Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana(PMMSY)

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana(PMMSY) The Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reported Rs 20,000 Crore Scheme, under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. It is to address basic framework holes for the fisheries area. This uplifting news comes as a piece of the third tranche of financial changes. It is a scheme to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India” with the highest ever investment of Rs. 20050 crores in fisheries sector comprising of Central share of Rs. 9407 crore, State share of Rs 4880 crore and Beneficiaries contribution of Rs. 5763 crore. PMMSY will be implemented over a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25 in all States/Union Territories. Aims and objectives of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana PMMSY Harnessing of fisheries potential in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner Enhancing of fish production and productivity through expansion, intensification, diversification and productive utilization of land and water Modernizing and strengthening of value chain – post-harvest management and quality improvement Doubling fishers and fish farmers incomes and generation of employment Enhancing contribution to Agriculture GVA and exports  Social, physical and economic security for fishers and fish farmers Robust fisheries management and regulatory framework Current Scenario of the Fisheries Sector in India: The sector provides livelihood to more than 20 million fishers and fish farmers at the primary level and twice the number along the value chain. Fish being an affordable and rich source of animal protein is one of the healthiest options to mitigate hunger and malnutrition.  The Gross Value Added (GVA) of fisheries sector in the national economy during 2018-19 stood at Rs 2,12,915 crores (current basic prices) which constituted 1.24% of the total National GVA and 7.28% share of Agricultural GVA Fisheries sector in India has shown impressive growth with an average annual growth rate of 10.88% during the year from 2014-15 to 2018-19. The export of marine products stood at 13.93 lakh metric tons and valued at Rs.46,589 crores (USD 6.73 billion) during 2018-19. Implementation Strategy of PMMSY: The PMMSY will be implemented as an umbrella scheme with two separate Components namely (a) Central Sector Scheme (CS) and (b) Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS). Under the Central Sector Scheme Component an amount of Rs. 1720 crores has been earmarked. Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) Component, an investment of Rs. 18330 crores has been envisaged, which in turn is segregated into Non-beneficiary oriented and Beneficiary orientated sub-components/activities under the following three broad heads: Enhancement of Production and Productivity Infrastructure and Post-harvest Management Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework Read Also Pradhan Mantri KISAN Samman Nidhi Majority of the activities under the Scheme would be implemented with active participation of States/UTs. This inter-alia includes creation of State Programme Units in all States/UTs & District Programme Units and Sub-District Programme Unit in high fisheries potential districts. Cluster or area-based approach’ would be followed with requisite forward and backward linkages and end to end solutions. Suitable linkages and convergence will be fostered with other centre and state government schemes wherever feasible. Thrust will be given for infusing new and emerging technologies like Re-circulatory Aquaculture Systems, Biofloc, Aquaponics, Cage Cultivation to enhance production and productivity, quality, productive utilization of waste lands and water for Aquaculture. Special focus on Coldwater fisheries development and expansion of Aquaculture in Brackish Water and Saline Areas. PMMSY envisages promotion of high value species, establishing a national network of Brood Banks for all commercially important species, Genetic improvement and establishing Nucleus Breeding Center for self-reliance in Shrimp Brood stock, organic aquaculture promotion and certification, good aquaculture practices, end to end traceability from ‘catch to consumer’, use of Block Chain Technology, Global Standards and Certification, Accreditation of Brood banks, Hatcheries, Farms, residues issues and aquatic health management supported by a modern laboratory network Focused attention would be given for fisheries development in Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Islands, Northeast, and Aspirational Districts through area specific development plans.  Aquaparks as the hub of fisheries and aquaculture activities with assured, affordable, quality inputs under one roof, post-harvest infrastructure facilities, business enterprise zones, logistic support, business incubation centres, marketing facilities etc.  Private sector participation, development of entrepreneurship, business models, promotion of ease of doing business, innovations and innovative project activities including start-ups, incubators etc. in the fisheries sector. Read Also Fasal Rahat Yojana https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWFfwVaqdyw Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Locust attack in India

Locust problem The Desert Locust is a trans-boundary pest which can cause irreparable damages, affecting about 60 countries, mainly India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Arabia, Persia, Iraq and Africa. It is known to migrate in swarms from one country to another leaving behind famine. Adult locust swarms can fly up to 150 km (93 miles) a day with the wind and adult insects can consume roughly their own weight of fresh food per day. A very small swarm eats about as much food as 35,000 people eat in a day. Indian Agriculture is highly prone to Desert Locust. Usually, the locust swarms enter the Scheduled Desert Area of India through Pakistan for summer breeding in the month of June/July with the advent of monsoon. This year, however, the incursions of locust hoppers and pink swarms have been reported much earlier because of the presence of a residual population of Locusts in Pakistan (uncontrolled from last season). Locust control measures Locust Warning Organisation(LWO), set up in the 1900s during British rule and improved upon by successive governments. LWO is responsible for monitoring, survey and control of Desert Locust in Scheduled Desert Areas mainly in the States of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage, prepares a contingency plan for locust control. FAO’s Locust Control Initiative aims to monitor the world-wide locust situation and keep affected countries and donors informed of expected developments. Locust bulletin and risk map are part of the initiative. Regular surveys to provide early warning and contingency planning to allow early and effective response before the situation becomes out of control Aerial pesticide spraying, now using drones and manual spraying Using ducks as biopesticides. A duck on average eats about 200 locusts a day. Read Also KVIC’s Honey Mission All countries affected by desert locust generally adopt a preventive control strategy for the management of desert locust in order to reduce the frequency, duration and intensity of plagues. India has previous experience of successfully managing locust attack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hd3sfp9-5ug Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Central Administrative Tribunal

Central Administrative Tribunal 18th bench inaugurated @ UT of Jammu and Ladakh. Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) are constitutional body established under article 323-A of the Indian constitution. The principal bench is in Delhi and there are 18 Benches ( including a newly created bench in UT of Jammu and Ladakh) and 21 Circuit Benches in the Central Administrative Tribunal all over India. Its main function includes adjudication of disputes and complaints with respect to recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to public services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or other authorities under the control of the Government. CAT is guided by the principle of natural justice and not bound by civil procedure code. Administrative Tribunals deal exclusively with service matters would go a long way in not only reducing the burden of the various Courts but also allow speedy disposal of case and grievance redressal. By virtue of specialised knowledge and expertise of judicial and administrative members are better equipped in dispensing speedy and effective justice. The quasi-judicial body, however, violates the principle of separation of judiciary from the executive. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Amendment to Essential commodities act,1955

Amendment to Essential commodities act,1955 The Essential Commodities Act (ECA) was enacted by the Central Government in 1955 to control and regulate trade and prices of commodities declared essential under the Act. The Act empowers the Central and state governments concurrently to control production, supply and distribution of certain commodities in view of rising prices. The act was intended to prevent hoarding, black marketing that create artificial scarcity and profiteering. The act covers commodities such as petroleum products, drugs& medicines, food items, fertilisers, jute and textiles. While India has become surplus in most agri-commodities, essential commodities Act act as barrier for farmers. They have been unable to get better prices due to lack of investment in cold storage, processing and export as the entrepreneurial spirit gets dampened due to hanging sword of Essential Commodities Act With this amendment to the six-a-and-half decade old Essential Commodities Act that deregulates food items, including cereals, pulses and onion, from list of essential commodities, will transform the farm sector and help raise farmers’ income This will remove fears of private investors of excessive regulatory interference. Read Also Rare earth elements The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 At present farmers have restrictions on where to sell and whom to sell the agriculture produce. He can sell his products in identified Mandi’s only. This subject farmers to exploitation by intermediaries and hinder better price realisation by farmers. The Farming Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020 aims to open up agricultural marketing outside notified mandis under state agricultural produce marketing legislations for farmers, and also remove barriers to inter-State trade. This will help create an ecosystem where farmers and traders can enjoy freedom of choice of sale and purchase of agri-produce. It also proposes an electronic trading in transaction platform for ensuring a seamless trade electronically Creation of additional trading opportunities help farmers get remunerative prices due to additional competition. It will certainly pave the way for creating ‘One India, One Agriculture Market’ The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020 It can be called contract farming ordinance At if a farmer produce high value crop, which do not have assured market, he have to shoulder the total risk of crop production + finding buyer for the produce.This ordinance allows the farmer to benefit from a high value product by transferring the risk to the corporate purchaser, who will buy the produce at a fixed rate. It provides a framework for the protection and empowerment of farmers with reference to the sale and purchase of farm products.  The provisions of the Ordinance will override all state APMC laws. The Ordinance provides for a farming agreement prior to the production or rearing of any farm produce, aimed at facilitating farmers in selling farm produces to sponsors. Ordinance will empower farmers for engaging with processors, aggregators, large retailers, exporters etc, on a level playing field without any fear of exploitation. It will act as a catalyst to attract private sector investment for building supply chains for supply of Indian farm produce to global markets. Farmers will get access to technology and advice for high value agriculture and get ready market for such produce. It will also enable farmers to engage in direct marketing, thereby eliminating intermediaries and resulting in full realization of price. Farmers have been provided adequate protection and effective dispute resolution mechanism has been provided for with clear time lines for redressal, Read Also WTO Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now

Structure, Organization and Functioning of Judiciary

Structure, Organization and Functioning of Judiciary Promotion of Judges On October 12, the SC opined that advocating cases pro-bono shall be a parameter for evaluation in cases of promotion to senior advocate level. Integrity, conduct, reputation and number of reported judgements in which advocates have appeared would be factored in by a committee which would recommend any advocate for post of senior advocate The Union Government has given its consent to the same and opined that any advocate should have fought a certain minimum number of cases pro bono to be qualified for elevation to post of senior advocate. Judges to high courts are appointed by a collegium made up of top 5 judges of the apex court and Law ministry only has to give its concurrence Appointments of Judges in SC and HC Current Procedure There exists a collegium system of judges including the Chief Justice of India and 4 senior most judges of the SC which recommend appointments and transfer of judges. The Collegium is system is not prescribed anywhere in the constitution and is a judicial invention. The HC Chief Justice is appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Chief Justice of India and the Governor of the State. The other judges of a high court were initially appointed by the president on recommendation of Chief Justice of high court and Governor; later CJI’s recommendation powers were also included and made binding. National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) The 99th constitutional amendment act was implemented to set up an NJA commission, a constitutional body, consisting of the Chief Justice of India, two senior-most judges of the SC, the law minister and two eminent persons to replace the existing collegium system. The 2 eminent personalities would be selected for a 3-year term by a committee consisting of CJI, Prime Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. They are not eligible for re-nomination. Why NJAC over Collegium? Better Balance of Power: NJAC was envisioned to provide civil society and politicians a voice in the appointment of judges. The collegium system being a part of judiciary itself was not visibly accountable in the appointment process with the judiciary itself being its own sole determinant. It was argued that the collegium created an empire within the empire and lacked much needed transparency that was necessary to garner requisite public faith and confidence. The NJAC was hence envisioned to provide a better balance of power between the executive and judiciary by increasing non-judicial representation in appointment commission Read Notes by Ravisankar Sarma Features of NJAC The CJI and the 2 SC judges can veto any name proposed to them for appointments to a judicial post and once rejected the proposal cannot be revived. However, the judges need the support of other members of the NJAC to push their own proposal through NJAC was struck down by the SC on the ground of being unconstitutional Why NJAC was struck down? Affects Independence of judiciary: The NJAC act was struck down because the SC found it unconstitutional as it compromised on the independence of the judiciary by providing non-judicial members stake in judicial appointments. The primacy of Judiciary: It was deemed to be a violation of the basic structure of the constitution and hence the court argued that the current procedure could not be removed through a constitutional amendment act as the primacy of judiciary is a part of basic structure of the constitution. On October 3, SC published a resolution promising to hereafter make public its various decisions regarding the elevation of judges to SC and HC and transfers of judges between High courts. Such a move is thought to bring much-needed transparency to what was largely an opaque system owned and run by the judiciary itself.

Space- Role for private sector

Space- Role for private sector United state sends Astronauts to outer space on wings of public-private collaboration by NASA and Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a space tech company. SpaceX, Blue Origin, Virgin Galactica are some Rocket manufacturing and space technology-based company which explores the promising field of commercial enterprises in outer space. Space extends unexplored opportunities where the advent of private players provide advantages in Innovation, cost-effectiveness and competitiveness. Indian context The Indian space programme is not just about civilian applications for remote-sensing, meteorology and communication, as in the early decades. India’s space sector and its requirements have grown enormously in the last decade to include television and broadband services, space science and exploration, space-based navigation and, of course, defence and security applications. Besides the commercial wing of ISRO, the ATRIX provides satellite launching services internationally. Despite the low-cost services , India’s share in global space commerce is mere 2%. Indian initiative for private sector collaboration Under Atmanirbhar Bharat, the Finance Minister proposed comprehensive reforms in space sector to ensure greater participation of private sector. Newly formed ‘New Space India Limited’ (NSIL), an initiative to engage private sector. ISRO began to work with a few in the private sector such as the Bengaluru-based Alpha Design Technologies, contracted to build satellites. Similarly, Bellatrix Aerospace began to work with ISRO on advanced in-space propulsion systems. However much of this remain pipe dream and industry is giving cold response. We need serious structural changes to encourage private participation in the space sector Way forward In India the same agency has undertaken promotion, commercial and regulatory function, which is not healthy. Need an independent regulator in the sector to ensure transparency ,better responsibility and regulation and a level playing field. Address concerns of private sector on issues such as sharing of intellectual property (IP) of their products,by establishing a robust IP regime. Rather than viewing private companies as manufacturering and service partners, they should be involved in serious business of product development. A certain amount of democratisation of space technology with the participation of the private sector. Most of all implementation of these initiatives, not the lip service, is most important. The Indian space programme has several advantages, the most important being cost: the ability to provide reliable launches in a cost-effective manner is a big advantage. India can gain significantly if ISRO and the country’s private space sector can cooperate effectively and synergistically. Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. Click here

Child Labour during pandemic period

Child Labour during pandemic period The year 2021 is set to be marked as the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour. June 12 is celebrated as world day against child labour to foster world wide movement against any form of child labour. It was launched by International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to focus on child labour and the action needed to eliminate it. Virtual campaign is being organized with joint ILO-UNICEF paper on COVID-19 impact on child labour. Read Also Epidemic Diseases act 1897 Theme 2020: Covid-19: Protect Children from Child Labour, now more than ever! The crisis can push millions of vulnerable children into child labour. Already, there are an estimated 152 million children in child labour, 72 million of which are in hazardous work. These children are now at even greater risk of facing circumstances that are even more difficult and working longer hours. The COVID-19 pandemic may force children into work given that families are facing falling incomes during pandemic. Children are out of school due to lockdown restrictions draw them to child labour. Government and civil society need to be vigil and put in extra effort to prevent child labour. Read Also Vande Bharat Mission

SERO SURVEY ICMR

SERO SURVEY ICMR A sero survey by ICMR ( Indian Council of Medical Research ) from 69 districts across 21 States in India found that an estimated 7,00,000 people could have been infected by SARS-CoV-2 in these districts even in early May. Serological or antibody tests are not as accurate as the PCR tests, but they are useful indicators of the spread of the novel coronavirus among people. Results from the survey suggest that the actual COVID-19 case count by early May could have been at least 20 times more than what was detected in India at that time. A serological survey is when blood samples of the general population are analysed and incase specific anti-bodies are detected, they are labeled as infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the past. In May, about 24,000 blood samples of adults were examined for antibodies produced specifically by SARS-CoV-2 via an ELISA test. The test has been developed and validated by the ICMR-National Institute of Virology and is said to be the most reliable so far. While the actual number of those infected was not disclosed, 0.73% of the population in these districts had evidence of past exposure to SARS-CoV-2. The adult population of these districts according to the 2011 census works out to around 96 million persons. If the results are applied to the adult population of these districts, the number of people likely to have been infected crosses 7 lakh. This number is twenty times higher than the 35,000 confirmed cases as of early May in the entire country. Testing, tracking and treatment at a higher-order across the population besides measures such as mask-wearing and practising hand hygiene, as the experience of several countries that have considerably slowed down the rise in the case count shows, is the clearest way to address the outbreak. Read Also Delimitation commission Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help.   contact us

Domestic violence during National Lockdown

Domestic violence during National Lockdown The National Commission for Women (NCW) registered an increase of at least 2.5 times in domestic violence since the national lockdown, according to official data. Domestic violence is a reality that existed prior to COVID-19 and has intensified as a result of the lockdown because women are locked in with their abusers 24×7, their housework and care work responsibilities have increased and all the stress and tensions are released on women. According to the National Family Health Survey released by Union Health Ministry, every third woman since the age of 15, has faced domestic violence of any forms in the country. Domestic violence is done not only by husbands but includes abuse by parents, in-laws and other family members. Read Also Green Crackers and Petroleum Domestic violence includes physical, mental/emotional and financial abuse. The government needs to prepare a robust plan and provide adequate budgets to provide support services to survivors. Ensure effective implementation of Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Conduct campaigns that highlight that Domestic Violence is a crime, unacceptable and that the state will take firm action against it. One-stop centres, Women ‘s helpline, Women’s Commission are a mechanism to protect women from domestic violence. Read Also Scheduled Tribes Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us

Chang pa- Ladakh

Chang pa- Ladakh Chang pa are semi nomadic tribal people residing in Changthang regions of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. The Changpa are high altitude pastoralists, raising mainly yaks and goats. For many Changpas, rearing of animals, and consuming and selling their produce (milk and its products, hair and meat) is the only means of livelihood. They are classified as scheduled tribes by Indian government for affirmative action. The Changpas rear the highly pedigreed and prized Changra goats that yield the rare Pashmina wool. Kashmir Pashmina has been accorded Geographical indication (GI) tag under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Nomads have roamed around the undemarcated borders with China and Tibet, for centuries, herding the famed and hardy goats that produce the ultrasoft wool known as Pashmina, the finest of cashmeres. The months-long military standoff between India and China is hurting local communities due to the loss of tens of thousands of Himalayan goat kids died because they couldn’t reach traditional winter grazing lands. Read Also PVTGS Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. contact us