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Type: PIB

  • [pib] PLI Scheme extended to 10 key Sectors

    The Union Cabinet has unveiled the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme to encourage domestic manufacturing investments in ten key sectors.

    PLI Scheme

    • The PLI scheme aims to boost domestic manufacturing and cut down on imports by providing cash incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in the country.
    • Besides inviting foreign companies to set shop in India, the scheme aims to encourage local companies to set up or expand, existing manufacturing units.

    UPSC can directly as the sectors included in the PLI scheme. Earlier it was only meant for Electronics manufacturing (particulary mobile phones).

    What was the earlier PLI Scheme?

    • As a part of the National Policy on Electronics, the IT ministry had notified the PLI scheme on April 1 this year.
    • The scheme will, on one hand, attract big foreign investment in the sector, while also encouraging domestic mobile phone makers to expand their units and presence in India.
    • It would give incentives of 4-6 per cent to electronics companies which manufacture mobile phones and other electronic components.
    • A/c to the scheme, companies that make mobile phones which sell for Rs 15,000 or more will get an incentive of up to 6 per cent on incremental sales of all such mobile phones made in India.
    • In the same category, companies which are owned by Indian nationals and make such mobile phones, the incentive has been kept at Rs 200 crore for the next four years.

    10 new sectors added

    The ten sectors have been identified on the basis of their potential to create jobs and make India self-reliant, include:

    1. Food processing
    2. Telecom
    3. Electronics
    4. Textiles
    5. Speciality steel
    6. Automobiles and auto components
    7. Solar photo-voltaic modules and
    8. White goods such as air conditioners and LEDs

  • [pib] Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

    PM will inaugurate the office cum residential complex of Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) at Cuttack in Odisha.

    Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

    • Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, also known as ITAT, is an important statutory body in the field of direct taxes and its orders are accepted as final, on findings of fact.
    • ITAT was the first Tribunal to be created on 25th January, 1941 and is also known as ‘Mother Tribunal’.
    • Starting with three benches, at Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta it has now grown to 63 Benches and two circuit benches spread across thirty cities of India.
    • With a view to ensuring highest degree of independence of the ITAT, it functions under the Department of Legal Affairs in the Ministry of Law and Justice and is kept away from any kind of control by the Ministry of Finance.

    Did you notice this?

    ITAT was the very first tribunal constituted in India! And it functions under the Ministry of Law and Justice and not the obvious looking Ministry of Finance.

    It’s Functioning

    • It is the second appellate authority under the direct taxes and first independent forum in its appellate hierarchy.
    • The orders passed by the ITAT can be subjected to appellate challenge, on substantial questions of law, before the respective High Court.
    • Monetary limit for deciding an appeal by a single member Bench of ITAT enhanced from ₹15 lakh to ₹50 lakh in 2016 Union Budget.

  • [pib] Mission Sagar – II

    As part of ‘Mission Sagar-II’, Indian Naval Ship Airavat had entered Port Sudan.

    Mission SAGAR, unlike other missions, can create confusion with the name and its purpose. Make note of such special cases. UPSC can ask such questions as one liner MCQs.

    Mission Sagar – II

    • Mission Sagar-II, follows the first ‘Mission Sagar’ undertaken in May-June 2020, wherein India reached out to Maldives, Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros, and provided food aid and medicines.
    • As part of Mission Sagar-II, Indian Naval Ship Airavat will deliver food aid to Sudan, South Sudan, Djibouti and Eritrea.
    • This mission is in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’ and highlights the importance accorded by India to relations with her maritime neighbours.

    Back2Basics

    SAGAR Programme (Security and Growth for All in the Region)

    • SAGAR is a term coined by PM Modi in 2015 during his Mauritius visit with a focus on the blue economy.
    • It is a maritime initiative which gives priority to the Indian Ocean region for ensuring peace, stability and prosperity of India in the Indian Ocean region.
    • The goal is to seek a climate of trust and transparency; respect for international maritime rules and norms by all countries; sensitivity to each other`s interests; peaceful resolution of maritime issues; and increase in maritime cooperation.
    • It is in line with the principles of the Indian Ocean Rim Association.

    IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association)

    • Established in 1997 in Ebene Cyber City, Mauritius.
    • First established as Indian Ocean Rim Initiative in Mauritius on March 1995 and formally launched in 1997 by the conclusion of a multilateral treaty known as the Charter of the IORA for Regional Cooperation.
    • It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region.

  • [pib] Mansar Lake

    Mansar Lake Development Plan is getting fulfilled after a long wait of 70 years.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.With reference to a conservation organization called Wetlands International, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an intergovernmental organization formed by the countries which are signatories to Ramsar Convention.
    2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilize knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    About Mansar Lake

    • Situated at about 37 km from Jammu, Mansar is a lake fringed by forest-covered hills, over a mile in length by half-a-mile in width.
    • Surinsar-Mansar Lakes are designated as Ramsar Convention in November 2005.
    • With all religions belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna.
    • The lake has cemented path all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species.
    • There is a wildlife Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Nilgai etc. besides other water birds such as Cranes, Ducks etc.

    Back2Basics: Ramsar Convention

    • The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (better known as the Ramsar Convention) is an international agreement promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
    • It is the only global treaty to focus on a single ecosystem.
    • The convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975.
    • Traditionally viewed as a wasteland or breeding ground of disease, wetlands actually provide freshwater and food and serve as nature’s shock absorber.
    • Wetlands, critical for biodiversity, are disappearing rapidly, with recent estimates showing that 64% or more of the world’s wetlands have vanished since 1900.
    • Major changes in land use for agriculture and grazing, water diversion for dams and canals and infrastructure development are considered to be some of the main causes of loss and degradation of wetlands.

  • [pib] Sardar Sarovar Dam

    The PM has inaugurated dynamic lighting for the Sardar Sarovar Dam.

    Try this PYQ:

    What is common to the places known as Aliyar, Isapur and Kangsabati?

    (a) Recently discovered uranium deposits

    (b) Tropical rain forests

    (c) Underground cave systems

    (d) Water reservoirs

    Sardar Sarovar Dam

    • It is a concrete gravity dam on the Narmada River in Kevadiya near Navagam, Gujarat.
    • Four Indian states, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan, receive water and electricity supplied from the dam.
    • The foundation stone of the project was laid out by then PM Jawaharlal Nehru on 5 April 1961.
    • The project took form in 1979 as part of a development scheme funded by the World Bank to increase irrigation and produce hydroelectricity, using a loan of US$200 million.

  • [pib] POWER Initiative

    The Union Minister for Science & Technology has launched a Scheme titled SERB-POWER (Promoting Opportunities for Women in Exploratory Research).

    Try this MCQ:

    Q.The POWER initiative sometimes seen in news is related to

    a)Reforms in the DISCOMs

    b)Renewable Energy Sector

    c)Women Empowerment

    d)Health Sector

    POWER Initiative

    • It is a scheme to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering research funding in various S&T programs in Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.
    • The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the DST has been contemplating to institute a scheme to mitigate gender disparity in science and engineering.
    • SERB – POWER Scheme will have two components namely (i) SERB-POWER Fellowship (ii) SERB- POWER Research Grants.

    A. Salient features of the SERB-POWER Fellowship

    1. Target: Women researchers in 35-55 years of age. Up-to 25 Fellowships per year and not more than 75 at any point in time.
    2. Components of support: Fellowship of Rs. 15,000/- per month in addition to regular income; Research grant of Rs. 10 lakh per annum; and Overhead of Rs. 90,000/- per annum.
    3. Duration: Three years, without the possibility of extension. Once in a career.

    B. Salient features of the SERB – POWER Research Grants

    POWER Grants will empower women researchers by funding them under the following two categories:

    1. Level I (Applicants from IITs, IISERs, IISc, NITs, Central Universities, and National Labs of Central Government Institutions): The scale of funding is up to 60 lakhs for three years.
    2. Level II (Applicants from State Universities / Colleges and Private Academic Institutions): The scale of funding is up to 30 lakhs for three years.

    Why need such a scheme?

    • Integration of the gender dimension in research design has gained considerable attention in the global scenario.
    • Enhancement of participation and promotion of women in the research workforce has to be one of the prime priorities.

  • [pib] Meri Saheli Initiative

    Indian Railways has launched “Meri Saheli” initiative for focused action on the security of women across all zones with an objective to provide safety and security to lady passengers.

    Such a feedback-based initiative can be replicated in unsafe cities while addressing distress situation.

    Meri Saheli Initiative

    • The initiative was started as a pilot project in South Eastern Railway in September 2020 and after getting encouraging response from lady passengers.
    • An initiative of RPF, the strategy entails interaction with lady passengers especially those travelling alone by a team of lady RPF personnel at the originating station.
    • These lady passengers are briefed about all precautions to be taken during the journey and told to dial 182 in case they face or see any problem in the coach.
    • The RPF team collects only the seat numbers of the ladies and conveys them to stoppages en-route.
    • RPF/RPSF escort onboard also covers all the coaches/identified berths during its duty period.

    Based on feedbacks

    • RPF teams at the destination collect the feedback from the identified lady passengers.
    • The feedback is then analysed and corrective action, if any, is taken.
    • If some distress call comes from a train covered under “Meri Saheli” initiative, the disposal of the call is monitored at the level of senior officers.

  • [pib] National Productivity Council (NPC)

    National Productivity Council (NPC) has been granted accreditation conforming to ISO 17020:2012 by National Accreditation Board for Certification Body (NABCB).

    National Productivity Council (NPC)

    • NPC is a national level organization to promote productivity culture in India.
    • The NPC comes under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
    • Established in 1958, it is an autonomous, multipartite, non-profit organization and has been registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
    • NPC is a constituent of the Tokyo-based Asian Productivity Organisation (APO), an Inter-Governmental Body, of which the Government of India is a founder member.

    Why ISO status?

    • It has been granted accreditation for undertaking inspection and audit work in the area of Food Safety Audit and Scientific Storage of Agricultural Products.
    • NPC has been conducting inspections/audit for different statutory bodies such as Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) and FSSAI and is already having high credentials in the area of inspections and audits.

  • [pib] Electricity Access & Utility Benchmarking Report

    NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, Rockefeller Foundation, and Smart Power India have together launched the ‘Electricity Access in India and Benchmarking Distribution Utilities’ report.

    About the report

    • It is based on a primary survey conducted across 10 states––representing about 65% of the total rural population of India.
    • Aimed at capturing insights from the demand (electricity customers) as well as supply-side (electricity distribution utilities), the report seeks to:
    1. Evaluate the status of electricity access in India across these states and distribution utilities along all dimensions that constitute meaningful access
    2. Benchmark utilities’ capacity to provide electricity access and identify the drivers of sustainable access
    3. Develop recommendations for enhancing sustainable electricity access

    Key findings of the report:

    • As much as 92% of customers reported the overall availability of electricity infrastructure within 50 metres of their premises; however, not all have connections, the primary reason being the distance of households from the nearest pole.
    • Overall, 87% of customers have access to grid-based electricity. The remaining 13% either use non-grid sources or don’t use any electricity at all.
    • The hours of supply have improved significantly across the customer categories to nearly 17 hours per day.
    • Nearly 85% of customers reported to have a metered electricity connection.
    • Access to electricity is observed in 83% of household customers.
    • Considering the overall satisfaction level, a total of 66% of those surveyed were satisfied––74% of customers in urban areas and 60% in rural areas.

    Recommendations made

    The key recommendations provided in the report are in the areas of policy and regulation, process improvement, infrastructure and capacity-building of utilities. Other recommendations included:

    • prioritizing the release of new connections for non-household customers
    • transfer of subsidies or other benefits directly into a customer’s account
    • enhanced technology-driven customer service; ensuring 100% metering of customers
    • segregation of feeder lines

  • [pib] Architectural Heritage of Bundi

    A recent episode of the Ministry of Tourism’s Dekho Apna Desh Webinar series has focused on the architectural heritage of Bundi, Rajasthan.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.With reference to Dhrupad, one of the major traditions of India that has been kept alive for centuries, which of the following statements are correct?

    1. Dhrupad originated and developed in the Rajput kingdoms during the Mughal period.
    2. Dhrupad is primarily a piece of devotional and spiritual music.
    3. Dhrupad Alap uses Sanskrit syllables from Mantras.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None of the above

    About Bundi

    • Bundi erstwhile capital of Hada Rajput province known as Hadauti located in south-eastern Rajasthan is one such place.
    • Bundi is also known as City of step walls, blue city and also as Chotti Kashi.
    • In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes, of which the Parihar Tribes, Meena was prominent.
    • Later the region was governed by Rao Deva, who took over Bundi from Jaita Meena in 1242, renaming the surrounding area as Haravati or Haroti.
    • For the next two centuries, the Hadas of Bundi were the vassals of the Sisodias of Mewar and ruled by the title of Rao until 1569, after Emperor Akbar.

    Important architecture

    • The City of Bundi grew outwards Taragarh hill. A small habitat developed at the foothills of the fort itself.
    • The location of the royal palace was on a steep slope overlooking the valley below, providing a view of the vast surrounding hinterland.
    • Garh Mahal became the focus and an imposing landmark on the skyline of Bundi was visible from the valley below. In the next 200 years, the entire cluster was built.
    • The best example of medieval Indian city exhibiting water harvesting methods adopted at settlement level as well as the finest examples of water architecture.
    • Location of Baoris and Kunds outside the walled city was also influenced by social considerations as access to baoris and kunds were located within the walled city was controlled.

    Architectural heritage of Bundi can be classified as:

    1) Garh (Fort): Taragarh

    2) Garh Mahal (Royal Palace)

    • Bhoj Mahal
    • Chattar Mahal
    • Ummed Mahal

    3) Baori (Step well)

    • Khoj Darwaja ki Baori
    • Bhawaldi Baori

    4) Kund (Stepped tank)

    • Dhabhai ji ka Kund
    • Nagar Kund & Sagar Kund
    • Rani Kund

    5) Sagar mahal (Lake Palace)

    • Moti Mahal
    • Sukh Mahal
    • Shikar Burj