Press Information Bureau (PIB) IAS UPSC – 25th March to 31st March – 2019

ARCHIVES

GS-2

Cabinet approves

Five year’s extension of Biomedical Research Career Programme

• Over its 10 years of funding in a 1:1partnership, the Programme has fulfilled its objectives of building and nurturing talent of highest global standards in cutting-edge biomedical research in India, which has led to important scientific breakthroughs and applications to meet societal needs.
• BRCP has made it attractive for high quality Indian scientists working abroad to return to India, and has increased the number of locations geographically within India where world-class biomedical research is undertaken.
• In the extending phase, the Programme would continue to build this capacity as also strengthen clinical research and work towards addressing important health challenges for India.  Continuation of the Programme with increased stake from the Government of India is important to bring about these returns.

MoU between India and Croatia in the field of tourism: Will help the two parties in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector.

MoU between India and Republic of Korea on Startup Cooperation: The MoU would facilitate and promote bilateral cooperation between the start-ups of both countries, subject to their national laws and regulations and any applicable international treaties, conventions and agreements to which the two countries are party.

MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors:

• The MoU shall facilitate and enhance the cooperation between the two countries in combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors as defined by the United Nations International Drug Control Conventions.
• The cooperation under this MoU includes the exchange of information on existing legal instruments of national legislation of both countries in combating the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs psychotropic substances and its precursors, allowing and assisting each other in the use of controlled delivery operation with a view to identifying persons involved in illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors and essential chemicals, prevention of money laundering.
• Under the MoU, there is a provision of maintaining the secrecy of information and documents obtained in accordance with this MoU.

Cabinet Apprised of

MoU for cooperation on youth matters between India and Morocco: The areas of cooperation on Youth matters include:

• organisation of youth programmes;
• exchange of invitations to international conferences and seminars;
• exchange of printed materials, films, experiences, research and other information;
• participation in youth camps, youth festivals and other cooperative youth events.

MoU on Antarctic cooperation between India and Argentine:

• Scientific co-operation on projects in the fields of -inter alia- Earth sciences and life sciences, as well as those related to the protection and conservation of the natural environment of Antarctica and the Southern Oceans;
• The exchange of scientific and bibliographical information related to the study of Antarctica, its environment and dependent and associated ecosystems;
• Exploring opportunities for exchanges of scientists;
• Participation of scientists and technical experts of the national Antarctic programme of one country in the national Antarctic programme of the other, if so required;
• Joint scientific conferences and workshops; hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of major polar forum meetings, where feasible.
• Joint scientific publications;
• Training of scientific personnel

MoU between India and Morocco to promote exchange of information and technical cooperation in the field of Housing and Human Settlement: Implementation of the MoU would strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Housing & Human Settlement.  Both countries will cooperate to address the challenges faced by cities, with the aim of promoting sustainable inclusive urban growth, whilst improving commercial and trade relations between the two countries.  This will primarily include, but not limited to, low cost and mass affordable housing, water supply and sanitation, urban transport and smart cities development.

MoU between India and Saudi Arabia for cooperation in the field of Housing:

• The MoU will promote technical cooperation in the field of Housing, including affordable/low income housing and enhance participation of authorities and companies in the housing and infrastructure projects undertaken in both the countries.  
• It will also promote sharing of knowledge and experiences in development and transfer of modern construction techniques and encourage R&D in the fields of housing development.

GS-3

Five varieties of Indian coffee awarded GI certification

(Topic: Economy and development; Intellectual Property Rights)

In news:

• Five varieties of Indian coffee have been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
• The move is expected to enhance their visibility globally and allow growers to get the right value.
• The initiative will also help integrate farmers with markets in a transparent manner, and lead to realisation of fair prices for coffee producers.

5 varieties of Indian coffee which got GI tag

1. Coorg Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Kodagu district in Karnataka.
2. Wayanad Robusta coffee is grown specifically in the region of Wayanad district which is situated on the eastern portion of Kerala.
3. Chikmagalur Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the region of Chikmagalur district and it is situated in the Deccan plateau, belongs to the Malnad region of Karnataka.
4. Araku Valley Arabica coffee can be described as coffee from the hilly tracks of Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha region at an elevation of 900-1100 Mt MSL. The coffee produce of Araku, by the tribals, follows an organic approach in which they emphasise management practices involving substantial use of organic manures, green manuring and organic pest management practices.
5. Bababudangiris Arabica coffee is grown specifically in the birthplace of coffee in India and the region is situated in the central portion of Chikmagalur district. Selectively hand-picked and processed by natural fermentation, the cup exhibits full body, acidity, mild flavour and striking aroma with a note of chocolate. This coffee is also called high grown coffee which slowly ripens in the mild climate and thereby the bean acquires a special taste and aroma.

Do you know?

• The Monsooned Malabar Robusta Coffee, a unique specialty coffee from India, was given GI certification earlier.

Important value additions:

Geographical Indication

• According to the World Intellectual Property Rights, “Geographical Indication is the sign used on the products that have specific geographical origin and posses’ reputation and some qualities that are due to the origin.”
• In India Geographical Indication tag is governed by the Geographical Indication of Goods (Registry and Protection) Act of 1999.

About GI Act, 1999:

• GIs indicate goods as originating in a specific geographical region, the characteristics, qualities or reputation thereof essentially attributable to such region.
• Complying with the World Trade Organisation-Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (WTO-TRIPS) obligations, India enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) and has set up a registry in Chennai to register such names.
• Covering agricultural goods, manufactured and natural goods, textiles, handicrafts and foodstuffs, the GI Registry’s website lists popular GIs like Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea and Pashmina shawls etc.

Prelims oriented news:

Exercise AL NAGAH: Joint military training exercise between Indian Army and Royal Oman Army

Exercise MITRA SHAKTI: Indo-Sri Lanka Joint Exercise

Mission Shakti: India has become the fourth nation in the world, with the capability to successfully target satellites through an Anti-Satellite Missile.

• A DRDO-developed Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Interceptor Missile successfully engaged an Indian orbiting target satellite 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 has confirmed that the mission met all its objectives.
• The test has demonstrated the Nation’s capability to defend its assets in outer space. With this India joins a select group of nations, which have such capability – proven capability of indigenous weapon systems.

Induction of Chinook Helicopters in Indian Air Force: The addition of heavy-lift CH 47 F(I) helicopter is a significant step towards modernisation of Indian Air Force’s helicopter fleet.

• The helicopter has been customized to suit IAF’s future requirements and capability roadmap.
• The helicopter has a fully integrated digital cockpit management system, advanced cargo handling capabilities and electronic warfare suite that complement the aircraft’s performance.
• The helicopter is capable of airlifting diverse military and non-military loads into remote locations.

Quotes:

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu

On Inclusive Growth

• Asks universities to align research goals to solve challenges being faced by the nation
• Knowledge will soon be driver of Indian Economy and will play a vital role in improving the living conditions of the people
• India must reorient its higher education system to be globally competitive
• Our system of education and skill-training needs to respond to the demands of industry and services sector
• We must bring rural areas at par with urban areas in terms of ease of living and working
• Asks students to shun negativism, develop a positive attitude and be socially conscious, peace loving and empathetic

On Agriculture

• He called for renewed focus on agribusiness, value addition and diversification of agriculture
• Emphasizes upon the need to educate farmers about diversification and allied activities to supplement income
• Asks extension officers to spend more time with the farmers
• Calls for reform of agricultural markets through removal of middlemen
• Asks students of agriculture to go to fields and spend time with farmers’ families
• Cautions that populist measures like loan waivers are not long-lasting solutions
• Terms contributions of Shri Vaikunth Bhai Mehta as ‘foundational to cooperative sector in India’

On rural health care

• Suggests mandatory rural service of 3 years for Doctors before their first promotion
• Cautions that the quality of healthcare being delivered cannot be determined by the price being paid
• Applauds PIMS-DU for delivering quality, affordable healthcare in rural and tribal areas
• The immense demographic advantage could create the space needed to increase investments in enhancing human capabilities, which, in turn, would have a positive influence on growth and development in the time to come.
• He emphasized upon providing quality higher education, especially professional and technical education as an imperative to empower the youth to play a meaningful role in nation building.
• Outlining some of the major challenges faced by healthcare sector such as the epidemiological transition being witnessed by India from communicable to non-communicable diseases, unequal access to healthcare and rising costs, he mentioned that a lot more needs to be done to ensure health security to our vast population.

On Medicine

• Teachings in human values be also form a part of medical education
• Lopsided infrastructure development in rural areas compared to urban areas the health sector is a major area of concern
• Private sector needs to supplement the efforts of government in bridging urban-rural divide
• Make it mandatory for MBBS graduates to serve in rural areas for at least 3 years before granting first promotion to them
• Deliver a more comprehensive medical education, which develops total personality of young medical graduates
• It is important to educate people about disease preventive measures

On Press

• Our press should be efficient and fearless for the country to thrive and flourish
• Journalists should become the voice of the voiceless
• Media should maintain a high level of professionalism, accuracy and impartiality in their coverage
• More newspapers should be started in regional languages

On India’s Development

• Eliminate the menace of terrorism, tackle climate change, remove social inequalities, alleviate poverty to build a peaceful, harmonious and happy nation: Vice President
• Demand the progress & performance reports from candidates and the parties;
• Elect candidates with 4C’s: Character, Caliber, Capacity & Conduct
• Vote was not just a right but a responsibility bestowed upon the citizenry by the framers of the constitution
• Terrorism could never be treated with kid gloves. He asked the world community to come together to ‘fight out and root out’ terror.