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Type: PIB

  • [pib] ARISE-ANIC Initiative

    Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, has launched Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-Atal New India Challenges, to spur applied research and innovation in Indian MSMEs and startups.

    The name ARISE typically sounds some social sector or HRD related initiative. This is where one has to be cautious.

    ARISE ANIC Initiative

    • The program is a national initiative to promote research & innovation and increase the competitiveness of Indian startups and MSMEs.
    • Its objective is to proactively collaborate with esteemed Ministries and the associated industries to catalyse research, innovation and facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems.
    • It also aims to provide a steady stream of innovative products & solutions where the Central Government Ministries / Departments will become the potential first buyers.
    • It is in line with the PM’s mandate of “Make in India”, “Startup India”, and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” to fast track the growth of the Indian MSME sector.

    Its implementation

    • The programme will be driven by ISRO, four ministries—Ministry of Defence; Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
    • It will support deserving applied research-based innovations by providing funding support of up to Rs 50 lakh for speedy development of the proposed technology solution and/or product.

  • EASE Banking Reforms Index

    Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs has felicitated best performing banks on EASE Banking Reforms Index.

    Note the various themes under which the index works.

    EASE Banking Reforms Index

    • EASE stands for ‘Enhanced Access and Service Excellence’. The index is prepared by the Indian Banking Association (IBA) and Boston Consulting Group.
    • It is commissioned by the Finance Ministry.
    • It is a framework that was adopted last year to strengthen public sector banks and rank them on metrics such as responsible banking, financial inclusion, credit offtake and digitization.

    Various themes and performance by the states

     

  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

    PM will digitally launch the PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) today.

    PM Matsya Sampada Yojana

    • The PMMSY aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India.
    • It has an estimated investment of Rs. 20,050 crores for its implementation during a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/UTs, as a part of AatmaNirbhar Bharat Package.
    • PMMSY aims at enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25.
    • Thus it aims doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers, reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and generation of gainful employment opportunities in the sector.

    Aims and objectives of PMMSY

    • Harnessing of fisheries potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
    • Enhancing of fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification and productive utilization of land and water
    • Modernizing and strengthening of the value chain – post-harvest management and quality improvement
    • Doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes and generation of employment
    • Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports
    • Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers
    • Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework

    Implementation strategy

    The PMMSY will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate components namely:

    (a) Central Sector Scheme and

    (b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme

    • Majority of the activities under the Scheme would be implemented with the active participation of States/UTs.
    • A well-structured implementation framework would be established for the effective planning and implementation of PMMSY.
    • For optimal outcomes, ‘Cluster or area-based approach’ would be followed with requisite forward and backward linkages and end to end solutions.

    Other inaugurations: e-Gopala App

    • e-Gopala App is a comprehensive breed improvement marketplace and information portal for direct use of farmers.
    • At present no digital platform is available in the country for farmers managing livestock including buying and selling of disease-free germplasm in all forms (semen, embryos, etc); availability of quality breeding services and guiding farmers for animal nutrition etc.
    • There is no mechanism to send alerts (on the due date for vaccination, pregnancy diagnosis, calving etc) and inform farmers about various government schemes and campaigns in the area.
    • The e-Gopala App will provide solutions to farmers on all these aspects.

  • [pib] Heritage of Punjab

    The Ministry of Tourism’s DekhoApnaDesh Webinar series titled “Punjab- A historic perspective” has recently gone live.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Rivers that passes through Himachal Pradesh are: (CSP 2012)

    (a) Beas and Chenab only

    (b) Beas and Ravi only

    (c) Chenab, Ravi, and Satluj only

    (d) Beas, Chenab, Ravi, Satluj, and Yamuna

    Heritage of Punjab

    • Punjab means ‘the land of Five Waters’ referring to the rivers Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas.
    • Much of the Frontier was occupied by Maharaja Ranjit Singh also known as Sher-e-Punjab in the early 19th century and then taken over by the East India Company when it annexed Punjab in 1849.
    • The state is divided into three parts- Majha, Doaba and Malwa.
    • It’s many festivals–Teej, Lohri, Basant Panchami, Baisakhi and Hola Mahalla to name some are celebrations that mirror the farming ethos.
    • Historically, Punjab has played host to a number of ethnicities, including the Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Afghans and Mongols, thus bestowed with a rich tangible heritage.
    • The southeastern city of Punjab, Patiala was once a princely state established under Baba Ala Singh, a Jat Sikh chieftain. He laid the foundation of the fort and now, is located in the region around Qila Mubarak or the Fortunate Castle.
    • Important tourist attractions are Kali Temple, Baradari Garden, Sheesh Mahal, Gurudwara Dukh Niwaran Sahib, Qila Mubarak complex etc.

    Holy shrines

    • The most sacred of Sikh shrines, the Golden Temple, is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees from around the world, as well as, an ever-increasing popular tourist attraction.
    • Construction of the Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar) was initiated by Guru Amar Das, the third Guru, in 1570 and was completed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru.
    • His successor, Guru Arjan Dev began work on the building after inviting Mian Mir, the Sufi saint, to lay its foundation stone in 1588.
    • Three years later, the Harimandar Sahib, or Darbar Sahib got completed.
    • In step with Sikhism’s basic tenet of universal brotherhood and all-inclusive ethos, the Golden Temple can be accessed from all directions.

    Legend of Banda Bahadur

    • The city of Fatehgarh Sahib is of special significance to Sikhs. The word “Fatehgarh”, means “Town of Victory”.
    • It is so-called because, in 1710, Sikhs under the leadership of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur conquered the area and destroyed the Mughal fort.
    • Banda Bahadur announced the establishment of the Sikh rule in the city and an end to the tyranny of the Mughal rule which had spread terror and injustice.

  • [pib] Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP)

    The SVEP is propelling enterprises in rural areas and building rural entrepreneurs during this pandemic.

    Try this PYQ 2015:

    How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor?

    1. By setting up a large number of new manufacturing industries and agribusiness centres in rural areas.
    2. By strengthening ‘self-help groups’ and providing skills development
    3. By supplying seeds, fertilizers, diesel pump-set sand micro-irrigation equipment free of cost of farmers.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    About SVEP

    • The SVEP is implemented by Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana –National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development, as a sub-scheme since 2016.
    • Its aims are to support the rural poor come out of poverty, supporting them set up enterprises and provide support till the enterprises stabilize.
    • SVEP focuses on providing self-employment opportunities with financial assistance and training in business management and soft skills while creating local community cadres for promotion of enterprises.
    • It addresses three major pillars of rural start-ups namely – finances, incubation and skill ecosystems.

    Key elements of SVEP

    • Create a Block Resource Centre – Enterprise Promotion (BRC-EP); The BRC should act as a nodal centre to implement SVEP. Block Level Federation (BLF) to come up under NRLM could be one of the institutional platforms for BRC.
    • Cluster Level Federation (CLF) /VOs shall hold the entity till BLF comes into existence. BRC should follow a self-sustaining revenue model.
    • BRC to be assisted by CRP-EP and the Bank Coordination System (Bank Mitra). BRC to provide resource and reference material including videos, manuals etc.
    • Help enterprises get bank finance using tablet-based software for making the business feasibility plan, doing credit appraisal and tracking business performance.
    • Use the Community Investment Fund (CIF) to provide seed capital for starting the business until it reaches a size where bank finance is needed.

  • [pib] NIDHI-EIR Programme

    A brochure featuring Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIR) under the National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) programme was launched by Dept. of Science and Technology (DST).

    Try this MCQ:

    Q.The NIDHI-EIR Programme sometimes seen in news functions under the:

    a)Ministry of Science & Technology

    b)Ministry of Commerce and Industry

    c)Ministry of Finance

    d)Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

    About NIDHI-EIR

    • DST has announced a National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI) is an umbrella programme for nurturing ideas and innovations into successful startups.
    • EIR programme is one of the programs introduced under NIDHI to inspire the best talents to be entrepreneurs, to minimise the risk involved in pursuing start-ups, and to partially set off their opportunity costs of high paying jobs.
    • It provides tremendous opportunities for innovative entrepreneurs to expand their networks and get critical feedback on their ventures in order to promote their entrepreneurial career goals and aspirations.

    The opportunities under NIDHI-EIR program include:

    • Guidance from experienced, innovative and highly successful entrepreneurs on the business concept, strategy or venture and insight into specific industries or markets.
    • Best practices for starting a business and broaden the professional network.
    • Co-working spaces for developing the idea into a marketable product.

  • [pib] Eklavya Model Residential Schools

    An Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS) teacher was selected for National Award to Teachers 2020.

    Note the specific features of EMRS. Each year in the CSP, there is a question related to tribes/tribal development.

    Eklavya Model Residential Schools

    • EMRS started in the year 1997-98 to impart quality education to ST children in remote areas in order to enable them to avail of opportunities in high and professional education courses and get employment in various sectors.
    • Across the country, as per census 2011 figures, there are 564 such sub-districts out of which there is an EMRS in 102 sub-districts.
    • As per revised 2018 scheme, every block with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, will have an EMRS by the year 2022.
    • These schools will be on par with Navodaya Vidyalayas and will have special facilities for preserving local art and culture besides providing training in sports and skill development.

    Features of EMRS

    • Admission to these schools will be through selection/competition with suitable provision for preference to children belonging to Primitive Tribal Groups, first-generation students, etc.
    • Sufficient land would be given by the State Government for the school, playgrounds, hostels, residential quarters, etc., free of cost.
    • The number of seats for boys and girls will be equal.
    • In these schools, education will be entirely free.

  • [pib] Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA)

    NITI Aayog will virtually launch the India Component of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)–Transport Initiative for Asia (TIA).

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.The term Intended Nationally Determined Contribution is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Pledge made by the European countries to rehabilitate refuges from the war-affected Middle East.

    (b) Plan of nation outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate changes.

    (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    (d) Plain of action outlined by the countries of the regarding SDGs.

    What is NDC-TIA?

    • It is a joint programme, supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).
    • On behalf of the GoI, NITI Aayog will be the implementing partner.
    • It aims to promote a comprehensive approach to decarbonize transport in India, Vietnam, and China.
    • It is implemented by a consortium of seven other organisations.

    Working

    • The programme has a duration of 4 years.
    • The India Component will focus on establishing a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform for decarbonizing transport in India, strengthening GHG and transport modelling capacities.
    • It would help in financing climate actions in transport, offering policy recommendations on electric vehicle (EV) demand and supply policies.

    Why need TIA?

    • India has a massive and diverse transport sector that caters to the needs of billion people.
    • It has the world’s second-largest road network, which contributes to maximum GHG emissions through all means of transportation.
    • With increasing urbanisation, the fleet size i.e. the number of sales of vehicles is increasing rapidly.
    • It is projected that the total number of vehicles will be doubled by 2030.

  • [pib] Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020

    NITI Aayog in partnership with the Institute of Competitiveness has released the Export Preparedness Index (EPI) 2020.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Which one of the following is not a sub-index of the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business Index? (CSP 2019)

    (a) Maintenance of law and order

    (b) Paying taxes

    (c) Registering property

    (d) Dealing with construction permits

    EPI 2020

    • EPI intends to identify challenges and opportunities; enhance the effectiveness of government policies; and encourage a facilitative regulatory framework.
    • The structure of the EPI includes 4 pillars –Policy; Business Ecosystem; Export Ecosystem; Export Performance.
    • It has 11 sub-pillars –Export Promotion Policy; Institutional Framework; Business Environment; Infrastructure; Transport Connectivity; Access to Finance; Export Infrastructure; Trade Support; R&D Infrastructure; Export Diversification; and Growth Orientation.

    Highlights of the EPI

    • This edition of the EPI has shown that most Indian states performed well on average across the sub-pillars of Exports Diversification, Transport Connectivity, and Infrastructure.
    • Overall, most of the Coastal States are the best performers. Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu occupy the top three ranks.
    • Six of eight coastal states feature in the top ten rankings, indicating the presence of strong enabling and facilitating factors to promote exports.
    • In the landlocked states, Rajasthan has performed the best, followed by Telangana and Haryana.
    • Among the Himalayan states, Uttarakhand is the highest, followed by Tripura and Himachal Pradesh.
    • Across the UTs, Delhi has performed the best, followed by Goa and Chandigarh.

  • [pib] Cultural heritage of Hyderabad

    Ministry of Tourism’s DekhoApnaDesh Webinar Series in its 50th session held a webinar on “Cultural heritage of Hyderabad”.

    Note various cultural sites mentioned in the newscard. The entire DekhoApnaDesh series is a potential hotspot for the coming Prelims.

    The story of Hyderabad City

    • Hyderabad is popularly known as the “City of Pearls” and the “City of Nizams”, and has been the centre of a vibrant historical legacy, ever since its inception by the Qutub Shahi dynasty.
    • The city was later conquered by Mughal Empire and finally falling in the hands of Asaf Jahi dynasty.
    • Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah established Hyderabad in 1591 to extend the capital beyond the fortified Golconda. In 1687, the city was annexed by the Mughals.
    • In 1724, Mughal governor Nizam Asaf Jah I declared his sovereignty and founded the Asaf Jahi dynasty, also known as the Nizams.
    • Hyderabad served as the imperial capital of the Asaf Jahis from 1769 to 1948.
    • As capital of the princely state of Hyderabad, the city housed the British Residency and cantonment until Indian independence in 1947.

    Cultural sites of Hyderabad:

    1) Golconda Fort, Hyderabad: A massive fortress whose ruins stand proudly even today displaying the glory of its rich past and some untold sagas of the city’s history. The place oozing charm is a must visit historical place in Hyderabad. Mohammed Quli understood the need of a new City and made Bhagnagar (after the name of his beloved Bhagmati) with Charminar in its centre.

    2) Chowmahalla Palace: Once the seat of the Asaf Jahi Dynasty, the Chowmahalla Palace was built in Hyderabad and is located near the famous monument, Charminar and Laad Bazar. The palace is designed very intricately and holds that Nawabi Charm in itself. Palace, the seat of power of Nizams, has bagged the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Merit Award for Culture Heritage Conservation.

    3) Charminar: The monument was erected when Quli Qutab Shah shifted his capital from Golconda to Hyderabad. The monument got its name from its structure as it consists of four minarets.

    4) Mecca Masjid: One of the oldest and the largest mosques of India is the grandest historical places in Hyderabad was completed by Aurangzeb in 1693.The bricks used here are believed to be from Mecca, and hence the name.

    5) Paigah tombs: Located in the suburbs of Pisal Banda in Hyderabad, Paigah Tombs are a group of tombs of the Paigah royal family. Although now in a derelict and dilapidated state, the tombs still boast of striking architecture and marvellously carved marble panels.

    6) Salar Jung Museum: Is an art museum established in the year 1951 and located at Dar-ul-Shifa, on the southern bank of the Musi River in the city of Hyderabad. The Salar Jung family is responsible for its collection of rare art objects from all over the world. The family is one of the most illustrious families in Deccan history, five of them having been prime-ministers in the erstwhile Nizam rule of Hyderabad-Deccan.

    7) Warangal Fort: This fort appears to have existed since at least the 12th century when it was the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty. The fort has four ornamental gates, known as Kakatiya Kala Thoranam, that originally formed the entrances to a now ruined great Shiva temple.