1. Government Unveils Ambitious Development Plans: MSP Hike, Mega Port, Offshore Wind Terminals, and Airport Upgrade
Tags: National News
Government unveiled development plans including increase in MSP, mega ports, offshore wind terminals and airport upgrades.
An Overview of the News
Minimum Support Price (MSP) Increase:
MSP approved for 14 Kharif crops for the marketing season 2024-25.
Significant increases in MSP for crops including Paddy, Cotton, Millets, Pulses, and Oilseeds to benefit farmers.
Vadhavan Port Development:
Government to develop an all-weather greenfield port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra.
Estimated cost of over 76 thousand crore rupees.
Planned to be among the top 10 ports globally after completion.
Phase-wise development with a capacity of 23 million TEU.
Expected to create 12 lakh job opportunities.
Offshore Wind Terminals:
First offshore wind terminals to be developed in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Each terminal to have a capacity of 500 megawatts.
Part of the government's efforts to increase renewable energy capacity.
Varanasi Airport Development:
Approval for the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi.
Project cost estimated at 2,869 crore rupees.
Emphasis on developing the airport as a green airport for environmental sustainability.
National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme:
Cabinet approval for the scheme.
Establishing off-campus facilities of National Forensic Science University and Central Forensic Science Laboratories across the country.
2. Uttar Pradesh government to organize three-day 'Shri Anna Mahotsav'
Tags: Government Schemes
The Uttar Pradesh government is organizing a three-day event called Shri Anna Mahotsav in Lucknow from October 27 to 29, which aims to promote the use of millets.
An Overview of the News
It will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
Farmers from different divisions will participate each day to create awareness about millet cultivation and consumption.
The event will have around 40 stalls showcasing millet-based food products.
About Shree Anna:
Origin: 'Shri Anna' is a word that combines 'Shri', meaning divine grace, and 'Anna', meaning food grains. It represents a grain associated with divine grace.
Nutritional Value: Millets are small-grain cereal crops known for their adaptability and rich nutrients. India plays a leading role in promoting millets globally.
Varieties: Large and small millets provide essential nutrients and dietary fiber.
Benefits: Millet fights malnutrition and provides economic benefits to farmers.
Shree Anna Yojana:
Introduction: Launched in Budget 2023-24 to encourage millet cultivation and increase farmers' income.
Target: The scheme promotes millet cultivation, economic well-being and food security while eliminating malnutrition.
Importance of Millet:
Nutritional Features: Millets are known for their exceptional nutrition, which includes complex carbs, dietary fiber and medicinal compounds.
Key Nutrients: They are rich in iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin B and other essential minerals.
Adaptability: Millet thrives in a variety of conditions, requiring minimal fertilizers and pesticides.
Global Leadership: India is a leader in promoting millets recognized for its nutritional and economic benefits.
3. Odisha becomes the first state to notify a committee for conservation of seeds preserved by tribal farmers
Tags: State News
The Odisha government has established a committee called the Landrace Varietal Release Committee (LVRC) to release traditional millet varieties in accordance with standard operating protocols (SoP) for seed systems.
An overview of the news
Odisha is the first state in India to develop a protocol for releasing indigenous millet varieties conserved by tribal farmers for centuries.
Landraces refer to ecotypes that have been cultivated for a long time in their original habitats.
It is crucial to preserve these landraces before they become extinct.
The initiative aims to preserve traditional landraces, promote agrobiodiversity, and empower custodian farmers in Odisha while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Landrace Varietal Release Committee (LVRC)
The objective of the committee is to recognize the efforts of custodian farmers, particularly tribals, in conserving traditional millet landraces.
The LVRC consists of representatives from the Agriculture department, Odisha State Seed and Organic Products Certification Agency, Odisha State Seed Corporation, State Seed Testing Laboratory, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology, ICAR-IIMR, custodian farmers, Farmers Producer Organisations etc.
The committee will advise the state government on mainstreaming landraces of millets in Odisha, review the implementation of the SoP, and submit periodic reports.
The LVRC will assess and release landraces of millet crops in the state based on their traits and farmer preferences, as well as review seed requirements and plan for different regions of the state.
Participatory varietal trials (PVTs)
Participatory varietal trials (PVTs) conducted under the Odisha Millets Mission (OMM) have shown that certain millet landraces perform better than released varieties under different agricultural practices.
Standard Operating Protocol (SoP)
The working group, in consultation with experts from various institutions, developed a standard operating protocol (SoP) for seed systems for landraces.
The SoP takes into account scientific parameters such as yield, as well as criteria like taste, climate resilience, pest tolerance, and cultural significance.
The comprehensive SoP developed for landrace seed systems in Odisha is not only applicable to millets but can also be contextualized for other crops, including horticulture.
4. MyGov, IHM, Pusa launch 'Young Talent - Culinary Talent Hunt'
Tags: National National News
MyGov and IHM, Pusa collaborated to launch 'Yuva Pratibha - Culinary Talent Hunt' on 12th May, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of this competition is to celebrate and promote the rich culinary heritage of India to a global audience.
It strives to revive lost recipes and to highlight the culinary talents of young chefs and home cooks.
The United Nations designated 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets'in response to India's proposal to establish itself as a global millet hub.
The objective of the competition is to increase the production and consumption of millets while creating awareness about the versatility and health benefits of millets.
Institute of Hotel Management Catering and Nutrition (IHM) Pusa:
It is a renowned hospitality management institute in New Delhi, India.
It is located in Pusa Institutional Area, New Delhi.
IHM Pusa has been consistently ranked as the top hotel management institute in the country for the last 10 years.
IHM Pusa is governed by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Establishment - 1962
5. Millet Festival in Dehradun
Tags: Festivals State News
In Uttarakhand, a four-day millet festival (Shri Anna Mahotsav) began on May 13 in Dehradun to create public awareness about the health benefits of millets and deliberate on the state's potential to grow crops in this category.
An overview of the news
Agriculture ministers, scientists and farmers of other states including Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar participated in the Anna Mahotsav.
The four-day deliberations aimed at attracting more and more people towards millet production, which has been set to double by 2025.
The produce of millet will be discussed in the festival and through this festival the farmers of the state will be encouraged to cultivate millet.
The Uttarakhand state government has made a provision of Rs 73 crore for the promotion of millets in this financial year.
The aim of the government is that farmers produce more coarse grains so that their economy can be strengthened.
On this occasion, 134 stalls will be set up under the Mahotsav by the Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Universities and other institutions related to agricultural research.
International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.
India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.
The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.
6. Agriculture Minister launches ‘Millets Experience Centre’ at Dilli Haat
Tags: National National News
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launched the first of its kind ‘Millets Experience Centre (MEC)’ at Dilli Haat in New Delhi on 28th April.
An overview of the news
India has an important role to play in the celebration of the International Year of Millets 2023.
India is poised to become a 'Global Hub' for Millets and setting up of MEC is a major step in that direction.
The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023).
About Millets Experience Centre
The National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited (NAFED) in association with the Ministry of Agriculture has set up the Millets Experience Centre.
It aimsto increase awareness about millet and encourage its adoption among the general public.
Setting up a consumer-oriented 'Millets Experience Centre' will not only promote the dietary benefits of millets but also popularize Shree Anna (Millets) as a nutritional powerhouse.
In addition to the unique dining experience, customers can also purchase a variety of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products from local millet start-ups at MEC.
International Year of Millet (IYOM)-2023
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted India's resolution and declared 2023 as the International Year of millets in March 2021.
India's proposal received the support of 72 countries.
In 2021, NITI Aayog signed a letter of intent with the United Nations World Food Program (WFP).
The partnership focuses on mainstreaming millets and helping India take a global lead in promoting its health benefits.
The objective of this partnership is to build resilient livelihoods for smallholder farmers and to build adaptability to climate change and changing food systems.
7. G20 meeting of chief agricultural scientists begins in Varanasi
Tags: National News
The G20 Meeting of Agricultural Chief Scientists (MACS) began on 17 April in Varanasi.
An overview of the news
The three-day meet is being organized by the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
The theme of the meeting is “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems for Healthy People and the Planet.’
Around 80 foreign delegates from G20 member states are participating in the event.
Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research Dr. Himanshu Pathak told that this is the 100th event related to G20.
The discussions covered various issues of agricultural research and development including food security and nutrition, climate smart agriculture, digital agriculture, public private partnership etc.
Invited guest countries
Bangladesh, Egypt, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Singapore, Spain, UAE, Vietnam and international bodies like United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Health Organization will participate in the meeting.
International Solar Alliance, CDR and Asian Development Bank will also be participating as special invitees in the three-day meeting.
Millets and other Ancient Grains International Research Initiative (MAHARISHI)
This initiative is also proposed for discussion as a G20 initiative during India's chairmanship.
MAHARISHI aims to advance research collaboration and create awareness about millets and other ancient grains during the International Years of 2023 and beyond.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
8. SCO Millets Food Festival 2023 organized in Mumbai
Tags: Festivals
The Union Ministry of Tourism is organizing the fourth and final event of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Millets Food Festival at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai from 13 to 19 April 2023.
An Overview of the News:
- In this Millets Food Festival, chefs from SCO member countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Russia) will participate in the nine-day event.
- The Taj Mahal Palace will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Millets Food Festival to mark the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023).
- The SCO Millets Food Festival will be open to the public for lunch and dinner from April 14 to 19 at Shamiana Restaurant, Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai.
- India is chairing the Shanghai Cooperation Organization for the year 2023.
SCO Tourism Mart:
- The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has successfully completed the organization of SCO Tourism Mart from 9th to 11th February 2023.
- SCO Expert Level Tourism Working Group meeting and SCO Tourism Ministers meeting held from 13 to 18 March 2023 in Kashi (Varanasi).
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
- It is an intergovernmental organization consisting of eight member states, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, four observer states, and fourteen "dialogue partner" states.
9. First meeting of G20 trade and investment working group begins
Tags: Summits National News
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On 28 March the first meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group began in Mumbai and the conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of India's G20 Presidency is to develop a common understanding of the challenges associated with accelerating global trade and investment and to identify opportunities to achieve human-centred outcomes.
The three-day meeting was attended by over 100 delegates from G20 member states, invited countries, regional groupings and international organisations.
The meeting will focus on the role of banks, financial institutions, development finance institutions and export credit agencies in bridging the trade finance gap.
Experience zones on spices, millets, tea and coffee will be set up and an exhibition on textiles will be displayed during the meeting at the conference venue.
About the G20
It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.
Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.
The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.
10. Tamil Nadu govt to launch five-year Tamil Nadu Millet Mission
Tags: State News
Presenting the state’s Agriculture Budget for FY24 in the Assembly on 21 March, Tamil Nadu Minister for Agriculture MRK Panneerselvam said the state government will implement the Tamil Nadu Millet Mission for five years.
An overview of the news
The government has decided to take up millet cultivation in 50,000 acres of fallow land under its Tamil Nadu Millet Mission and provide subsidy for crop diversification into millets.
By bringing millet farmers together, 100 groups of millet producers will be formed and training programs will be run for them.
Subsidy will be provided for setting up sprinkler irrigation system in 12,500 acres.
Subsidy assistance will be provided to farmer producer groups for setting up millet processing centers to sell value-added millets.
To create awareness about the goodness of millets, the government will celebrate 'Bajra Utsav'.
To increase the production and consumption of millet, direct procurement of ragi and millet will be done and availability of millet will be ensured at fair price shops.
Millet-based food will be included in hostels of government institutions and educational institutions.
About Tamil Nadu State
The state was formed on 26 January 1950 but its boundaries were redrawn on 14 January 1969.
Tamil Nadu is located at the mouth of the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean.
Bharatanatyam is a very popular and famous dance form of Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu is the largest producer of bananas and flowers, the second largest producer of mango, rubber, groundnut, coconut and the third largest producer of coffee.
Governor- Ravindra Narayan Ravi
Chief Minister- M.K.Stalin
Assembly seats 235 seats
Rajya Sabha Seats - 18
Lok Sabha seats- 39
