Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 24th Dec to 30 Dec – 2018

ARCHIVES

Note: Since the yearly reviews are included in this, PIB this week is extremely Prelims specific. However, it acts as a goldmine for questions in Mains that deals about the steps taken by Government to deal with a specific issue. It is important that you be cognizant of the fact that not every information is to be remembered; as some of the information helps you shape your perspective and refine it further. All the very best!

GS-2

Cabinet approves

A) Submission of India’s Second Biennial Update Report (BUR) to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The scope of BUR is to provide an update to India’s first BUR to UNFCCC. The BUR contains five major components —

• National Circumstances
• National Greenhouse Gas Inventory
• Mitigation Actions
• Finance
• Technology and Capacity Building Needs and Support Received and Domestic Monitoring
• Reporting and Verification (MRV) arrangements

B) Setting up of the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH) Bill, 2018

Seeks to replace the existing regulator Central Council for Homoeopathy (CCH) with a new body to ensure transparency.

• The draft bill provides for the constitution of a National Commission with three autonomous boards entrusted with conducting overall education of Homoeopathy by Homoeopathy Education Board. The Board of assessment and rating to assess and grant permission to educational institutions of Homoeopathy and Board of ethics and registration of practitioners of Homoeopathy to maintain National Register and ethical issues relating to practice are under the National Commission for Homoeopathy.
• It also proposes a common entrance exam and an exit exam which all graduates will have to clear to get practicing licenses. Further, a teacher’s eligibility test has been proposed to assess the standard of teachers before appointment and promotions.
• It further aims at bringing reforms in the medical education of Homoeopathy in lines with the National Medical Commission proposed for setting up for Allopathy system of medicine. The CCH had been earlier superseded by Board of Governors through an Ordinance and subsequent amendment of Act.

C) Setting up of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Bill, 2018: Seeks to replace the existing regulator Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM) with a new body to ensure transparency.

• Provides for the constitution of a National Commission with four autonomous boards entrusted with conducting overall education of Ayurveda, under Board of Ayurveda and Unani, Siddha &Sowarigpa under Board of Unaini, Siddha and Sowarigpa. There are two common Boards namely, Board of assessment and rating to assess and grant permission to educational institutions of Indian systems of Medicine and Board of ethics and registration of practitioners of Indian systems of medicine to maintain National Register and ethical issues relating to practice under the National Commission for Indian Medicine.
• It also proposes a common entrance exam and an exit exam, which all graduates will have to clear to get practicing licenses. Further, a teacher’s eligibility test has been proposed in the Bill to assess the standard of teachers before appointment and promotions.
• The draft bill is aimed at bringing reforms in the medical education of Indian medicine sector in lines with the National Medical Commission proposed for setting up for Allopathy system of medicine.
• The proposed regulatory structure will enable transparency and accountability for protecting the interest of the general public. The NCIM will promote availability of affordable healthcare services in all parts of the country.

D) Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018: The move comes in the backdrop of a series of representations received by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change from various Coastal States/UTs, besides other stakeholders, for a comprehensive review of the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, particularly related to the management and conservation of marine and coastal eco-systems, development in coastal areas, eco-tourism, livelihood option and sustainable development of coastal communities etc.

It will lead to enhanced activities in the coastal regions thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions. It will not only result in significant employment generation but also to better life and add value to the economy of India. The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities.

     Salient Features:

1. Allowing FSI as per current norms in CRZ areas: As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the CRZ, 2018 Notification, it has been decided to de-freeze the same and permit FSI for construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new Notification. This will enable redevelopment of these areas to meet the emerging needs.
2. Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater opportunity for development: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two separate categories have now been stipulated as below:

(a)  CRZ-III A – These are densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall have a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 50 meters from the HTL as against 200 meters from the High Tide Line stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011 since such areas have similar characteristics as urban areas.

(b)  CRZ-III B – Rural areas with population density of below 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 meters from the HTL.

• Tourism infrastructure for basic amenities to be promoted: Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted in Beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the “No Development Zone” (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities.

• CRZ Clearances streamlined: The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 Nautical Miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the State level with necessary guidance.

1. A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands: For islands close to the main land coast and for all Backwater Islands in the main land, in wake of space limitations and unique geography of such regions, bringing uniformity in treatment of such regions, NDZ of 20 m has been stipulated.
2. All Ecologically Sensitive Areas have been accorded special importance: Specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the CRZ Notification.
3. Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus: In order to address pollution in Coastal areas treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards.
4. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation

Committee involved: The Shailesh Nayank Committee

E) Amendment in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012: The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent due to strong penal provisions incorporated in the Act. It may protect the interest of vulnerable children in times of distress and ensures their safety and dignity. The amendment aims to establish clarity regarding the aspects of child abuse and punishment thereof.

• The POCSO Act, 2012 was enacted to Protect the Children from Offences of Sexual Assault, Sexual harassment and pornography with due regard for safeguarding the interest and well-being of children. The Act defines a child as any person below eighteen years of age, and regards the best interests and welfare of the child as matter of paramount importance at every stage, to ensure the healthy physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of the child. The act is gender neutral.
• The amendment in Section-4, Section-5, Section-6, Section-9, Section-14, Section-15 and Section-42 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, is made to address the aspects of child sexual abuse in appropriate manner. The modification is made to address the need for stringent measures required to deter the rising trend of child sex abuse in the country.
• To discourage the trend of child sexual abuse by acting as a deterrent Section-4, Section-5 and Section-6 are proposed to be amended to provide option of stringent punishment, including death penalty, for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault crime on a child to protect the children from sexual abuse.
• The amendments are also proposed in section-9 to protect children from sexual offences in times of natural calamities and disasters and in cases where children are administered, in any way, any hormone or any chemical substance, to attains early sexual maturity for the purpose of penetrative sexual assault.
• Section-14 and Section-15 of the POCSO Act, 2012 are also proposed to be amended to address the menace of the child pornography. It is proposed to levy fine for not destroying/or deleting/ or reporting the pornographic material involving a child. The person can be further penalized with jail term or fine or both for transmitting/propagating/administrating such material in any manner except for the purpose of reporting as may be prescribed and for use as evidence in court. Penal provisions have been made more stringent for storing/possessing any pornographic material in any form involving a child for commercial purpose.

F) Indian Human Spaceflight Initiative: Gaganyaan Programme

• Gaganyaan Programme will establish a broader framework for collaboration between ISRO, academia, industry, national agencies and other scientific organizations.
• This will allow pooling in of diverse technological and industrial capabilities and enable broader participation in research opportunities and technology development benefitting large number of students and researchers.
• The flight system realization will be through Industry.
• It is expected to generate employment and train human resources in advanced technologies.
• It will inspire large number of young students to take up science and technology careers for national development.
• Gaganyaan Programme is a national effort and will involve the participation of the Industry, Academia and National Agencies spread across the length and breadth of the country.

Impact:

• The programme is expected to spur research and development within the country in niche science and technology domains.
• Huge potential for technology spinoffs in areas such as medicine, agriculture, industrial safety, pollution, waste management, water and food resource management etc.
• Human spaceflight programme will provide a unique micro-gravity platform in space for conducting experiments and test bed for future technologies.
• The programme is expected to give impetus to economic activities within the country in terms of employment generation, human resource development and enhanced industrial capabilities.
• Human Spaceflight capability will enable India to participate as a collaborating partner in future Global space exploration initiatives with long term national benefits.

G) Cabinet apprised of two Bilateral MoUs between India and Cuba, and India and Korea in the area of Biotechnology: The MoUs have been signed to

• Strengthen the Indo-Cuba and Indo-Republic of Korea bilateral ties
• Work out the future agenda for the collaboration for Innovation in S&T Diplomacy to evolve a concrete strategic plan in the area of biotechnology education, training and research.
• The proposal has the potential towards employment generation for more than 50 postgraduates and Ph.Ds in biological sciences and related areas for a period of upto five years.

GS-3

India submits Sixth National Report to the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD)

(Topic: Environment Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment)

India is among the first five countries in the world, the first in Asia and the first among the biodiversity rich megadiverse countries to have submitted NR6 to the CBD Secretariat.

Submission of national reports is a mandatory obligation on Parties to international treaties, including CBD.  As a responsible nation, India has never reneged on its international commitments and has earlier submitted on time five National Reports to the CBD.

The NR6 provides an update of progress in achievement of 12 National Biodiversity Targets (NBT) developed under the Convention process in line with the 20 global Aichi biodiversity targets.  Briefly, the Report highlights that while India has exceeded/overachieved two NBTs, it is on track to achieve eight NBTs and in respect of the remaining two NBTs also, India is striving to meet the targets by the stipulated time of 2020.    

• With well over 20 percent of its total geographical area under biodiversity conservation, India has exceeded the terrestrial component of 17 percent of Aichi target 11, and 20 percent of corresponding NBT relating to areas under biodiversity management. Similarly, India has also made noteworthy achievement towards NBT relating to access and benefit sharing (ABS) by operationalising the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. Having published the first internationally recognized certificate of compliance (IRCC) under the Protocol in 2015, India has since published nearly 75% of the IRCCs published so far on ABS Clearing House. Thus, in respect of these two NBTs (6 and 9), the progress made by India has exceeded the targets.
• India has done well on raising awareness about biodiversity, which is an important thrust area in several programmes of the Government. As a megadiverse country harbouring nearly 7-8% of globally recorded species while supporting 18% of the global human population on a mere 2.4% of the world’s land area, India’s quest for inclusive economic development while maintaining integrity of its natural capital is being pursued through various programmes and strategies.   
• Measures have been adopted for sustainable management of agriculture, fisheries and forests, with a view to provide food and nutritional security to all without destroying the natural resource base while ensuring intergenerational environmental equity.  Programmes are in place to maintain genetic diversity of cultivated plants, farms livestock and their wild relatives, towards minimising genetic erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity.
• Mechanisms and enabling environment are being created for recognising and protecting the vast heritage of coded and oral traditional knowledge relating to biodiversity for larger human welfare while safeguarding the interests and rights of the local communities as creators and holders of this knowledge.  
• India has been investing a huge amount on biodiversity directly or indirectly through several development schemes of the Central and State Governments, to the tune of Rs 70,000 crores per annum as against the estimated annual requirement of nearly Rs 1,09,000 crores.
• India has nearly two third of the population of wild tigers in the world.  The population of lion has risen from 177 in 1968 to over 520 in 2015, and elephants from 12,000 in 1970s to 30,000 in 2015.  One-horned Indian Rhino which was on the brink of extinction during the early 20th century, now number 2400.
• Further, while globally over 0.3 % of total recorded species are critically endangered, in India only 0.08% of the species recorded are in this category. India is committed to protecting its rich heritage of biodiversity which are so vital to our economic and social development.

Please Note:

2023: Year of Millets

Ace Badminton Player Ms. P.V. Sindhu: Scripted history by becoming the 1st Indian to win BWF World Tour Finals

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) software enables the identification of malnourished   children based on auto-plotting of Growth Charts. The drill–down dashboard available at National, State, District, Block level enables timely identification and interventions to address the problem of under-nutrition.

Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY), the sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) to facilitate transport facilities in the rural areas and also provide job opportunities to members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under DAY-NRLM.

• To provide safe, affordable and community monitored rural transport services to connect remote villages with key services and amenities (including access to markets, education and health) for the overall economic development of the area by making use of the supports available within the framework of DAY-NRLM.
• To provide an alternative source of livelihoods to members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their families under DAY-NRLM by facilitating them to operate public transport services in backward rural areas, as identified by the States.

National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme: Integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations

Adopt a Heritage Project: To provide world class tourist facilities at the various natural/cultural heritage sites, monuments and other tourist sites. The project plans to entrust heritage sites/monuments and other tourist sites to private sector companies, public sector companies and individuals for the development of various tourist amenities.

Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP): In order to skill youth in environment, forest and wildlife sectors and enable them to be gainfully employed/ self-employed

North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS), 2017 covers eligible industrial units in the manufacturing and service sectors Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim to promote industrialization and boost employment and income generation.

National Investment & Manufacturing Zones (NIMZs) are one of the important instruments of National Manufacturing Policy, 2011. NIMZs are envisaged as large areas of developed land with the requisite eco-system for promoting world class manufacturing activity. The main objective of Special Economic Zones is promotion of exports, while NIMZs are based on the principle of industrial growth in partnership with States and focuses on manufacturing growth and employment generation. NIMZs are different from SEZs in terms of size, level of infrastructure planning, governance structures related to regulatory procedures, and exit policies.

National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)

• To oversee dam safety activities in various States and suggest improvements to bring these in line with the latest state-of-art consistently with Indian conditions.
• To act as a forum of exchange of views on techniques adopted for remedial measures to relieve distress.
• To monitor the follow-up action on the report on dam safety procedures.
• To recommend any other measures connected with dam safety.

Release of commemorative stamp and coin on Paika Rebellion:

The Paika Rebellion (Paika Bidroha) (predates the first war of independence in 1857 but did not get similar recognition) was fought against British rule, in Odisha in 1817. The Paikas rose in rebellion under their leader Bakshi Jagabandhu and, projecting Jagannath as the symbol of Odia unity, the rebellion quickly spread across most of Odisha before being ruthlessly put down by the company’s forces.

It was aimed at upholding the rights of the Odia people and sovereignty of Odisha. Paika Rebellion was not only the rebellion of Paikas, it was a National War waged by ordinary people at the grassroots level who resented the dispossession of their Sovereign of his rights and the consequential repressive measures that followed.

Who were the Paikas?

The Paikas were the traditional militia of Odisha. They served as warriors and were charged with policing functions during peacetime.

Reasons behind the war:

• The Paiks were alienated by the British regime, who took over the hereditary rent-free lands granted to them after the conquest of Khurda. They were also subjected to extortion and oppression at the hands of the company government and its servants.
• The extortionist land revenue policy of the company affected the peasants and the zamindars alike. A source of much consternation for the common people was the rise in prices of salt due to taxes imposed on it by the new government.
• The company also abolished the system of cowrie currency that had existed in Odisha prior to its conquest and required that taxes be paid in silver. This caused much popular hardship and discontent.
• In 1804 the Raja of Khurda planned a rebellion against the British in alliance with the Paiks, but the plot was soon discovered and the Raja’s territory confiscated.

Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation

Aim: To establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewage networks and water supply for urban transformation by implementing urban revival projects.

Rajasthan: First state in the country to submit State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Mission of AMRUT:

• Ensure that every household has access to a tap with assured supply of water and a sewerage connection
• Increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well-maintained open spaces (e.g. parks)
• Reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).

Synergy between Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT

The two missions that were simultaneously launched – Smart Cities Mission and AMRUT are interlinked. AMRUT adopts a project approach to ensure basic infrastructure services in 500 cities and towns. Smart Cities Mission adopts an area-based approach in 100 cities with focus on core infrastructure services like: Adequate and clean Water supply, Sanitation and Solid Waste Management, Efficient Urban Mobility and Public Transportation, Affordable housing for the poor, power supply, robust IT connectivity, Governance, especially e-governance and citizen participation, safety and security of citizens, health and education and sustainable urban environment.

Note: The World Bank has recently released the Doing Business Report (DBR) 2019 and the country’s rank in Construction Permits indicator has gone up to 52 from 181, a year ago. This was achieved due to the reforms implemented and consistent efforts of the Municipal Corporations of Delhi and Mumbai in facilitating Ease of Doing Business in construction permits.

Must Read: Link 1

Doubling of Farmers’ Income

The Government has been reorienting the agriculture sector by focusing on an income-centeredness which goes beyond achieving merely the targeted production. The income approach focuses on achieving high productivity, reduced cost of cultivation and remunerative price on the produce, with a view to earn higher profits from farming.

• Initiating market reforms through the State Governments by amending the agriculture marketing regime.
• Encouraging contract farming through the State Governments by promulgating of Model Contract Farming Act.
• 22,000 Gramin Haats are to be upgraded to work as centers of aggregation and for direct purchase of agricultural commodities from the farmers.
• Launch of eNAM initiative to provide farmers an electronic online trading platform.
• Implementation of flagship scheme of distribution of Soil Health Cards to farmers so that the use of fertilizers can be optimized.  So far more than 15 crore Soil Health Cards have been distributed in two cycles.
• “Per drop more crop” initiative under which drip/sprinkler irrigation is being encouraged for optimal utilization of water.
• “Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)” under which organic farming is being promoted.  North East is being developed as organic hub.
• A revised farmer friendly “Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)” have been launched. The scheme covers various types of risks from pre-sowing to post harvest and the farmers have to pay very nominal premium.
• Under “Har Medh Par Ped”, agro forestry is being promoted for supplementing farm income, increase risk management and climate resilient agriculture as an important component of Integrated Farming Systems
• The Indian Forest Act, 1927 was amended to exclude bamboo from the definition of ‘trees’. Henceforth bamboo grown outside forest area will not be regulated under the provisions of felling and transit rules. As a corollary the restructured National Bamboo Mission was launched for development of the value chain of bamboo as a measure to strengthen rural economy by linking the producer (farmer) to markets (industry).
• Launch of PM-Asha scheme which will ensure MSP to farmers for oilseeds, pulses and copra.
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) is notified by the Government for certain crops. Giving a major boost for the farmers income, the Government has approved the increase in the MSPs for all Kharif & Rabi crops for 2018-19 season at a level of at least 150 percent of the cost of production.
• Bee keeping has been promoted under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) to increase the productivity of crops through pollination and increase the honey production as an additional source of income of farmers.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission has been implemented to enhance milk production and productivity of bovines and to make milk production more remunerative to the farmers.
• National Livestock Mission has been implemented to increase productivity and genetic improvement of livestock.
• Foreseeing high potential in fisheries sector, a Blue Revolution with multi-dimensional activities mainly focusing on fisheries production, both inland and marine is being implemented.
• The National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), on of the eight Missions under the PM’s National Action Plan on Climate Change is anchored in the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The revised strategy document for 2018-2030 was prepared for enhancing preparedness of the agriculture and allied sector towards the challenges posed by climate change

New initiatives taken for increasing production and productivity of Nutri-Cereals from 2018-19 onwards: –

• Breeder seed production of nutri-cereals
• Creation of seed hubs
• Certified seed production
• Seed mini kits allocation
• Strengthening/creation of Center of Excellence
• Publicity of nutri-cereals

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojna (RKVY) is an important scheme of the Government of India, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW), aimed at strengthening infrastructure in agriculture and allied areas.

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)                                               

PM-AASHA will provide MSP assurance to farmers: A reflection of Government’s commitment to the “Annadata”

Giving a major boost to the pro-farmer initiatives of the Government and in keeping with its commitment and dedication for the Annadata, the Union Cabinet has approved a new Umbrella Scheme “Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan’ (PM-AASHA).

The Scheme is aimed at ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers for their produce as announced in the Union Budget for 2018.

Components of PM-AASHA:

The new Umbrella Scheme includes the mechanism of ensuring remunerative prices to the farmers and is comprised of

• Price Support Scheme (PSS),
• Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)
• Pilot of Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS).

National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana – HRIDAY

By: The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India

Aim: To preserve and revitalise soul of the heritage city to reflect the city’s unique character by encouraging aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative & secured environment.

Objectives:

• Planning, development and implementation of heritage sensitive infrastructure.
• Service delivery and infrastructure provisioning in historic city core areas.
• Preserve and revitalize heritage wherein tourists can connect directly with city’s unique character.
• Develop and document a heritage asset inventory of cities – natural, cultural, living and built heritage as a basis for urban planning, growth and service provision & delivery.
• Implementation and enhancement of basic services delivery with focus on sanitation services like public conveniences, toilets, water taps, street lights with use of latest technologies in improving tourist facilities/amenities.
• Local capacity enhancement for inclusive heritage-based industry.
• Create effective linkages between tourism and cultural facilities and also the conservation of natural and built heritage.
• Urban heritage adaptive rehabilitation and maintenance, including appropriate technologies for historic buildings retrofitting.
• Establish and manage effective public private partnership for adaptive urban rehabilitation.
• Development and promotion of core tangible economic activities to enhance avenues of livelihoods amongst stakeholders. This would also include necessary skill development amongst them including making public spaces accessible and developing cultural spaces.
• Making cities informative with use of modern ICT tools and making cities secure with modern surveillance and security apparatus like CCTV etc.
• Increase accessibility i.e. physical access (roads as well as universal design) and intellectual access (i.e. digital heritage and GIS mapping of historical locations/ tourist maps and routes).

Year-end report of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)

1. Policy, Framework & Standards

• Launch of the National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship in 2015: First ever comprehensive policy framework for skill development of the country
• National Skill Development Mission launched– First ever national implementation plan covering all states, territories and people
• Common Norms – launched in 2015 to provide harmonization of training costs, processes, assessments, certification and outcome. Presently over 20 Ministries are implementing skill development schemes
• Enforcement of National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) –more than 2,000Qualification Packs developed in four years

1. Programs/Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): It is one of the flagship schemes of the Ministry aimed at providing free-of-cost skill training to over 1 Crore youth in 4 years in 221+ job roles; offering short term training between 2 months to 6 months.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK): It is an initiative towards creation of “Model Training Centers” with standardized infrastructure for delivery of skill development training to be opened in every district of India; aiming to make benchmark institutions that can demonstrate aspirational value for competency-based skill development amongst key stakeholders- industry and trainees.

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS): The scheme is aimed to increase the involvement of industries and employers in engaging youth as apprentices and providing on-the-job skill training to create a ready workforce. The government reimburses part of stipend paid by the employer.

SANKALP: Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) project aims to implement the mandate of the National Skill Development Mission (NSDM)

STRIVE: “Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE)” is an outcome-based project, marking a shift in government’s implementation strategy in vocational education and training from inputs to results building in a strong shift to an outcome-based skill ecosystem. The STRIVE project aims at creating awareness through industry clusters/ geographical chambers that would address the challenge of involvement of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs).

Vision for the future of mobility in India

7 Cs: Common, Connected, Convenient, Congestion-free, Charged, Clean and Cutting-edge.

• Public Transport must be the cornerstone of India’s mobility initiatives
• It must be integrated with geographies and different modes of transport
• Mobility should be safe, affordable and accessible to all sections of society
• It must be a check on the economic and environment costs of congestion
• Investments are being made across value chains from batteries to smart charging to Electric Vehicle manufacturing
• Mobility must be powered by clean energy which is India’s most powerful weapon in the fight against climate change
• It is a sector with immense opportunity for innovation and growth which can help solve problems for public good

FAME-India [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India]: The scheme is being implemented over a period of 6 years till 2020.

• It will support the hybrid and electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing eco-system to achieve self-sustenance at the end of this period.
• Government of India is committed to instil confidence in the industry and allow them to plan required investments and create needed capacities.
• This will also enable the scheme to align with Government’s Make in India initiative.
• The scheme focuses on four areas:
  • Technology Development
  • Demand Creation
  • Pilot Projects
  • Charging Infrastructure

Vision for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)

CPSEs are the wealth of the nation and will be an important catalyst to fulfil the vision of New India by 2022.

Three mantras for CPSEs- Incentives, Imagination and Institution building in order to bring about this transformation –

• Unique incentives, not necessarily financial, will energize the public enterprises.
• Imagination will bring about technological changes for which leadership is necessary
• Institution building will transform the public enterprises from Maharatna into New India Ratna Enterprises.

Formulae which will prepare the CPSEs to compete with the best companies in the world: 5 Ps- Performance, Process, Persona, Procurement and Preparedness

Quotes

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

On Sports

• Every child should be encouraged to take up some form of sporting activity from early days.
• Participating in sports will instill confidence, team spirit and helps children to become better human beings.
• It is essential to be a healthy nation to become a wealthy and prosperous nation.

On Good Governance

• Good Governance and Reforms must empower the last man in the queue
• Development strategy to be effective & should help achieve broad-based economic growth
• People’s cooperation is vital for the development of the nation
• Need to nurture sustainable agricultural practices and place great emphasis on the efficiency to meet the food and nutrition needs of India. There is a need to modernize and consolidate Indian agriculture and said that ‘Maximum output through optimal utilization of resources’ should be the Mantra.
• India that witnessed a growth rate of 7.1% during the last quarter of 2018 must build on the growth story further by taking advantage of the youth power by realising the demographic dividend.