1. Union Ministry of Food Processing & Agriculture launches Convergence Portal
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The Government launched a Joint Convergence Portal for various schemes of the Ministry of Food Processing and Agriculture on 21st September.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The portal has been jointly launched by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAFW) and the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
The portal has been launched between the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY).
The portal was launched in the presence of Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Food Processing Industries Minister Pashupati Kumar Paras and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Kailash Chaudhary.
This initiative is going to add a new chapter in the life of micro units engaged in food processing.
Agriculture Infrastructure Fund :
It was launched in 2020 as a stimulus package against the Covid-19 crisis.
Its objective is to facilitate medium-long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects for post-harvest infrastructure management and community farm assets.
Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Yojana :
The Ministry of Food Processing launched the Centrally Sponsored PMFME Scheme on June 29, 2020.
Its objective is to enhance the competitiveness of existing individual micro enterprises in the unorganized sector of the food processing industry and to promote formalization of the sector.
Under this scheme, financial, technical and commercial assistance is provided for the up-gradation of micro food processing enterprises in the country.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana :
It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
The objective of the scheme is to create modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.
2. Union Minister Anurag Thakur launches capacity building training programme
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on 21 September launched a capacity building training programme in New Delhi for 14,000 youth volunteers of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The aim of this ambitious online training program is to enhance the life skills of young volunteers so that they can contribute effectively to national development.
The content of the training program has been carefully crafted and includes in-depth exercises on communication skills, leadership skills and decision making.
This will help create the world's largest skilled workforce.
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan :
It was established in 1972.
Its objective is to provide rural youth avenues to take part in the process of nation building as well providing opportunities for the development of their personality and skills.
It is working on various fronts of youth development with various youth programs of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and special programs in coordination and collaboration with other Ministries.
3. SCALE App launched for skill development in leather sector
Tags: place in news Economy/Finance Government Schemes
Union Minister for Education and Skill Development Dharmendra Pradhan launched the SCALE (Skill Certification Assessment for Leather Employees) app at Chennai on 20 September 2022.
He inaugurated the SCALE app while on a visit to the CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
The SCALE App
- The app has been developed by the Leather Skill Sector Council. It provides a one-stop solution for the skilling, learning, assessment, and employment needs of the leather industry.
- The app allows people from all age groups interested in leather craft to access online live streamed classes from the state-of-the-art studio of the Leather Skill Sector Council office.
Leather Industry in India :
- India is the second largest producer and consumer of footwear in the world after China.
- The Leather industry in India accounts for around 13% of the world’s leather production.
- The country accounts for 9% of the world’s footwear production.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the states of :
- Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet, Vaniyambadi, Vellore, Pernambut, Trichy, Dindigul and Erode.
- West Bengal – Kolkata.
- Uttar Pradesh – Kanpur, Agra, Noida, Saharanpur
- Maharashtra – Mumbai.
- Punjab – Jalandhar.
- Karnataka – Bangalore.
- Andhra Pradesh – Hyderabad.
- Haryana – Ambala, Gurgaon, Panchkula, Karnal and Faridabad.
- Delhi.
- Madhya Pradesh – Dewas.
- Kerala – Calicut and Ernakulam / Cochin.
- Rajasthan - Jaipur.
- Jammu & Kashmir - Srinagar.
- Data Source: Invest India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry
4. Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya to launch Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav
Tags: Government Schemes Science and Technology National News
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will launch Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav, a countrywide mega drive for voluntary blood donation from 17th September to 1st October this year. 1st October is observed as the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.
According to the Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Government plans to set up a database of eligible voluntary blood donors in the country through the nationwide voluntary blood donation drive.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Aim of the Raktdaan Amrit Mahotsav :
- According to the Minister the campaign is aimed at increasing awareness about the need for regular non-remunerated voluntary blood donations.
- It would also ensure that different components of blood including packed red cells, plasma and platelets are available, accessible, affordable and safe.
- Along with filling the current capacity of blood banks in the country, the campaign would also help create a repository of blood donors in the country,
- As per the government, in the year 2021, India had 1.25 crore units of blood against the demand of 1.46 crore units. One unit comprises 350 millilitre of blood.
5. Tamilnadu Government to launch ‘SIRPI’ programme in Schools
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The Tamil Nadu government will launch SIRPI (Students In Responsible Police Initiative) along the lines of the National Cadet Corps (NCC).
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- The initiative will be launched by the Chief Minister M K Stalin. The Greater Chennai Police is forming SIRPI units. In the first stage, 50 students will be selected from 100 schools.
- According to the Tamil Nadu government, the project is aimed at addressing the issue of juvenile delinquency, driven by factors such as socio-economic status, peer pressure, lack of family support and unemployment.
SIRP: (Students In Responsible Police Initiative).
6. Fisheries sector record all time high production and Export as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana turns two years old
Tags: Government Schemes
The flagship central government scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY), focused on sustainable development of the fisheries sector in the country completed 2 years on 10 September 2022.
To commemorate the day, the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, held an event in New Delhi with Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry as Chief Guest.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Achievement of the Fisheries sector :
- The Ministry released the achievement of the scheme on the occasion.
- The fish production in the country reached an all-time high of Fish production reaching 161.87 lakh tons (provisional) during 2021-22 as compared to 141.64 lakh tons during 2019-20.
- The growth rate of the sector from 2019-20 to 2021-22 was 14.3%.
- The export reached an all-time high of 13.64 lakh tonnes valuing Rs 57,587 crores (USD 7.76 billion) dominated by exports of shrimps.
- India exports fish to 123 countries in the world and it is the 4th largest exporter of fish in the world.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMSSY) :
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) on 10th September 2020 digitally.
- The main motto of PMMSY is ‘Reform, Perform and Transform’ in the fisheries sector.
- PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in fish production and productivity, quality, technology, post-harvest infrastructure and management, modernization and strengthening of value chain, traceability, establishing a robust fisheries management framework and fishers’ welfare.
Duration of the scheme :
- It is a five year scheme from 2020-21 to 2024-25. It is being implemented in all the States and Union Territories.
PMMSY aims at :
- enhancing fish production by an additional 70 lakh tonne by 2024-25, increasing fisheries export earnings to Rs.1,00,000 crore by 2024-25,
- doubling of incomes of fishers and fish farmers,
- reducing post-harvest losses from 20-25% to about 10% and
- Generation of additional 55 lakhs direct and indirect gainful employment opportunities in fisheries sector and allied activities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
Budget allocation :
- The government has allocated Rs 20,500 crores for a period of 5 years (2020-21 to 2024-25).
Points to remember :
- According to the United Nation Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in 2020, India was the 4th largest fish producing country in the world.
- China was the largest producer followed by Indonesia and Peru.
- India was the 2nd second largest producer of fish in the world through aquaculture.
- The term aquaculture broadly refers to the cultivation of aquatic organisms like fish, plants, algae and other organisms in controlled aquatic environments for any commercial, recreational or public purpose.
- Andhra Pradesh is the largest fish producing state in India.
- Blue revolution: It refers to the increase in the production of aquaculture.
- National Fish Farmer’s Day is celebrated on 10th July every year.
7. Rajasthan Government launches Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme’ to provide 100 days of employment
Tags: Government Schemes State News
The Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on 9 September 2022 launched the ‘Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme’ to provide 100 days of employment in a year to families residing in urban areas of the state. The scheme was announced by the government in the state budget 2022-23.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Employment under the scheme :
- The scheme provides that eligible persons will get a minimum 100 days of employment in a year.
- This scheme will be implemented in all the urban local bodies of the state.
- At least 50 people will be given employment in each ward of urban local bodies.
Who are eligible ?
- People who are in the age group of 18 -60 years and living in the urban areas are eligible for jobs under the scheme.
Budget for the scheme :
- Government of Rajasthan has allocated Rs 800 crore for the scheme
Nature of works offered :
- According to the government the scheme will offer works related to environment protection, water and heritage conservation, garden maintenance, and removing encroachments, illegal sign boards, hoardings, banners, sanitation, cleanliness and other such works.
Wages offered under the scheme :
- Under the scheme unskilled labour will be provided a wage of ₹259 per day, skilled workers will be given ₹283 each day and mates will be given ₹271 per day.
- The government will credit the wage payment in the bank accounts of the beneficiary within 15 days.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
About Rajasthan :
- Rajasthan ‘Land of Kings’ or ‘Land of Kingdom’ is India’s largest state by area and shares International boundary with Pakistan.
- The State was formed on 30th March 1949. On this day the Rajputana State was merged into the Dominion of India.
- The state has the famous bird sanctuary, Keoladeo National Park near Bharatpur
- Apart from this state has 4 national tiger reserves namely
- Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur district,
- Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota district,
- Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar district and
- Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary (India’s 52nd tiger reserve).
- Governor: Kalraj Mishra
- Capital: Jaipur It is also known as Pink City.
8. President Droupadi Murmu to virtually launch Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on 9 September
Tags: National Government Schemes Person in news
President Droupadi Murmu will virtually launch the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan on 9th September 2022 to reinvigorate the mission of TB elimination from the country by 2025.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given the call to end TB in the country five years ahead of the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) target of 2030 at the Delhi End TB Summit in March 2018.
- During the event, President Murmu will also launch the Ni-kshay Mitra initiative, a portal to provide a platform for donors to provide various forms of support to those undergoing TB treatment.
- India has the largest population of TB patients in the world. According to the World Health Organisation 26% of TB cases in the world in 2020 was reported from India.
- Every year March 24 is observed as World Tuberculosis Day in the world.
9. Piyush Goyal launches India US Startup SETU - Supporting Entrepreneurs in Transformation and Upskilling programme in San Francisco
Tags: National Economy/Finance Government Schemes International News
The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goel launched the India US Startup SETU - Supporting Entrepreneurs in Transformation and Upskilling programme in San Francisco, United States on 6 September 2022.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
Aim of the Startup:
- Piyush Goyal said it will act as a bridge between Indian and American companies and will support entrepreneurs in transforming, upskilling and leveraging on the success stories of the Indian Diaspora in the US.
- The minister observed that some good ideas of startups don't take off for lack of mentorship, guidance, funds.
- The initiative would connect start-ups in India to US-based investors and start-up ecosystem leaders with mentorship and assistance in various areas including funding, market access and commercialization.
- The interaction will be supported through the mentorship portal under the Startup India initiative MAARG, or the Mentorship, Advisory, Assistance, Resilience, and Growth program, which is a single-stop solution finder for startups in India.
What is MAARG ?
- It is a portal which has been launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the startups India initiative.
- The portal has been developed with the idea that a mentor shall be accessible to the startups, anywhere in the country.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION -
Points to remember :
- January 16 is observed as Startup day as on this day in 2016 the government of India launched its flagship Startup India initiative. The first Startup day was observed in 2022.
- India has become the third-largest Startup ecosystem in the world after the US and China.
- Bengaluru based Neobank Open is the 100th Unicorn Startup in India.
10. Union cabinet approves launch of centrally sponsored scheme of PM SHRI Schools
Tags: National Government Schemes National News
The Union cabinet on 7 September approved the launch of a new centrally sponsored scheme of setting up PM Schools for Rising India, PM - SHRI Schools.
IMPORTANT FACTS -
- Under this scheme, more than 14,000 schools including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas as well as schools run by State Governments and local bodies will be strengthened to emerge as PM-Shri Schools.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this scheme for the up-gradation and modernization of existing schools managed by the central and state governments as well as local bodies on Teachers' Day on 5 September.
The total project cost for five years would be Rs 27,360 crore, of which the Centre's share would be Rs 18,128 crore.
187 lakh students will be benefited under this scheme.
