1. Government to set up 1,100 new farmer producer organisations in the cooperative sector
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The government will set up 1,100 new Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in the cooperative sector and the initiative is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of "prosperity through cooperation".
An Overview of the News
The National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) will monitor the allotment of these additional FPOs.
Each FPO will get financial assistance of Rs 33 lakh.
Cluster based business organisations associated with FPOs will be given Rs 25 lakh per FPO.
Activities like bee-keeping and mushroom cultivation will be included as income-generating options for these societies.
The aim of setting up the FPO is to provide the necessary market linkages to the farmers.
Its objective is to ensure remunerative prices for the produce of the farmers.
National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC):
It is a statutory corporation established on March 13, 1963, by an Act of the Parliament of India.
The objectives of NCDC include planning and promoting cooperative programs for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, food items, industrial goods, livestock and other specified goods and services.
NCDC works on the basis of cooperative principles, emphasising cooperation and collective efforts for the development of cooperatives.
Headquarters - New Delhi, India
2. Phase-3 trial for Panacea Biotech’s Dengue Vaccine
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The phase-3 trial of a dengue vaccine developed by Panacea Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is likely to begin in August or September 2023.
An overview of the news
Phase-III clinical trial is being done for evaluation of efficacy, along with safety and immunogenicity of tetravalent dengue vaccine.
Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotech have applied for expression of interest for clinical trials for indigenous manufacturers of dengue vaccine.
What is Dengue?
Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.
It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.
The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
Causes of Dengue
It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.
The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.
Symptoms of Dengue
Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.
Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
Mosquito-borne diseases
Malaria - This disease is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito.
Malaria fever is caused by a virus called Plasmodium vivax.
Dengue - Dengue virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), dengue is the most widely spread disease by mosquitoes worldwide.
Chikungunya - Chikungunya, like dengue, is caused by the bite of the Aedes mosquito.
Yellow Fever - This disease is caused by the bite of a human from the Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti.
Yellow fever is caused by flavivirus.
3. India, EU agree to coordinate policies in strategic semiconductor sector
Tags: International News
India and the European Union have entered into an agreement to coordinate their policies in the semiconductor sector.
An overview of the news
The joint statement was issued after the first India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting held in Brussels.
It aims to enhance cooperation, foster innovation and strengthen competitiveness in this vital industry.
The agreement emphasizes collaborative research and development activities between Indian and European companies, research institutions, and universities.
By pooling their expertise and resources, both parties aim to drive technological advancements in semiconductor manufacturing, design, and applications.
Recognizing the importance of a skilled workforce, the agreement focuses on promoting skill development initiatives in the semiconductor sector.
India and the EU will jointly work towards training programs, knowledge exchange, and capacity building to nurture a talent pool equipped with cutting-edge skills.
The agreement signifies the establishment of a long-term strategic partnership between India and the EU in the semiconductor sector.
What are Semiconductor Chips?
It is a material which has conductivity between conductor and insulator.
Compounds of silicon or germanium or gallium, arsenide or cadmium selenide are used in this.
Why are semiconductors or chips so important?
It serves as the centre and brain of all modern electronics and information and communication technology products.
The chips are used as data-storing memory chips, or logic chips that run programs.
Manufacturing of chips requires a lot of precision as well as investment.
This requires special conditions where even small disturbances around or inside the manufacturing unit can hamper production.
About European Union
The European Union is a group of 27 European countries.
The United Kingdom which was the founding member of the European Union has left the organisation.
It was founded on 1 November 1993
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
4. Cabinet approves Production Linked Incentive Scheme - 2.0 for IT Hardware
Tags: National Economy/Finance National News
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17th May approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware with a budgetary outlay Rs 17,000 crore.
An overview of the news
Electronics manufacturing in India has seen a steady growth with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17% in the last 8 years.
This year it crossed a major benchmark in production of USD 105 billion (about Rs 9 lakh crore).
India has become the second largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world.
Mobile phone exports have crossed a major milestone of US $ 11 billion (about Rs 90 thousand crore) this year.
The global electronics manufacturing ecosystem is coming to India, and India is emerging as a major electronics manufacturing country.
Features of PLI Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware
It covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, servers and ultra small form factor devices.
The tenure of this scheme is 6 years.
Expected incremental production is Rs 3.35 Lakh crore.
Expected incremental investment is Rs 2,430 crore.
Expected incremental direct employment is 75,000.
What is Production Linked Incentive Scheme?
It is an initiative that provides incentives to domestic industries to promote production at the local level.
Through this scheme, the government aims to incentivize companies to increase the sales of manufactured products in domestic units.
The objective of the scheme is to make domestic manufacturing globally competitive and to become a global champion in manufacturing.
The government has launched this scheme with an outlay of around Rs 2 lakh crore for 14 sectors including Automobiles and Auto Components, White Goods, Pharma, Textiles, Advanced Chemistry Cell and Specialty Steel.
5. UGC launches redesigned website, UTSAH and two portals POP
Tags: National National News
UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar redesigned the UGC website, UTSAH and POP portal.
An Overview of the News
The redesign is part of the UGC's transformational strategies and actions for higher education.
The updated website aims to provide a user-friendly interface for students, teachers and stakeholders.
The UGC website, UTSAH and POP portals are now live and accessible.
UTSAH Portal:
It serves as a platform for detailed information about UGC's initiatives for qualitative improvement in higher education.
It allows institutions to showcase achievements, share best practices and engage in knowledge-sharing.
Institutions can access UGC schemes, monitor progress and submit reports online through the portal.
Professor of Practice Portal (POP):
It is an initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
It facilitates interaction between industry professionals, faculty members and students.
The portal provides valuable insights and real world knowledge to the students.
It aims to bring fresh perspectives and expertise to the academic field.
6. Libyan parliament suspends its prime minister Fathi Bashagha
Tags: Person in news International News
Recently, the Libyan Parliament has decided to suspend the Libyan Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha from his post.
An overview of the news
The suspension reflects the internal conflicts and challenges facing the government in the country.
Fathi Bashagha has served as Prime Minister of Libya, leading the Government of National Accord (GNA).
He has been an influential figure in Libyan politics, contributing to stabilization efforts during a challenging period.
Reasons of suspension
The Libyan parliament's decision to suspend Fathi Bashagha stemmed from various factors and internal disputes.
These include allegations of mismanagement, corruption, or policy disagreements.
Impact on Libyan governance
The suspension of Prime Minister Fathi Bashagha has significant implications for Libya's governance and stability.
This highlights the internal power struggle and the need for political consensus among various factions within the country.
This event may lead to a reshuffle in government positions and possible changes in the political landscape.
Political disorder and fragmentation
Libya has been experiencing political disorder and fragmentation since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011.
The suspension of the prime minister underscores the challenges faced by the Libyan government in achieving stability, consolidating power and meeting the needs of its people.
About Libya
Libya is a country located in North Africa. Most of the country lies in the Sahara desert.
Capital - Tripoli
Currency - Libyan dinar
Chairman of the Presidential Council - Mohamed al-Menfi
7. Sanchar Saathi Portal launched by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnav
Tags: National National News
Union Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnav launched the Sanchar Saathi portal during a function in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Sanchar Saathi Portal aims to empower mobile phone users by providing essential services.
Essential Services: The portal provides services such as tracking and blocking of lost mobile phones.
Citizen-centric: The Sanchar Saathi portal focuses on the needs and requirements of mobile phone users.
Accessibility: The Portal has been designed to be easily accessible to all users.
Collaborative effort: It is a joint effort between the government and mobile phone service providers.
About Sanchar Saathi Portal:
It is an initiative developed by the Department of Telecom.
It allows citizens to control the connections associated with their names.
The portal consists of three modules to enhance security and reduce fraudulent activities.
The purpose of the Central Equipment Identity Register is to block lost or stolen mobiles.
Knowing your mobile connection section provides an easy way to cut unnecessary connections.
An artificial intelligence and facial recognition solution has been implemented to identify fake customers.
The portal has detected more than 40 lakh bogus connections and disconnected more than 36 lakh connections.
8. Bhupendra Yadav launched Meri LiFE App
Tags: National National News
The Meri LiFE app was launched by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav.
news overview
The Meri LiFE app aims to revolutionise progress tracking for individuals and communities.
The app is part of a global mass movement inspired by the vision of the Prime Minister.
The Meri LiFE app encourages people to protect the environment and adopt a sustainable lifestyle.
This app empowers users to make a positive impact on the environment.
The Meri LiFE App promotes sustainable living practices.
Mission LiFE:
The mission was launched by the Prime Minister on October 20, 2022 at Kevadia, Gujarat.
It is objective to bring about behaviour change in individuals through simple, actionable steps.
It aims to discourage mindless and wasteful consumption patterns and promote conscious and planned usage.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry responsible for national level coordination and implementation of Mission LiFE.
The ministry collaborates with various stakeholders to spread awareness and promote sustainable actions.
9. Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 8th All India Pension Adalat
Tags: National National News
Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 8th All India Pension Adalat in Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the event is to address and resolve old pension cases.
The Department has organised 7 All India Pension Adalats to handle a total of 24,218 cases out of which 17,235 cases have been resolved successfully.
The minister will chair the 50th Pre-Retirement Counseling (PRC) workshop, which is being organised by the Department of Pension and Pensioners' Welfare.
The PRC Workshop has been designed for 1200 officials from various Ministries and Departments who will be retiring within the next 6 months.
Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare has introduced Bhavishya Platform to achieve transparency, digitization and better service delivery.
The Bhavishya platform enables end-to-end digitization of pension processing and payments.
About New Delhi
It is the capital of India and a part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT).
Its important landmarks include the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Parliament House and the Supreme Court.
It was established during the Delhi Durbar of 1911 and its foundation stone was laid by George V.
It was designed by British architects Edwin Lutyens and Herbert Baker.
It was inaugurated on 13 February 1931 by the Viceroy and Governor-General Irwin.
10. PM to inaugurate International Museum Expo 2023
Tags: National National News
On 18 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the International Museum Expo 2023 in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The expo is part of the Amrit Mahotsav celebration of Independence and will be organised to mark the 47th International Museum Day.
PM Modi will inaugurate the virtual walkthrough of the upcoming National Museum in North and South Block.
The objective of the National Museum is to display and highlight important historical events, personalities, ideas and achievements that have shaped India's past and present.
The Prime Minister will unveil several items including the mascot of the International Museum Expo, "A Day at the Museum", Directory of Indian Museums, Pocket Map of Duty Path and Museum Card.
The mascot of the International Museum Expo is a modern representation of the Dancing Girl made in the Chennapatnam art style using wood.
International Museum Day - 18 May
The first International Museum Day was organised in 1977 by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The adoption of an annual theme for the IMD began in 1992.
Its 2023 theme is Museums, Sustainability and Wellbeing.
IMD's previous years' themes include:
2022: The Power of Museums
2021: The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine
2020: Museum for Equality: Diversity and Inclusion
