Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launches e-Office in the Ministry of Women & Child Development
(Topic: Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and accountability, e-governance- applications, models, success, limitations, and potential; citizens charters, transparency and accountability and accountability and institutional and other measures)
E-Office: Launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development
Importance –
Bring paperless functioning
Brings transparency and accountability, which help to step up the delivery mechanisms
The legacy data of all the files of the ministry has been digitized and the entire file movement is now taking place electronically
Good system for processing of files and that DeitY is continuously striving to bring new areas within the ambit of digitization
Functioning-
Under the e-office, every receipt of any paper is scanned and digitized and the new file is opened
File is then processed electronically as per specified procedure and specified hierarchy
Project was initiated in July, 2015 and over 12,000 files of the Ministry have been digitized
Several modules of e-office –
File Management System,
Knowledge Management System,
Leave Management System,
Tour Management System,
Benefits–
Reduction of processing time
A file takes only 4-5 days for processing as compared to 30-40 days earlier
Possible to locate the point at which the file is held up and avoid delay by expediting the same
Directly impacts the delivery mechanism of the ministry, both for the State Governments as well as related civil society organizations
The e-office has also resulted in better accountability and transparency
Results in higher manpower efficiency
Other Steps-
To bring other organizations like National Commission for Women within the ambit of e-Office soon
All the attached offices of the ministry are also going to come on the e-office platform shortly
Personnel Information Management System (e-Service Book) is expected to start from the 1st of January, 2016
Union Health Minister reviews the preparedness on Seasonal Influenza (H1N1)
(Topic: Issues relating to Health, Diseases and Medical Enhancement)
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister issued necessary directions related to-
Procurement,
Training,
Issuing of advisories and
Guidelines for the state governments to review the preparedness for tackling seasonal Influenza (H1N1)
Steps Taken –
Monitoring the situation and adequate steps have been taken
Strengthen nationwide awareness campaign on Seasonal Influenza (H1N1)
Support to the state governments
Issue necessary advisories to the state governments at regular intervals and review their strategy and plans
The Ministry has also undertaken adequate steps to augment capacity of health facilities to manage cases of Influenza (H1N1)
Strengthened testing facilities
Availability of PPE Kits and N95 Masks for healthcare workers dealing with the cases
Sufficient tablets of Oseltamivir for early treatment of Influenza (H1N1) cases
Directed the Central government institutions to earmark sufficient number of beds for H1N1 patients with additional capacity which may be used quickly whenever required
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Jordan for promoting cooperation In the field of Information Technology and Electronics
(Topic: Regional and Global Groupings and agreement involving India and affecting India’s Interest)
MoU’s develop and strengthen–
Industrial,
Technological
Commercial cooperation between the two countries in- Information Technology + Electronics (IT&E) sector
Implement institutional + capacity building cooperation programme aimed at fostering partnerships between the two countries
Areas of co-operation include-
Identifying Capacity Building areas and specific needs of-
Jordanian IT sector,
Design,
Plan ,
Implement IT Capacity Building Programmes for the benefit to Jordan
Cooperation among : Private + Public entities of both countries in the areas of-
Investment
Business promotion
Strengthening Collaboration in: IT&E sector in the areas of-
E-education,
E-Governance,
M-Governance,
E-health,
Telemedicine etc.;
Sharing of best practices in the areas of –
Regulatory policy and
Institutional framework with special emphasis on developing internationally competitive IT&E manufacturing and services industry
Participation in : International events organized by each country
Other areas as jointly decided by the Parties
Areas of cooperation realized through: Establishing a Working Group on IT&E composed of representatives of the Parties
National School Games to be organised at Four to Five venues every year
(Topic: Issues Relating to Health, Education, Human Resources, Sports and others)
Organised by: Union Government in a big way at four to five venues in the country every year
Objective –
To ensure proper promotion and development of various games at the school level
Help early identification of talent and ensuring physical fitness of children
It is expected that participation of large number of children in the proposed National School Games from various parts of the country will not only contribute to the objective of sports promotion but also national unity and harmony
Purpose of efficient organisation made possible by: National School Games, the Department of Sports with the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) for conduct of the games and with the selected state governments for infrastructure
Health Ministry issues Draft Guidelines for Kidney Donors
(Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources)
About-
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare issued Draft Guidelines
Another major step towards easing rules and procedures to encourage organ donation among the masses
The draft guidelines have been posted on the website of NOTTO-notto.nic.inand comments/suggestions/views have been invited to fine tune the guidelines. These may be sent to the Director, NOTTO at dir@notto.nic.in by 16th January 2016
Draft guidelines include:
Recipient registration, listing and scoring system in the waiting list
Scoring system for making priority
Allocation principles
Allocation algorithm, including criteria for urgent listing, and
Inter-state issues
Steps Taken-
List of the government and non-government hospitals in Delhi
Covers area: Neighboring area of the NCR (Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida) listed in the draft guidelines
Hospitals in the NCR cities will be included in the networking along with hospitals of Delhi for the purpose of organ sharing and allocation with the concurrence and MOU with the respective State Governments and institutions in due course of time
GS-3
Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India
(Topic: Science and Technology, Resources, Growth, Development and Employment)
Under Theme: Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India (103rd edition of Indian Science Congress)
Held from: January 3 to 7 January, 2016
Host: University of Mysore at its campus
The Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan will unveil the Indian Science Congress Mega Expo “Pride of India-Frontier Science & Technologies”
Pride of India Expo: Some major attractions like Hall of Pride, Vigyan Jyot and Genesis
Hall of Pride (HoP)-
Dedicated to the eminent personalities related to science and technology who have contributed immensely towards the progress and welfare of the nation
Some of the personalities portrayed in the earlier editions of HoP are Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, Shri Dhirubhai Ambani, Shri G. D Birla, Prof. Satish Dhawan, Shri Acharaya Prafulla Chandra Ray, Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya etc
At the 103rdIndian Science Congress this prestigious hall will be dedicated to Hon’ble APJ Abdul Kalam
Genes-
One day symposium which is organized concurrent to the ISC with complimenting theme to the main science congress
The theme of XIV Genesis has been aptly chosen as “Realising the Make in India Mission through Indigenous Development – Role of MSME”keeping in view the focal theme of this year’s congress
Objective to bring-
Scientists,
Industrialists,
Academicians and
Policy makers on a common platform to exchange ideas and explore collaborative opportunities
Vijyan Jyot-the flame of knowledge –
A novel initiative of MM Active which was initiated in the year 2010. The
Aim
To introduce pure science as a career choice amongst the youth and encourage them to opt for this career, thus preparing scientists and innovators for the future
The Vigyan Jyot is inspired by the vision 2020 of our former President Dr. A.P.J Kalam of making India a powerful and prosperous nation by reaching the benefits of science and technology to every Indian and enriching the quality of life
Government constitutes Committee for Holistic interpretation of the provisions of the Cinematograph Act/ Rules
(Topic: Science and Technology- Developments and their Application and effects in everyday life)
Issue –
In most countries of the world there is a mechanism of certifying feature films and documentaries
It has to be ensured that in doing so, artistic creativity and freedom do not get stifled/curtailed and the people tasked with the work of certification understand these nuances
A whole lot of Indian films have enriched the cultural milieu of the country besides making astonishing advances in technical aspects of film making
Steps Taken-
A committee headed by Shri Shyam Benegal has been constituted to suggest the paradigm for ensuring such a milieu
This in view and in sync with the vision of Hon’ble Prime Minister
Recommendations of Committee –
To provide a holistic framework
Enable those tasked with the work of certification of films to discharge their responsibilities keeping in view this framework
Committee would be expected to take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression
The Committee would recommend broad guidelines / procedures under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act / Rules for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee
The staffing pattern of CBFC would also be looked into in an effort to recommend a framework which would provide efficient / transparent user friendly services
The Committee has been requested to submit their recommendations within two months
Committee set up to Review Wage Structure of Gramin Dak Sevaks
(Topic: Communication and Information Technology)
Committee-
One man Committee to examine-
Wage structure,
Service conditions, etc
Gramin Dak Sevaks in the Department of Posts has been constituted by the Government of India
Department of Post has 2.6 lakh Gramin Dak Sevaks
All these GDSs will come under the purview of GDS Committee
The Committee will go into the service conditions of Gramin Dak Sevaks and suggest changes as considered necessary
Terms of reference of the Committee will include the following:-
To examine the system of Branch Post Offices, engagement conditions and the existing structure of wage and enrolments paid to the Gramin Dak Sevaks and recommend necessary changes
To review the existing Services Discharge Benefits Scheme/other social security benefits for the Gramin Dak Sevaks and suggest necessary changes
To review the existing facilities/welfare measures provided to the Gramin Dak Sevaks and suggest necessary changes
To examine and suggest any changes in the method of –
Engagement,
Minimum qualification for engagement as Gramin Dak Sevaks and their conduct and disciplinary rules,
Particularly keeping in view the proposed induction of technology in the Rural Post Offices
Environment Minister Holds Brainstorming Meetings to Formulate Action Plan for 2016
(Topic: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment)
Action plan for 2016
Increasing public participation,
Bringing down delays and
Aiming for zero delays
Steps Taken-
Review the Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index (CEPI) and install machines to gauge pollution levels in 66 cities with a population of more than one million.
New Waste Management Rules will achieve the Clean India campaign envisioned by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi
Solid Waste Management Rules, Construction Waste Management Rules, Plastic Waste Management Rules, Bio-medical Waste Management Rules and Hazardous Waste Management Rules have been revamped and will be declared soon
Directions will be issued soon to State governments under Section 5 of Environment Protection Act, 1986 on Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) that are not working
It is the responsibility of State governments to ensure that the STPs become functional
Meetings reviewed the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) policy
DAVA project wins 2015 eASIA Award
(Topic: Achievements, Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology)
Department of Commerce’s DAVA (Drug Authentication and Verification Application) project has won the 2015 eASIA Award under Trade Facilitation category as announced by Asia Pacific Council for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (AFACT) in Tehran, Iran
Award administered by: AFACT
About DAVA Project-
A significant step in the direction of Pharmaceuticals Authentication and Verification
Contribute considerably in enhancing the brand image of our pharmaceutical exporters
It is in the pilot stage and will be subsequently made mandatory for all pharmaceutical exports from India
Indian Pharmaceutical industry has approximately 250 large units and more than 8,000 small and medium scale units
Application Launched has value-added features like –
Availability of stocks for a drug in an area/wholesalers/retailers at a point of time; whenever required,
Drugs can easily be identified and recalled due to traceability of stocks,
Prevention of black marketing which especially arises during epidemics
An initiative of: Government of India which aims to cover all the drugs manufactured in India
DAVA project launched on: June 29, 2015
Help in:
Creating an integrated platform for implementation of the Track and Trace system both for exports + domestic markets of Drugs and Pharmaceuticals
Project provide simpler means to the consumer and regulatory agencies for establishing drug authentication
Protect the India’s Brand image in international trade
When fully implemented, the export of fake or spurious drug from the country, will not be possible and in case it happens it would be easily traceable
