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Type: PIB

  • Forest Conservation Efforts – NFP, Western Ghats, etc.

    Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India

    18 June 2021 | PIB | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas

    Mains level: Desertification of land and preventive measures

    The Union Environment Ministry has released the latest version of “Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India.

    Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas

    • It has been published by Space Application Centre, ISRO, Ahmedabad.
    • The Atlas provides a state-wise area of degraded lands for the time frame 2018-19.
    • It also provides the change analysis for the duration of 15 years, from 2003-05 to 2018-19.
    • It would provide important baseline and temporal data and technical inputs.

    Content of the atlas

    • This Atlas presents state-wise desertification and land degradation status maps depicting land use, the process of degradation, and severity level.
    • This was prepared using IRS Advanced Wide Field Sensor (AWiFS) data of 2011-13- and 2003-05-time frames in the GIS environment.
    • The area under desertification/land degradation for both time frames and changes are reported state-wise as well as for the entire country.
    • The outputs are helpful in prioritizing areas to be taken up for minimizing the impact of desertification and land degradation.

    India and desertification

    • Desertification and land degradation are major threats to agricultural productivity in our country.
    • India hosted the 14th session of the Conference of Parties (COP 14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in September 2019.
    • India is striving towards achieving the national commitments of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) and restoration of 26 million ha of degraded land by 2030.
    • India has been at the forefront of bringing the issue of land degradation to the core of relevant international alliances for the protection and conservation of the environment.
    • India has adopted a collective approach for making progress towards achieving the national commitments related to land restoration.

    Answer this PYQ from CSP 2016 in the comment box:

    Q.What is/are the importance/importances of the ‘United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?

    1. It aims to promote effective action through innovative national programmes and supportive inter-national partnerships.
    2. It has a special/particular focus on South Asia and North Africa regions, and its secretariat facilitates the allocation of major portion of financial resources to these regions.
    3. It is committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging the participation of local people in combating the desertification.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    [pib] Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC)

    18 June 2021 | PIB | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-12.Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC)

    Mains level: Not Much

    The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Centre have signed a $484 million loan to improve transport connectivity and facilitate industrial development in the Chennai–Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC).

    About CKIC

    • CKIC is part of India’s East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC), which stretches from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
    • The project will upgrade about 590 km of state highways in the CKIC influence areas that cover 23 of the 32 districts between Chennai and Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu.
    • It connects India to the production networks of South, Southeast, and East Asia.
    • ADB is the lead partner in developing ECEC.

    Answer this PYQ in the comment box:

    Q. With reference to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), consider the following statements:

    1. AIIB has more than 80 member nations.
    2. India is the largest shareholder in AIIB.
    3. AIIB does not have any members from outside Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Significance of CKIC

    • The project is part of the priority infrastructure projects identified for corridor development under the ADB-supported CKIC comprehensive development plan.
    • Enhanced connectivity of industrial hubs with hinterland and ports will particularly help increase the participation of Indian manufacturing in global production networks and global value chains.
    • The project will also strengthen road safety improvement programs through advanced technologies for road monitoring and enforcement.
    • In addition, the project will help improve the planning capacity of Tamil Nadu’s Highways and Minor Ports Department.

    Back2Basics: Asian Development Bank

    • The ADB is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966 which is headquartered in the Ortigas Center located in the city of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines.
    • The company also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and economic development in Asia.
    • From 31 members at its establishment, ADB now has 68 members.
    • The ADB was modeled closely on the World Bank and has a similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions.

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  • Food Safety Standards – FSSAI, food fortification, etc.

    [pib] NAFED launches Fortified Rice Bran Oil

    16 June 2021 | PIB | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-15.Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Rice Bran Oil

    Mains level: Health risks posed by Edible oils

    The Department of Food and Public Distribution today E-launched “NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil”.

    Rice Bran Oil

    • Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the hard outer brown layer of rice called chaff (rice husk).
    • It is known for its high smoke point of 232 °C (450 °F) and mild flavor, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir-frying and deep-frying.
    • It is popular as a cooking oil in the Indian subcontinent.
    • It has a composition similar to that of peanut oil, with 38% monounsaturated, 37% polyunsaturated, and 25% saturated fatty acids.
    • It is generally safe for consumption for most people when used in moderate amounts. However excessive usage of rice bran oil can lead to stomach discomfort.

    What is NAFED oil?

    • Rice Bran oil from NAFED will be fortified and it will be ensured that it will contain additional nutrients and vitamins.
    • This Rice bran oil will be marketed by NAFED (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd).
    • According to the FSSAI, fortified oil can help a person fulfill 25-30% of the recommended dietary intake for vitamins A and D.
    • NAFED Fortified Rice Bran Oil will be available at all NAFED Stores and also on various online platforms.

    Benefits of the NAFED oil

    • This initiative will significantly reduce the country’s consumption dependence on imported edible oil in the future.
    • This will provide opportunities for Indian edible oil manufacturers further, and also will give an impetus to the Aatmnirbhar Bharat initiative.
    • It will provide easy access to NAFED branded high-quality rice bran oil, which will also give a boost to the indigenous oil manufacturing industry.

    Health benefits of rice bran oil

    • Rice Bran oil has multiple health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels due to its low trans-fat content and high monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat contents.
    • It also acts as a booster and reduces the risk of cancer due to the high amount of Vitamin E it contains.
    • This oil is recommended by The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the best substitutes for other edible oils.

    About NAFED

    • NAFED is an apex organization under the Ministry of Agriculture that deals with marketing cooperatives for agricultural produce in India.
    • It is registered under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act.
    • It was set up with the object to promote Cooperative marketing of agricultural produce to benefit the farmers.
    • Agricultural farmers are the main members of NAFED, who have the authority to say in the form of members of the General Body in the working of NAFED.

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  • [pib] Aspirational Districts Programme

    12 June 2021 | PIBSchemes | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Aspirational Districts Programme

    Mains level: Success of the ADP

    In an independent appraisal report released today, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has lauded the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) as a very successful model of local area development.

    Aspirational Districts Programme

    • Launched in January 2018, the ‘Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ initiative aims to remove this heterogeneity through a mass movement to quickly and effectively transform these districts.
    • The broad contours of the programme are Convergence (of Central & State Schemes), Collaboration (of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers & District Collectors), and Competition among districts driven by a spirit of mass Movement.
    • With States as the main drivers, this program will focus on the strength of each district, identify low-hanging fruits for immediate improvement, measure progress, and rank districts.

    Selection of districts

    • A total of 117 Aspirational districts have been identified by NITI Aayog based upon composite indicators.
    • These include Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion and Skill Development and Basic Infrastructure which have an impact on Human Development Index.

    Weightage has been accorded to these districts as below:

    • Health & Nutrition (30%)
    • Education (30%)
    • Agriculture & Water Resources (20%)
    • Financial Inclusion & Skill Development (10%)
    • Basic Infrastructure (10%)

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    [pib] Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    12 June 2021 | PIB | Agriculture
    Mains Paper 3

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    Mains level: Need for Agricultural Mechanization

    To empower the farmers through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, the government has released funds for various activities of Farm Mechanization.

    Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

    • The Agri ministry has launched this mission in 2014-15 with the objectives of increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions & difficult areas where farm power availability is low.
    • Under this scheme, it has been proposed to established Village Level farm Machinery Bank (VLFMB), Custom Hiring Centres (CHC) and High Tech Hubs (HTH) in order to facilitate easy availability of farm implements and machinery for hire by farmers.

    Why need such a scheme?

    • Agricultural Mechanization plays a vital role in optimizing the use of land, water energy resources, manpower and other inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides etc to maximize the productivity of the available cultivable area and make agriculture a more profitable and attractive profession for rural youth.
    • It is one of the key drivers for the sustainable development of the agriculture sector.
    • Sustainable Agriculture mechanization growth will require appropriate and precision agricultural machinery adequately supported by the latest technology.

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  • Air Pollution

    [pib] Aerosol Nucleation

    12 June 2021 | PIB | Environment
    Mains Paper 1: GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Aerosol Nucleation

    Mains level: Air pollution

    Scientists tracing the concentration, size and evolution of aerosol particles smaller than 3 nanometers at an urban location in India have found the frequent formation of sub-3nm aerosol particles in the atmosphere.

    What is Aerosol Nucleation?

    • The formation of small molecular clusters of sub-3nm size is technically called aerosol nucleation, and subsequent growth of these newly formed clusters to the large sizes is called atmospheric new particle formation (NPF).
    • NPF occurs everywhere in the terrestrial troposphere, and therefore it is a large source of aerosol numbers to the atmosphere.
    • Though extensively studied globally using field observations, laboratory experiments and modelling approach, it is largely unexplored in India.

    What has the new research found?

    • The research showed that a pool of sub-3nm particles is often present in the atmosphere, but how fast these clusters grow depends on various factors.
    • The scientists observed that only half of these events showed newly formed molecular clusters growing past 10 nm size.
    • Thus particle size distributions display a conventional banana-shaped aerosol growth, which is indicative of regional NPF event.

    Role of Sulphur

    • The team found a strong positive correlation between sub-3nm particle concentrations and sulphuric acid concentrations, confirming the potential role of sulfuric acid in the formation of sub-3nm particles.
    • While NPF often starts with sulphuric acid in the atmosphere, sulphuric acid alone fails to explain observed particle formation and growth rates in the atmosphere.
    • Other vapours such as ammonia, amines and organics play a crucial role in the growth of newly formed particles.
    • This has critical importance as a major fraction of these newly formed particles can reach to sizes of cloud condensation nuclei where they have climatic impacts.

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    [pib] All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20

    11 June 2021 | DOMRPIB | Governance
    Mains Paper 2: GS2-13.Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: AISHE Survey

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Union Education Minister has announced the release of the report of All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2019-20.

    This newscard provides useful data about the state of higher education in India on various parameters. Such data should not be missed while substantiating any point in answer writing.

    About AISHE

    • AISHE was established by the Ministry of HRD for conducting an annual web-based survey, thereby portraying the status of higher education in the country.
    • The survey is conducted for all educational institutions in India on many categories like teachers, student enrolment, programs, examination results, education finance, and infrastructure.
    • This survey is used to make informed policy decisions and research for the development of the education sector.
    • This Report provides key performance indicators on the current status of Higher education in the country.

    Highlights of the 2019-20 Report

    (1) Total Enrolment

    (2) Gross Enrolment Ratio

    (3) Gender Parity Index (GPI)

    • GPI in Higher Education in 2019-20 is 1.01 against 1.00 in 2018-19 indicating an improvement in the relative access to higher education for females of eligible age group compared to males.

    (4) Pupil-Teacher Ratio

     

    • TPR in Higher Education in 2019-20 is 26. In 2019-20: Universities: 1,043(2%); Colleges: 42,343(77%) and stand-alone institutions: 11,779(21%).

    (5) Enrolment in higher education

    • 38 crore Students enrolled in programs at under-graduate and post-graduate levels.
    • Out of these, nearly 85% of the students (2.85 crore) were enrolled in the six major disciplines such as Humanities, Science, Commerce, Engineering & Technology, Medical Science and IT & Computer.

    (6) Doctorate pursuance

    • The number of students pursuing PhD in 2019-20 is 2.03 lakh against 1.17 lakh in 2014-15.

    (7) Total number of teachers

    • The Total Number of Teachers stands at 15,03,156 comprising of 57.5% male and 42.5% female.

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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    [pib] Fast Tracking Freight in India

    11 June 2021 | PIB | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-13.Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Freight transport in India

    Mains level: NA

    NITI Aayog, RMI and RMI India’s new report, Fast Tracking Freight in India: A Roadmap for Clean and Cost-Effective Goods Transport, presents key opportunities for India to reduce its logistics costs.

    Freight transport in India

    • Freight transportation is a critical backbone of India’s growing economy, and now more than ever, it’s important to make this transport system more cost-effective, efficient, and cleaner.
    • Due to the rising demand for goods and services, freight transport demand is expected to grow rapidly in the future.
    • While freight transport is essential to economic development, it is plagued by high logistics costs and contributes to rising CO2 emissions and air pollution in cities.

    Highlights of the Roadmap

    • According to the report, India has the potential to:
    1. Reduce its logistics cost by 4% of GDP
    2. Achieve 10 gigatonnes of cumulative CO2 emissions savings between 2020 and 2050
    3. Reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by 35% and 28%, respectively, until 2050
    • The report outlines solutions for the freight sector related to policy, technology, market, business models, and infrastructure development.

    Various recommendations

    • The recommendations include increasing the rail network’s capacity, promoting intermodal transport, improving warehousing and trucking practices, policy measures and pilot projects for clean technology adoption, and stricter fuel economy standards.
    • When successfully deployed at scale, the proposed solutions can help India establish itself as a leader in logistics innovation and efficiency in the Asia–Pacific region and beyond.

    Transforming the system

    • As India’s freight activity grows five-fold by 2050 and about 400 million citizens move to cities, a whole system transformation can help uplift the freight sector.
    • This transformation will be defined by tapping into opportunities such as efficient rail-based transport, the optimization of logistics and supply chains, and a shift to electric and other clean-fuel vehicles.
    • These solutions can help India save â‚č311 lakh crore cumulatively over the next three decades.

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    [pib] Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP)

    8 June 2021 | PIB | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP)

    Mains level: Sustainable development measures

    On the occasion of World Environment Day, a new product category of Green Room Air Conditioners was launched on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) program.

    What is Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP)?

    • SPP is a process by which public authorities seek to achieve the appropriate balance between the three pillars of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental – when procuring goods, services or works at all stages of the project.
    • These three pillars are called Triple Bottom Line.
    • The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has been active in the promotion of Sustainable Public Procurement at national, regional and global levels since 2005.

    Why need SPP?

    • Public procurement spend in India is nearly 15-20% of its GDP.
    • Introducing SPP to this huge quantum of government procurement will further complement the country’s climate policy objectives.
    • This innovation can provide financial savings for government buyers and will meet evolving environmental challenges by moving towards a circular economy.

    Back2Basics: Government E-Marketplace

    • The GeM is a one-stop National Public Procurement Portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
    • It was launched in 2016 to bring transparency and efficiency in the government buying process.
    • GEM aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement.
    • It is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-marketplace that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.
    • It provides the tools of e-bidding, reverse e-auction and demand aggregation to facilitate the government users to achieve the best value for their money.
    • The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance by adding a new Rule No. 149 in the General Financial Rules, 2017.
    • It has been developed by Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (Ministry of Commerce and Industry) with technical support of National e-governance Division (MEITy).

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  • Start-up Ecosystem In India

    [pib] SAGE (Senior-care Ageing Growth Engine) Initiative

    5 June 2021 | PIB | Governance
    Mains Paper 1: Social Empowerment

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: SAGE Initiative

    Mains level: Old age security

    The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has launched the SAGE (Seniorcare Aging Growth Engine) initiative and SAGE portal for elderly persons.

    SAGE Initiative

    • The SAGE will be a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups.
    • The start-ups will be selected on the basis of innovative products and services.
    • Their products should be able to provide across sectors such as health, housing, care centers, apart from technological access linked to finances, food and wealth management, and legal guidance.
    • The start-ups who have applied will be selected by an independent screening committee of experts.
    • A fund of upto Rs.1 crore as one-time equity will be granted to each selected start-up.

    Why need such initiative?

    • India’s elderly population is on the rise as per surveys.
    • The share of elders, as a percentage of the total population in the country, is expected to increase from around 7.5% in 2001 to almost 12.5% by 2026, and surpass 19.5% by 2050.
    • There is an urgent need to create a more robust eldercare ecosystem in India, especially in the post-COVID phase.

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