleges and assurance of tenure of service. It is unsurprising that in the absence of policies with strong commitment, according to the ASER data, two-thirds of those in the second standard cannot read a text at age seven that they were meant to read a year earlier. The performance only marginally improves for those in the third standard. There are similar inadequacies for numeracy skills. It is a paradox that students appear to fare somewhat better in private schools with poorly paid teachers. Nationally, the problem is of a weak educational foundation with little scope for creative learning in the three-to-six year age group, and a governmental system disinterested in giving children motivated, well-trained teachers. There is no dearth of literature on what works for creative teaching and learning, including from programmes such as the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. Neither is there a lack of financial resources. What remains is for governments to show commitment to education.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
RegistercrackIAS.com to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations. Page 224 A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
From the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, to the landmark Ayodhya verdict, 2019 proved to be an eventful year.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 225 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-24 INDIA HELPS MALDIVES TACKLE MEASLES OUTBREAK Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
India has stepped in to help the Maldives tackle a recent outbreak of measles, identified at a government hospital about three weeks ago. The Indian Embassy in Male on Thursday handed over 30,000 doses of measles and rubella (MR) vaccine to the Maldivian Health Ministry.
The outbreak comes less than three years after the World Health Organisation declared the Maldives measles-free. As many as six persons have so far been affected by the contagious viral infection. Following the development, health authorities in the Maldives said they have intensified the vaccination drive, to prevent the infectious disease from spreading further.
Preventive measures
“The first case was identified on January 9. Since then we have stepped up screening and preventive measures to ensure we contain it,” Minister of State for Health Shah Abdullah Mahir told The Hindu over telephone. “On rare occasions, there could be an outbreak of a disease considered to have been eradicated in a country. However, if we contain it swiftly and effectively, we will not lose the eradication status,” he said.
The six cases of measles so far identified are from Hulhumale — the reclaimed island adjoining capital Male — and capital Male, according to the Minister, who is heading a task force to handle the outbreak. The Maldives, he said, is observing 2020 as the year of public health, when an unexpected public health challenge emerged. “With our ongoing vaccination and re-vaccination drives, we hope to be able to contain it soon. We are grateful for the support from the Indian government at such a time,” he added.
The vaccine provided by India reached Male within 72 hours after the government made a request, a statement from the Indian Embassy said, adding that Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen presented a certificate of appreciation to Indian Ambassador Sunjay Sudhir, thanking the Government of India for the “gesture of goodwill and solidarity.”
MoU on health
The Indian government’s initiative comes even as the two countries implement the Memorandum of Understanding on Health cooperation — signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Male in June 2019. Secretary-level delegations met in Male early January to draw a roadmap for cooperation, in capacity building and training of doctors and medical professionals, disease surveillance, training of mental health professionals, setting up of digitalcrackIAS.com health capacities in Maldives, officials said.
India is also helping build a 100-bed Cancer Hospital in Hulhumale as part of its $800 million Line of Credit to the island nation, a popular tourist destination and home to over 4,00,000 people.
GET RARE PAGES OF JAN 26, 1950 EDITION FREE with the Hindu subscription
Already have an account ? Sign in Page 226 Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 227 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-24 UNPRECEDENTED STEP: ON WUHAN LOCKDOWN Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
In a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus that emerged in the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province in early December last year, China took a drastic and unprecedented step this week to shut down the city, thus preventing its 11 million inhabitants from leaving. All modes of transport have been suspended to prevent residents from exiting the city. Authorities also planned to suspend public transport services in Huanggang, a city of seven million; shut rail stations in Ezhou; and impose travel restrictions in Chibi. These moves come in the wake of an increasing number of people getting infected and even dying. As on January 23, the number of infected people in China stood at 571 and deaths at 17. Wuhan, the hotspot of the disease outbreak, has reported nearly 80% of all cases and all the 17 deaths. Further, the virus has spread to 24 provinces within the country and outside as well — cases have been reported in Thailand and Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, U.S., Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, and Singapore. That the virus has already acquired the ability to spread from one person to another has been confirmed by the World Health Organization. Apart from people in close contact with affected individuals, 16 health-care workers have been infected. The WHO now sees possible evidence of sustained transmission — the ability of the virus to spread beyond just clusters of patients.
Residents of China’s virus-hit Wuhan call for support
The decision to enforce shutdowns came on a day when WHO’s Emergency Committee was deliberating on whether the coronavirus outbreak should be declared a “public health emergency of international concern”. With a split verdict and not enough information available to make a decision on Wednesday, the emergency committee reconvened on Thursday. The WHO Director-General took note of China’s decision and said that the travel ban is a reflection of the significant measures taken by China to minimise the spread of the virus. Even the chair of the committee said the travel ban is an “important information and will certainly be useful for the reflection of the members of the committee”. These observations run counter to the stand the WHO has always taken even when it announces public health emergency. While declaring the Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a public health emergency last year, the WHO had stated unequivocally that it is “essential to avoid the punitive economic consequences of travel and trade restrictions on affected communities”. That said, even if it limits the spread outside these cities, shutdowns cannot prevent human-to-human transmission within the cities. Shutting down entire cities go beyond the normal practice of quarantining infected people and might backfire.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month. RegistercrackIAS.com to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. Page 228 Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
From the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, to the landmark Ayodhya verdict, 2019 proved to be an eventful year.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 229 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-24 NOVEL CHINESE CORONAVIRUS MAY HAVE ‘JUMPED’ TO HUMANS FROM SNAKES: STUDY Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Travelers wearing face masks at the Hong Kong International Airport on January 21, 2020. Face masks sold out and temperature checks at airports and train stations became the new norm as China strove Tuesday to control the outbreak of a new coronavirus that has reached four other countries and territories and threatens to spread further during the Lunar New Year travel rush. | Photo Credit: AP
The novel Chinese coronavirus, which has so far claimed 17 lives and infected over 550 people, likely resided in snakes before being transmitted to humans, according to a new study that may help design better defensive strategies against future outbreaks of the deadly pathogen.
The researchers, including Wei Ji from Peking University Health Science Centre in China, said patients who became infected with the coronavirus -- named 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO) -- were exposed to wildlife animals at a wholesale market, where seafood, poultry, snake, bats, and farm animals were sold.
The study, published in the Journal of Medical Virology, offers insights on the origins of the most recent outbreak of pneumonia caused by the virus, which started in the middle of December 2019 in the city of Wuhan in China, and has now spread to Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Japan.
Conducting a detailed genetic analysis of the 2019-nCoV, and comparing it with those of different coronaviruses from various geographic locations and host species, the study found that the new virus formed from a combination of CoV found in bats, and another of unknown origin.
“It is critical to determine the animal reservoir of the 2019-nCoV in order to understand the molecular mechanism of its cross-species spread,” the scientists reported in the study.
The new virus, the scientists said, developed a mix, or “recombination”, of a viral protein which recognises and binds to host cells.
According to the study, this recognition is key to allowing viruses to enter host cells, and cause infection and disease.
On further analysis, the researchers found evidence that the 2019-nCoV may have resided in snakescrackIAS.com before being transmitted to humans. “Additionally, our findings suggest that snake is the most probable wildlife animal reservoir for the 2019-nCoV,” the researchers said.
However, some scientists, not involved in the study, have questioned the conclusions derived from the analysis.
David L Robertson from the University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research in the UK, told PTI, “there’s very likely to be an intermediate non-bat host which would have picked up the virus from bats. Page 230 “So bats are definitely involved it’s just a question of whether this was directly or another animal was involved,” Robertson added.
The researchers in the new study said recombination within the viral receptor-binding protein may have allowed for cross-species transmission from snake to humans.
“New information obtained from our evolutionary analysis is highly significant for effective control of the outbreak caused by the 2019-nCoV-induced pneumonia,” the researchers said.
The new virus is similar to the one which caused the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, infecting 8422 people, and killing more than 900, they said.
However, the current study noted that unlike the SARS-CoV, the 2019-nCoV causes a mild form of viral pneumonia, and has limited capability for person-person spread.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes.
Common symptoms of the 2019-nCoV strain include respiratory ailments such as fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, according to the WHO.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobilecrackIAS.com applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience. Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up Page 231 To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 232 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-25 41 MN PEOPLE IN 13 CITIES LOCKED DOWN AS VIRUS SPREADS IN CHINA Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Dealing with the outbreak:Staff transporting medical supplies at the Wuhan Red Cross Hospital on Friday.AFPHECTOR RETAMAL
Chinese authorities rapidly expanded a mammoth quarantine effort aimed at containing a deadly contagion on Friday to 13 cities and a staggering 41 million people, as nervous residents were checked for fevers and the death toll climbed to 26.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) held off on declaring a global emergency despite confirmed cases in half a dozen other countries, China expanded its lockdown to cover an area with a total population greater than Canada’s.
A range of Lunar New Year festivities have been cancelled, while temporary closures of Beijing’s Forbidden City, Shanghai's Disneyland and a section of the Great Wall were announced to prevent the disease from spreading further.
The previously unknown virus has caused alarm because of its similarity to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), which killed hundreds across mainland China and Hong Kong in 2002- 03.
The WHO said China faced a national emergency but stopped short of making a declaration that would have prompted greater global cooperation.
The outbreak emerged in late December in Wuhan, an industrial and transport hub of 11 million people in China’s centre, spreading to several other countries, including the U.S.
China is in the midst of its Lunar New Year holiday, a typically joyous time of family gatherings and public festivities.
But on Friday, Wuhan was a ghost town, its streets deserted and stores shuttered.
Worried patients
Hospitals visited by AFP journalists bustled with worried patients being screened by staff wearing full-body protective suits. At a temperature-checkcrackIAS.com station, a medical staffer in bodysuit, face mask and goggles took a thermometer from a middle-aged woman, pausing to examine the reading before quickly turning back to the patient.
One 35-year-old man surnamed Li voiced the fears of many. “I have a fever and cough, so I'm worried that I'm infected,” he said. “I don't know the results yet.”
With hundreds of millions of people on the move across China for the holiday, the government has halted all travel out of Wuhan, shut down its public transport and told residents to stay home. Deepening the isolation, there were few flights available to the city. Page 233 Besides Wuhan, 12 other smaller cities nearby have battened down the hatches, with most of them going public on Friday with various measures ranging from closing public venues and restricting large gatherings to halting public transportation and asking citizens not to leave their cities.
Several of the cities have populations numbering several million, led by Huanggang, which has 7.5 million.
The pathogen — 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) — has caused many outlets in Shanghai, Beijing and other cities to sell out their stocks of face masks.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that 40 medical doctors from the military were being brought in to help with intensive care.
In addition, 405 medical workers were being sent to Wuhan from Shanghai, said state news agency Xinhua, with the first set of 135 flying in Friday night.
On Friday, staff in full body protective suits were seen checking the temperatures of people entering a subway station in Beijing.
Thermal cameras scanned passengers arriving at Beijing's West Railway Station.
‘Work as one’
Chinese authorities said the number of cases leapt overnight to more than 800, with 177 in serious condition. There were another 1,072 suspected cases.
Officials also said that a virus patient died in Heilongjiang province in China’s far northeast, the second death outside the Wuhan epicentre.
GET RARE PAGES OF JAN 26, 1950 EDITION FREE with the Hindu subscription
Already have an account ? Sign in
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly. A one-stop-shopcrackIAS.com for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences. We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial. Page 234
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 235 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-26 SC AFFIRMS 3% QUOTA FOR DISABLED IN PSUS Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Persons with Disability including Mentally Ill People - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Sigh of relief:There are no legal hurdles to reservation on the basis of disability, the campaigners argue.S. R. Raghunathan
A three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court has granted relief to persons with disabilities across the country by allowing reservation in promotion in all groups for those employed in public sector jobs.
The Bench led by Justice Rohinton F. Nariman confirmed that 3% reservation should be given to disabled persons both in direct recruitment and in promotions.
The Bench, also comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose and V. Ramasubramanian, was answering a reference on the question whether the disabled, included under The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995”, were eligible for reservation in promotion.
“This judgment will open the doors for thousands of persons with disabilities who have been stagnating at the lower levels in public sector jobs, as their promotion to higher level posts was made difficult due to discriminatory policies,” advocates Rajan Mani and Ritu Kumar of the Disability Law Initiative, who appeared in the case, reacted.
The judgment confirms a 2016 verdict of the top court in Rajeev Kumar Gupta’s case that granted reservation in promotion to disabled persons employed in Groups A and B in addition to Groups C and D categories in the public sector.
The 2016 judgment had held that wherever posts were identified to be suitable for persons with disabilities, 3% reservation must be given. The government had however challenged the 2016 judgement, leading to the reference to the larger Bench.
The government had referred to the Indira Sawhney case, which had capped reservation at 50% and prohibited reservation in promotions.
But Justice Nariman countered that the Sawhney judgment only pertained to the Backward Classes. It has no relevance in the case of persons with disabilities.
The Constitution only prohibits preferential treatment on the basis of caste or religion. Here, reservationcrackIAS.com is contemplated for disabled persons. The rule of no reservation in promotions laid down in the Indra Sawhney judgmeny has clearly and normatively no application in this case.
Similarly, the top court said, “A perusal of Indra Sawhney would reveal that the ceiling of 50% reservation applies only to reservation in favour of Other Backward Classes under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India whereas the reservation in favour of persons with disabilities is horizontal, which is under Article 16(1) of the Constitution.”
Justice Nariman pointed to how the 1995 law emphasises that “employment is a key factor in the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities”. Page 236 GET RARE PAGES OF JAN 26, 1950 EDITION FREE with the Hindu subscription
Already have an account ? Sign in
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 237 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-28 PARLIAMENTARY PANEL WANTS ENCRYPTION BROKEN IN FIGHT AGAINST CHILD PORN Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Children - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Image for representation purpose only. | Photo Credit: AP
Law enforcement agencies should be able to break end-to-end encryption to hunt down distributors of child pornography online, a parliamentary panel has urged as the nation looks to regulate social media.
The panel met officials of companies such as Google , Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp before preparing Saturday's report, which will be considered by several ministries in drafting future policies and law.
“It is a challenge to our collective conscience,” the panel said in the 21-page report reviewed by Reuters, referring to child pornography online.
It sought the “breaking of end-to-end encryption to trace distributors of child pornography”, saying India should require that the originator or sender of such messages be traced once law enforcement becomes aware of the sharing of such content.
The call comes as India finalises other rules to force social media giants to deploy automated tools against unlawful content, fanning industry fears that more regulation could boost compliance requirements.
Facebook's WhatsApp has already been at odds with the government, which has been pushing it to reveal the originators of messages on its platform, amid reports that rumours spread via WhatsApp have led to mob lynchings in recent years.
WhatsApp, which counts India as its biggest market with more than 400 million users, says it provides end-to-end encryption to help protect user privacy, and messages cannot be deciphered by the company or others.
“If a company offers breaking such encryption for child porn, then it will be asked by all agencies,” an industry source who sought anonymity said of the panel recommendation.
“It's like opening secure borders.”
Between 1998 and 2017, about 3.8 million reports of online child sexual abuse imagery originatedcrackIAS.com from India, the world's highest such figure, says the U.S. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The panel also recommended mandating Internet service providers to “proactively” monitor, remove and report such content to the authorities. Online search websites should also block searches for child pornography sites, it added.
Adult sections denying entry to underage children should also be incorporated into streaming platforms such as Netflix and social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, the panel added. Page 238 You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
New-age technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, data analytics, Internet of Things, content streaming, automation, robotics and 5G have been growing in leaps and bounds
While the year gone by witnessed a surge in foldable smartphones, smart home speakers, wearables and PC gaming, 2020 is set to herald tech-lifestyle
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu. Sign upcrackIAS.com for a 30 day free trial. END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 239 Source : www.livemint.com Date : 2020-01-28 CORONAVIRUS: A LEAKED WEAPON? Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
The new virus, christened 2019-nCoV by WHO, causes a severe respiratory infection that could potentially be fatal
A scary news report has suggested that the deadly coronavirus may have originated in a bio- warfare laboratory in China’s Wuhan city, from where it went viral—to the world’s alarm. The new virus, christened 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO), causes a severe respiratory infection that could potentially be fatal. According to Chinese sources, it broke out of an unhygienic seafood market in Wuhan that was selling all manner of meats. But a Washington Times report cites an Israeli microbiologist as saying that this strain of the virus is likely linked to a lab associated with China’s biological warfare programme. The Wuhan Institute of Virology is the country’s only declared site that has the capacity to work with deadly strains of viruses, the report says.
Chemical and biological weapons are banned globally for the harm they inflict on non- combatants. Yet, some countries are suspected of holding deadly arsenals of germs and viruses that could wipe out millions if released in densely populated zones. Beijing is unlikely to admit having any such weapons, but now that suspicion has arisen, it must come clean and issue a white paper on it.
As of now, the virus is still spreading. As many as 15 cities in China are under partial or complete lockdown. Its death toll has reportedly climbed to 80, with over 2,700 confirmed cases across the country. What makes this virus particularly lethal is that it mutates easily and can spread even in its incubation period, which means the risk of contagion is high even before any symptoms show up. The world needs to put heads together to contain the threat. For that, Beijing would need to share all it knows about it.
Log in to our website to save your bookmarks. It'll just take a moment.
Your session has expired, please login again.
You are now subscribed to our newsletters. In case you can’t find any email from our side, please check the spam folder.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com crackIAS.com© Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 240 Source : www.indianexpress.com Date : 2020-01-29 CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK IN CHINA HAS EVOKED MEMORIES OF SARS EPIDEMIC. GLOBAL COOPERATION NEEDED TO CONTAIN IT Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
In a little more than a week, deaths due to coronavirus have multiplied by more than 20 times. Over a hundred people have succumbed to the mystery virus that originated in China’s Wuhan province and it has been confirmed in at least 10 other countries. The Chinese authorities have acknowledged that the virus has affected 4,500 people. But modeling by researchers at Imperial College London suggests that 70,000 to100,000 people could be affected. The WHO, which last week desisted from describing the situation as a public health emergency, has asked countries in Southeast Asia to remain vigilant. The Indian government is reportedly considering steps to prepare for evacuating the country’s nationals from Wuhan.
The outbreak has evoked memories of the SARS epidemic of 2002-2003, which killed nearly 800 and affected more than 8,000 people worldwide. It was also ascribed to a coronavirus and manifested similar symptoms — fever, cough and shortness of breath. Antibiotics do not work against such viral pneumonia and there are no vaccines against them. However, there are reassuring differences between the situation in 2002-3 and the one today. For one, China’s response to the current outbreak is markedly different from the way it dealt with SARS. In contrast to its secretive ways 17 years ago, Beijing informed the WHO, shared the virus’s gene sequence with the world, imposed travel restrictions and quarantined 50 million people. Moreover, experts suggest that the current coronavirus outbreak is not as virulent as the one in 2002-3 — it has a mortality rate of less than 3 per cent as compared to SARS’s death rate of nearly 10 per cent. But we are still looking at preliminary data, and scientists are likely to know the exact magnitude of the problem in the coming weeks.
The coronavirus is a zoonotic virus — one that jumps from humans to animals. The WHO estimates that three out of four new diseases that have infected humans in the past decade have been transmitted by animals. Bats are known to be the carriers of virus such as Ebola, SARS and even the current coronavirus. How such viruses spills over to humans is still not clear. But we do know that bushmeat markets — in China, Southeast Asia, Africa and other parts of the world — provide conditions for such pathogens to proliferate. The recent virus is reported to have originated in a wet market in Wuhan. In a globalised world, chances of the flu spreading fast are high. But global cooperation to check such virus has, at best, been episodic. Viruses are a global challenge and it’s time they are seen as such.
END crackIAS.comDownloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 241 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-29 ALARMING SPREAD: ON NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
India is still novel coronavirus free, even as 18 countries/regions have reported 67 cases, as on January 28, according to WHO. As on Monday, all 20 samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune were negative, according to a Health Ministry tweet on Tuesday. Besides the NIV, four other laboratories have been equipped for testing. Thermal screening of passengers from China will now be extended from seven to 20 airports; around 33,000 passengers have been screened so far. With Nepal reporting one case, another Health Ministry tweet says, “adequate preparedness for screening” is in place in five adjoining States. But it must be noted that in 2017, the Ministry kept under wraps the detection of three cases of the Zika virus in Gujarat. These came to light when WHO was informed in May that year, more than five months after the first case was laboratory-confirmed; the excuse was that the government wanted to avoid creating “panic”. Such irresponsible behaviour by China had led to the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus that claimed 774 lives globally in the early 2000s. India should under no circumstances repeat this with the novel coronavirus as much is not known about the virus.
In China, despite nearly 20 million people being locked down across Hubei province, the virus appears to be spreading with renewed vigour. Cases reported from mainland China have risen sharply — from 1,975 on January 25 to 2,744 on January 26 and 4,515 on January 27. Fatalities too have reflected a similar trend, touching 106 on January 27. The number of exported cases and countries that have such cases have also been increasing. The first case of human-to- human transmission was reported in Vietnam, and now Germany. The virus has long acquired the ability to spread among humans; WHO’s emergency committee meeting statement said China had reported fourth-generation cases within, and second-generation cases, outside Wuhan. Alarmingly, unlike SARS, more asymptomatic novel coronavirus cases are being reported. Besides a reported case in China, WHO has reported three other such instances outside that country. But China’s recent warning that the novel virus might be spreading even before there are symptoms has the potential to change the infection landscape if true. It is not clear if these were the reasons why, on Monday, WHO silently updated the global risk assessment from “moderate” to “high retroactively” from January 23. If the virus had exhibited all the attributes necessary to be declared as a “public health emergency of international concern” even during the first emergency committee meeting, the situation has become grim since then. WHO cannot dither any more.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month. RegistercrackIAS.com to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days. Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes. Page 242 Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
From the abrogation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, to the landmark Ayodhya verdict, 2019 proved to be an eventful year.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com Page 243 Source : www.thehindu.com Date : 2020-01-30 TIME TO PRIORITISE EDUCATION AND HEALTH Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Education and related issues
In recent months, the government’s macroeconomic policy has acquired a new salience in the context of reversing the current slowdown. The policy currently being pursued is intended primarily to incentivise potential investors by facilitating ease-of-doing-business and making large-scale concessions to the corporate sector. In this context, the government is taking credit for the relatively higher, though by no means spectacular, flow of foreign private capital and the progress of India in the ease-of-doing-business rankings. Further, tax concessions given to the corporate sector in the last budget are estimated at more than 1.40 lakh crore.
Besides these, the remaining limitations on foreign investment are being relaxed or removed. In the process, the conditions laid down for these investments to serve social objectives and help in indigenisation are being jettisoned. But in spite of these measures, and amidst the absence of demand, there is little evidence of any significant increase in investment by the private sector.
However, economists who are in favour of the above development strategy would like the government to go further and implement other items on their reform agenda, such as labour market liberalisation and removal of constraints on acquisition of land for industrial purposes. These economists brush aside the negative impact such reform measures are likely to have on the incomes, living conditions and the economic security of the workers and the agricultural class. Moreover, the policy of freedom of hiring and firing of labour will be counterproductive as it would squeeze demand further in a situation of huge demand deficit.
Some of the economists in the above category are also advocating acceleration of investment in infrastructure. No sensible person will oppose additional efforts to build infrastructure which continues to remain awfully deficient in our country. But, while talking about infrastructure, these economists mean only physical infrastructure and that too only large projects in the field of transport and energy. They hold no brief for investment in human infrastructure, particularly in education and health. Besides, we must remember that investment in physical infrastructure is not as labour-intensive as that in other sectors and that large-scale projects in this field have long gestation periods.
Abhijit Banerjee, a co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, has been one of the few economists making a case for transferring income to the poor who are likely to spend the additional income to buy goods and services, an enhanced production of which offers the best chance for reversing the current slowdown. In this connection, he has singled out the mechanisms of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and direct income transfers. But, even he has not mentioned the potential of investment in social sectors for creating demand in the short run by way of opening avenues for large-scale employment, and impartingcrackIAS.com competitiveness and sustainability to the Indian economy in the medium and long run.
It is widely recognised that the social sectors in India are grossly underfunded. No mainstream economist or policymaker has come out with a suggestion for enhancing expenditures in these sectors. On the contrary, they have made expenditure in social sectors conditional upon higher rate of growth. Most mainstream economists and policymakers also believe that public expenditure in social sectors can only have a long- term impact on growth, and what is now needed is macroeconomic policies which can have immediate or very short-term impact. This belief is deeply flawed, as it can be demonstrated that increased public expenditure in social sectors in the magnitudes required for meeting the constitutionally mandated objectives can Page 244 have short- and medium-term effect of enhancing employment, generating demand and attracting investment.
Let us take the example of the impact of investment in school education on employment and, hence, demand creation. The Right to Education Act (RTE) sets out the objective of universalising elementary education in five years. The National Education Policy, 2020 states that the Act “will be reviewed... to ensure that all students... shall have free and compulsory access to high quality and equitable schooling from early childhood education (age three onwards) through higher education (i.e. until Grade 12)”. We, at the Council for Social Development, have calculated the magnitude of demand creation by meeting just one condition for realising this objective, i.e. employment of teachers. We have arrived at a figure of 5.7 million teachers by taking as the base the total number of children going to school from the 2011 Census; adjusting it appropriately for rate of growth in population since then; dividing these numbers by the pupil-teacher ratios fixed for each level of schooling; and deducting from it the number of teachers currently employed, obtained from the Unified District Information System for Education data. (As there is no fixed pupil-teacher ratio for children in the 3-6 years age group, we have assumed a ratio of 10:1).
The recruitment of 5.7 million additional teachers over a period of, say, five years, can create huge scale demand. And, this is only one factor essential for universalising quality school education. There is also a large gap between requirement of infrastructure in the schools and that available and built recently. According to government data, only 12.5% of the schools covered by the RTE Act were compliant with RTE norms, most of which are related to infrastructure. Meeting these norms has the potential of creating employment on a large scale.
Similarly, in the health field, there is a vast number of vacant posts for professionals at these levels. There is a huge deficit of paramedical workers, middle-level health workers, nurses and trained doctors. This is evident from the long queues of patients in the ill-equipped and inadequate primary health centres and government hospitals.
The fact that health and education are of instrumental value in driving growth, creating employment and improving people’s well-being is widely recognised but often forgotten when it comes to making investment in these sectors. Education has a crucial role to play for an individual in gaining employment and retaining employability. If we compare 2011 and 2017 data released by the Labour Ministry, the gap in educational attainment emerges as the single most important factor separating the gainers from the losers of the higher rate of growth during this period.
Health and education have been widely recognised as public goods. In most developed and several developing countries, these services are either provided or are heavily subsidised by the state.crackIAS.com Unfortunately, in India, we find the opposite trend of the state withdrawing from the provision of these services and consequently their rapid privatisation. In fact, the government has a well-entrenched policy of encouraging privatisation in both health and education. But, privatisation in these sectors has not led to efficiency or improvement of quality. It has only destroyed public sector institutions, promoted greater inequality and pushed the poor out.
The gestation period of projects in social sectors is not as long as it is made out to be. After all, in the RTE Act, a gestation period of only five years was envisaged for universalisation of elementary education. It is therefore time for reprioritising education and health in the scheme of development strategy and the allocation of budgetary resources. Page 245 Muchkund Dubey is a former Foreign Secretary and currently President, Council for Social Development
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
Register to The Hindu for free and get unlimited access for 30 days.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
Why you should pay for quality journalism - Click to know more
Please enter a valid email address.
Subscribe to The Hindu now and get unlimited access.
Already have an account? Sign In
Sign up for a 30-day free trial. Sign Up
To continue enjoying The Hindu, You can turn off your ad blocker or Subscribe to The Hindu.
Sign up for a 30 day free trial.
END crackIAS.comDownloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 246 Source : www.hindustantimes.com Date : 2020-01-30 THE AMENDMENT TO THE ABORTION LAW IS WELCOME Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Rights & Welfare of Women - Schemes & their Performance, Mechanisms, Laws Institutions and Bodies
Jan 30, 2020-Thursday -°C
Humidity -
Wind -
Metro cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
Other cities - Noida, Gurgaon, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhopal , Chandigarh , Dehradun, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Ranchi
Powered by
The Cabinet has approved raising the permissible limit for abortion from 20 weeks into a pregnancy to 24 weeks, in an amendment to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) (Amendment) Bill 2020. This is welcome. The earlier MTP Act allowed for abortion only up to 20 weeks, provided two doctors concurred. Beyond this, only a possible threat to the mother’s life or severe foetal abnormalities could be the basis for extending the period for abortion, but only with the court’s permission. Given the delays in the judicial system, the 20-week mark often passed, leaving many, including rape survivors, with unwanted pregnancies. This move gives the woman great autonomy over her body.
The issue of abortion has been a tricky one in India due to the confusion between legal abortion and the sex selection law. Many doctors refuse to perform legitimate abortions fearing criminal charges under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act, 1994. While the new amendment is welcome, more needs to be done. One, though a minor under the current law can get an abortion, subject to the consent of her guardian, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, sex with a minor is actionable and the doctor concerned is bound to report it, despite the confidentiality clause in the MTP Act. This means many teenagers may turn to quacks rather than qualified doctors for fear of the police or their families getting to know of the pregnancy. Two, the current provision of allowing contraceptive failure as a basis for seeking an abortion should be extended from married women to all women. It is time to have a wider discussioncrackIAS.com on the subject.
END Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com Page 247 Source : www.pib.nic.in Date : 2020-01-30 CABINET APPROVES OFFICIAL AMENDMENTS IN THE NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR HOMOEOPATHY BILL, 2019 Relevant for: Developmental Issues | Topic: Health & Sanitation and related issues
Cabinet Cabinet approves official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019
Posted On: 29 JAN 2020 2:03PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the official amendments in the National Commission for Homoeopathy Bill, 2019 for amending the Homoeopathy Central Council (HCC) Act, 1973. Presently, the Bill is pending in Rajya Sabha.
The amendments will:
● ensure necessary regulatory reforms in the field of Homoeopathy education. ● enable transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general public. The Commission will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country. Background:
The Homoeopathy Central Council (HCC) Act, 1973 was enacted for constitution of a Central Council of Homoeopathy for regulation of education and practice of Homoeopathy, for maintenance of Central Register of Homoeopathy and for matters connected therewith. This Act has been modelled on the pattern of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. The broad functions, constitution, regulation making powers are identical to those of the Medical Council of India. While the Act provides a solid foundation for the growth of medical education and practice in Homoeopathy, but various bottlenecks in the functioning of Council have been experienced, which has resulted in serious detrimental effects on medical education as well as delivery of quality Homoeopathy healthcare services.
***** VRRK/SCcrackIAS.com
(Release ID: 1600922) Visitor Counter : 602
Read this release in: Malayalam , Urdu , Hindi , Marathi , Bengali , Punjabi , Gujarati , Tamil , Telugu , Kannada
END Page 248
Downloaded from crackIAS.com © Zuccess App by crackIAS.com
crackIAS.com