National Youth Festival 2023
Why in News?
The 26th edition of National Youth Festival will be held from January 12 to 16, 2023, at Hubballi-Dharwad, Karnataka, and is being organised by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports in partnership with Government of Karnataka.
Key Points
- Theme – ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat’
- The National Youth Festival is held every year to provide national-level exposure to the young generation of the country, along with encouraging them to participate and contribute in nation-building.
- To highlight the importance of building a progressive youth population, the theme of the festival this year is ‘Viksit Yuva Viksit Bharat’.
- It brings to the fore the cultural diversity that India is blessed with as it provides a common platform for participants from across the country to showcase glimpses of their distinct and unique culture, uniting them in the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
- Swami Vivekanand, India’s most celebrated spiritual leader, rightly said, “All differences in this world are of degree, and not of kind, because oneness is the secret of everything.”
Rooting for Y20
Under India’s G20 Presidency, Youth 20 (or Y20) is an engagement group that gives a platform to the youth for discussion and debate on global challenges. It also establishes the deliberations on policymaking that Y20 leaders would like to see G20 leaders take forward.
The National Youth Festival will set the pace for Y-20 engagement across the country by sensitising the youth about the themes of Y-20. The Youth Summit that is to happen during the festival, will include two way discussions on the following themes:
i) Future of Work, Industry, Innovation and 21st Century Skills
ii) Climate change and disaster risk reduction
iii) Peace building and Reconciliation
iv) Shared future-youth in democracy and governance
v) Health and Well Being
All of the above themes have been derived from India’s G20 goals. It is synced with the five themes of Y20. In a recent media briefing, Union Youth Affairs Minister Anurag Thakur said, “India is holding G20 Presidency this year which is a matter of great pride for every Indian. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is organizing ‘Y Talks’ throughout the country for Y(Youth)-20 activities of G-20.” He added, “The participants will in turn take the message and themes of Y-20 to every nook and corner of the country.”
Green Youth Festival
The Youth Festival this year is being celebrated as a green festival using only biodegradable materials. Only re-usable cutlery, napkins etc are being used. All of the mementos, medals, and stationery are reusable. Water refilling stations are set up to reduce the use of disposables. Union Minister Anurag Thakur informed that the focus will be on Prime Minister’s Mission LiFE and Green Energy.
Major events
The National Youth Festival will witness activities that include –
(1) discussions on student-centered governance and digital India
(2) Adventure sports activities like scuba diving are included
(3) Exhibitions of traditional sports like Kalaripayatu (Kerala), Silambam (Tamil Nadu), Gatka (Punjab), Mallakhamb (Maharashtra)
(4) Competitive cultural events like folk dance and folk song are organized where troupes from different states participate
(5) Non-competitive events include the “Yuva Kriti” social development fair, “Adventure Festival,” “Suvichar,” and “Young Artist Camp,” among others
(6) On the 15th of January, a Yogathon is planned between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. by mobilising 5 lakh people from across 31 districts of Karnataka
About Swami Vivekananda:
- He was a true luminary, credited with enlightening the western world about Hinduism.
- He was an ardent disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and a major force in the revival of Hinduism in India.
- He pushed for national integration in colonial India, and his famous speech remains as the one that he gave in Chicago in 1893 (Parliament of the World Religions).
- In 1984 the Government of India declared that 12 January, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, will be celebrated as National Youth Day.
Early life- contributions:
Born in Kolkata on January 12, 1863 in Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda was known as Narendra Nath Datta in his pre-monastic life.He is known to have introduced the Hindu philosophies of Yoga and Vedanta to the West.Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had called Vivekananda the “maker of modern India.”In 1893, he took the name ‘Vivekananda’ after Maharaja Ajit Singh of the Khetri State requested him to do so.He formed the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 “to set in motion a machinery which will bring noblest ideas to the doorstep of even the poorest and the meanest.”In 1899, he established the Belur Math, which became his permanent abode.He preached ‘neo-Vedanta’, an interpretation of Hinduism through a Western lens, and believed in combining spirituality with material progress.‘Raja Yoga’, ‘Jnana Yoga’, ‘Karma Yoga’ are some of the books he wrote.
GS PAPER III NEWS
VSHORAD MISSILE SYSTEM
Why in News?
THE DEFENCE Acquisition Council(DAC) Tuesday accorded an Acceptance of Necessity (AoN)to procure theVeryShort Range Air Defence System or VSHORAD (IR Homing) missile system, designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), among other weapon systems for the Army and Navy.
Key Points
- The development comes amid the on going military standoff with China at the LAC in eastern Ladakh and reports of air violations by China along the LAC last year.
- India has been in talks with Russia since 2018 to procure the Igla-S air defence missiles at a cost of $1.5 billion under the VSHORAD programme,to replace the IglaM systems currently in use with the Army.
- Defense officials indicated that has been put on hold for now, with the strong government pitch for ‘atma nirbharta’ in defense. The latest AoN granted to the procurement of DRDO-developed VSHORAD missile system shows that.
What Is the Missile system?
Meant to kill low-altitude aerial threats at short ranges, VSHORAD is a man portable Air Defence System (MANPAD). The DRDO in September last year conducted two successful test flights of the VSHORADS missile from a ground-based portable launcher at the Integrated Test Range,Chandipur,off the coast of Odisha. As per the defence ministry,the missile which is propelled by a dual thrust solid motor incorporates many novel technologies, including miniaturised Reaction Control System(RCS) an integrated avionics.TheDRDO has designed the missile and its launcher in a way to ensure easy portability.
How will it help?
While the exact specifications of the missile are not known at present, Army officers explained that since it is man portable and lightweight, it can be deployed in the mountains close to the LAC at a short notice.
When Is it expected to be inducted?
The AoN is the first step in the long capital procurement process in defense. Not all AoNs accorded necessarily culminate into a final order. However, with flight tests having taken place,defense officials estimate the missile systems can be delivered to the forces in another three four years with industry support if the orders are placed on time.
GS PAPER III NEWS
World Spice Congress
Why in News?
With the aim of promoting international trade of Indian spices, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry is hosting the 14th edition of World Spice Congress (WSC), in Mumbai from 16-18 February 2023.
Key Points
- The theme of the World Spice Congress is VISION 2030: S-P-I-C-E-S (Sustainability, Productivity, Innovation, Collaboration, Excellence and Safety).
- Further, it will host special state and commodity pavilions. The event will provide an opportunity for the spice fraternity to meet and promote Indian brands before a bigger global audience.
‘Spice Bowl’ of the World
- India is known as the Spice Bowl of the world. Andhra Pradesh’s Guntur is referred to as world’s biggest chilli market, J&K is home to the world’s most expensive spice (saffron), Delhi’s Khari Baoli is Asia’s largest spice market and the Northeast’s Naga chilli is one of the world’s hottest chillies. Maharashtra is a one of the leading states producing spices.
- India is leading the world with its unique flavours and spices. As of February 2022, a total of 26 Indian spices have received GI tag. These include Coorg Green Cardamom, Mizo Ginger, Kanniyakumari Cloves, Malabar Pepper, Harmal Chilli, among several others.
- India is looking forward to doubling the exports of spices to USD 10 Billion in the next five years. It aims to sustain the competitive edge of the Indian spice industry with added thrust on high-end value addition and new product development.
- Furthermore, spices exports have also increased by 115% in volume and 84% in value (USD) between 2014-21, reaching a historic high of USD 4.2 bn in 2020-21. Additionally, the Indian spices and spices products are reaching over 180 destinations all over the world.
- In terms of spice trade in India, during 2022-23, there has been an increase in demand for certain spices, especially the seed spices including cumin, fenugreek, Bishop’s weed (Ajwain), Dill, Poppy, Aniseed, Mustard and others. Garlic, one of the key ingredients in Indian cooking, registered an increase of 170% in quantity during April-October 2022 compared to the same period last year.
- A majority of the spice trade in India takes place during the last quarter of the year and the Indian spice industry is looking forward to an increased export of spices during January-March 2023, which is expected to take the total exports towards the USD 4 billion mark.
Medicinal Advantages of Indian Spices
- The spices from India are also known for their quality, and medicinal properties. Indian spices have proven wonders to the world. “During Covid, along with India’s medicines and vaccines, the world experienced the importance of our spices and Kadha,” PM Modi has reiterated in the past. In the words of Union Minister Piyush Goyal, “Our grandmother’s home remedies like Haldi Doodh/ Turmeric Latte and spices like Cinnamon, Tulsi (Basil leaves), etc. have become a household staple in the world.
- Further, during the challenging pandemic times, the world took note of the age old and time-tested practices of Ayurveda that involves the use of spices in medicinal products, – Ayush Kwath, that combines the therapeutic powers of Cinnamon, Tulsi, Dry Ginger and Black Pepper, also known to be boosting immunity.
- Indian spices industry has a huge potential to offer to the world and the World Spice Congress can provide it the platform to do so. In the words of Michelin Star Indian chef Vikas Khanna, “Indian spices not only reflect our evolution but India’s beliefs & traditions also.”
Spices Board
- Spices Board is one of the five Commodity Boards functioning under the Ministry of Commerce &Industry.
- It is an autonomous body responsible for the export promotion of the 52 scheduled spices and development of Cardamom (Small & Large).
- The main functions of the Spices Board are the following:
- (i) Research, Development and Regulation of domestic marketing of Small & Large Cardamom;
- (ii) Post-harvest improvement of all spices;
- (iii) Export promotion of all spices and assisting exporters in technology upgradation, quality management, brand promotion, research & product development;
- (iv) Development of spices in the North East;
- (v) Regulation of quality of spices for exports through its quality evaluation services; etc.
GS PAPER III NEWS
WHITE TUFTED BUTTERFLY
Why in News?
A team of butterfly observers and researchers have found a white tufted royal butterfly, a rare butterfly species at Kalliyad in Kannur.
Key Points
- The white tufted royal butterfly is protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
- The species had been spotted in Agasthyakoodam in 2017 and the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in 2018.
- The wingspan of the butterfly is just 32-40 mm.
- Its larvae feed on Scurrula parasitic, a plant belonging to the Loranthaceae family.
- There were eight species of the butterfly. While two are common, the others are rare.
Agasthyavanam Biological Park
- Established in 1997, Agasthyavanam Biological Park is a wildlife sanctuary in Kerala.
- The park is located near Thiruvananthapuram/Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala.
- It is contiguous to Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The park has been named after the Agasthyamalai Agasthyakoodam Peak, which can be seen at a distance from the park.
- The Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve is located in the southernmost end of the Western Ghats and incorporates peaks towering 1,868 m above sea level. It covers 3,500 km2 and encompasses tropical forest ecosystems that fall within the Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts of Tamil Nadu and the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts of Kerala.
- Agasthyavanam Biological Park is spread over an area of 23 sq. km., of which 17.5 sq. km. of the park has been dedicated for natural regeneration to develop into a dense forest. The rest area of the park is left for systematic conservation programs.
- The Park has endemic medicinal plants and rich biodiversity.
Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary
- Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Western Ghats, India, located in Kollam district of Kerala and comes under the control of Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve.
- It was established on 25 August 1984 and comprises 172.403 square kilometres (66.565 sq mi).
- The name is a corruption of the Chengurinji, a tree endemic to the region (Gluta travancorica).[3] The sanctuary has an artificial lake of nearly 18.69Sq.km size and also surrounded by the reservoir of Thenmala Dam.
- The Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary is a treasure house of plant diversity.
- About 1257 species of flowering plants belonging to more than 150 families are reported from this sanctuary of which 309 species are endemic to Western Ghats.
- Birds from 267 species including migratory, endemic and endangered species have been reported here.
- Tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forest cover a major area of the sanctuary.
- It has a presence of lion-tailed macaque, a highly endangered species.
- A brood of the highly elusive nocturnal forest bird, the Great Eared Nightjar was spotted for the first time at Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary in Kollam, Kerala.
- Earlier, it was recorded from the Siruvani foothills in Tamil Nadu in May 1995. The Great Eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis bourdilloni) belongs to the nightjar family. It gets its name from the two erect earlike tufts of feathers on its head, behind the eyes).
- The first eco-tourism project in India, Thenmala Eco-tourism Project has been formulated in and around Shenduruney Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Another important aspect of the Shendurnani Sanctuary is that there is no sandalwood trees here.
NEWS
Cabinet Meeting Decisions
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 11 January,
- Has approved the incentive scheme for promotion of RuPay Debit Cards and low-value BHIM-UPI transactions (person-to-merchant) for a period of one year from April 2022.
- This incentive scheme will facilitate building of a robust digital payment ecosystem and promoting RuPay Debit Card and BHIM-UPI digital transactions. In-line with the objective of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, the scheme will also promote UPI Lite and UPI 123PAY as economical and user-friendly digital payments solutions and enable further deepening of digital payments in the country, across all sectors and segments of the population.
- It has approved setting up and promoting a National Level multistate cooperative export society under the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 with support from relevant Ministries especially Ministry of External Affairs and Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry through their export related policies, schemes & agencies by following the ‘Whole of Government Approach’ for undertaking exports of all goods and services produced by cooperatives and related entities..
- The proposed society will provide thrust to exports from the cooperative sector by acting as an umbrella organisation for carrying out and promoting exports. This will help unlocking export potential of Indian cooperatives in global markets. This proposed society will also help cooperatives in getting benefits of various export related schemes and policies of different ministries of Government of India in a focussed manner through ‘Whole of Government Approach’. This will also help in achieving the goal of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi” though the inclusive growth model of cooperatives where the members would benefit both by realization of better prices through export of their goods and services and also by dividend distributed out of the surplus generated by the society.
- Higher exports through the proposed society will increase production of goods and services by the cooperatives at various levels thus leading to more employment in the cooperative sector. Processing of goods and enhancing the services to match international standards will also generate additional employment. Increased export of cooperative products would, in turn, also promote “Make in India” thus leading to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Has approved a historic decision to set up and promote a national level multi-state seed cooperative society under Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 which will act as an apex organization for production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing and distribution of quality seeds; strategic research & development; and to develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds; through various cooperative societies across the country with support from relevant ministries especially Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and national Seed Corporation (NSC) through their schemes and agencies following the ‘Whole of the Government Approach’.
- Hon’ble Prime Minister has observed that all efforts should be made to leverage the strengths of cooperatives and transform them into successful and vibrant business enterprises to realize the vision of “Sahakar-se-Samriddhi’ as cooperatives hold the key to rural economic transformation in the country in agriculture and allied sectors.
- PACS to APEX: Primary to national level cooperatives societies including primary societies, district, state and national level federations and multi state cooperative societies can become its member. All these cooperatives will have their elected representatives in the Board of the society as per its bye-laws.
- The national level multi state seed cooperative society would act as an apex organization for production, procurement, processing, branding, labelling, packaging, storage, marketing and distribution of quality seeds; strategic research & development; and to develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds; through various cooperative societies across the country with support from relevant ministries especially Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and National Seed Corporation (NSC) through their schemes and agencies.
- The proposed society will help to increase the seed replacement rate, varietal replacement rate, ensuring the role of farmers in quality seed cultivation and seed variety trials, production and distribution of certified seeds with a single brand name, by utilizing the network of all levels of cooperatives. The availability of quality seeds will help in increasing agricultural productivity in strengthening food security and also increasing the income of the farmers. The members will benefit both by realization of better prices by production of quality seeds, higher production of crops by use of High Yielding Variety (HYV)seeds and also by dividend distributed out of the surplus generated by the society.
- The seed cooperative society will involve all forms of cooperative structures and all other means to increase the SRR, VRR by ensuring the role of farmers in quality seed cultivation and seed variety trials, production and distribution of certified seeds with a single brand name.
- Quality seeds production through this national level seed cooperative society will increase the agriculture production in the country thereby leading to more employment in the agriculture and cooperative sector; reducing the dependence on imported seeds and provide boost to rural economy, promoting “Make in India” and leading to Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- Has approved a historic decision of setting up and promoting a national level cooperative society for organic products under the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002 with support from relevant Ministries especially the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (M/Doner) through their policies, schemes & agencies following the ‘Whole of the Government Approach’.
- The Prime Minister has observed that all efforts should be made to leverage the strengths of cooperatives and transform them into successful and vibrant business enterprises to realize the vision of “ Sahakar-se-Samriddhi”. It is thus imperative for the cooperatives to think globally and act locally to leverage their comparative advantage.
- Therefore, there is a felt need for a national level cooperative society to be registered under Second Schedule of MSCS Act, 2002 for providing thrust to organic products from the cooperative sector by acting as an umbrella organization for managing various activities related to the organic sector.
- PACS to APEX: Primary to national level cooperatives societies including primary societies, district, state and national level federations, multi state cooperative societies and Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) can become its Member. All these cooperatives will have their elected representatives in the Board of the society as per its bye-laws.
- The cooperative society will manage various activities related to the organic sector by providing certified and authentic organic products. It will help in unlocking demand and consumption potential of organic products in domestic as well as in global markets. This society will also help cooperatives and ultimately their farmer members in getting benefits of the high price of organic products through aggregation, branding and marketing on a large scale by facilitating testing and certification at affordable cost.
- The cooperative society will also provide institutional support for aggregation, certification, testing, procurement, storage, processing, branding, labeling, packaging, logistic facilities, marketing of organic products and arranging financial assistance to the organic farmers through is members cooperatives including Primary Agricultural Credit Societies/Farmers Producer Organisations (FPOs) and will take up all promotion and development related activities of organic products with the help of various schemes and agencies of the Government. It will empanel accredited organic testing labs and certification bodies who meet the criteria specified by the society to bring down the cost of testing and certification.
- The society will manage the entire supply chain of organic products produced by cooperatives and related entities through member cooperatives. It will utilize the services of the national cooperative export society being set up under MSCS Act, 2002 for export marketing and thereby enhance reach and demand of organic products in the global market. It will also facilitate in providing technical guidance, training and capacity building of organic producers and developing and maintaining a dedicated market intelligence system for organic produce. While promoting organic farming, a balanced approach will be maintained between regular mass farming and organic farming.
- Has given ex post facto approval for renaming of National Centre for Drinking Water, Sanitation and Quality, Joka, Kolkata as ‘Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee National Institute of Water and Sanitation (SPM-NIWAS)’.
- The Institute has been set up on 8.72 acres of land at Joka, Diamond Harbor Road , Kolkata, West Bengal. The Institute is envisaged as a premier institute to develop capacities in states/UTs in the field of public health engineering, drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene through training programmes. Such capacities are envisaged for not only the front-line workforce engaged in implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission, but also for the representatives of local bodies, both rural and urban. Accordingly, suitable infrastructure has been developed, including training infrastructure, and R& D Block and a residential complex. Working and miniature models of Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) technologies are also installed to facilitate the training at the institute.
- Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, one of the most deserving sons of West Bengal and a front-runner in national integration, inspiration for industrialization, was also an eminent scholar and academician and the youngest Vice Chancellor of University of Calcutta. Naming the Institute by Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee;s name shall inspire the whole set of stakeholders to honor him by adopting his values of honesty, integrity, and commitment in the work ethos of the Institute. The Institute was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in December, 2022.