GS PAPER II NEWS
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
Why in News
- Recently a pilot project for the bamboo and cane artists of Nagaland has been launched through digital medium.
Key point
- The project is a part of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Vyapat Kaushal Ko Recognition (RPL) scheme.
- The initiative aims to skill local weavers and artisans to increase their productivity in traditional handicrafts through RPL assessment and certification.
- The scheme aims to skill more than 4,000 craftsmen and artisans.
- The skill development project under RPL aims to improve the skills of the unorganized sector workers living in this area.
- Artisans and weavers will be linked with the standardized National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). This initiative will provide an opportunity to artisans and weavers to make their livelihood sustainable and enhance their skills and technical knowledge.
- In addition, the pilot project will also help in promoting traditional and local crafts of cane and bamboo artisans, developing marketing skills and techniques.
- This initiative will enhance the quality of traditional handicrafts through upskilling bridge module through Government of India certification.
- Under the initiative, 12 hours orientation and 60 hours bridge module programs will be conducted for 12 days in each batch.
- Further, after orientation program with bridge module, artisans and weavers will be certified with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Type-I. Can Concept and Handloom Naga will join as training partners for the skill upgradation initiative.
- The project will be implemented in various phases, including selection of artisans and weavers, training of trainers (TOT), and skill development of artisans and weavers through RPL with bridge module.
- Artisans and weavers will be selected from traditional crafts groups of Nagaland. The selection will be done on the basis of the existing experience of the candidates.
- The selection of trainers will be done either from the existing database or by conducting Trainer Training (TOT) program for the existing artisans and weavers from the proposed clusters.
- Artisans and weavers will be trained in innovative and advanced techniques of making handmade products.
- After the training, all the artisans and weavers will be able to work in the micro units set up in their respective clusters. During this, the beneficiaries will be encouraged to actively participate in the external sector so that they can prepare themselves for management as per the needs of the market at the last stage.
- National Skill Development Corporation, the nodal implementing agency of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, supported by Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC) will monitor the day-to-day progress of the project.
- The objective of the project is to develop entrepreneurship development, digital literacy, development of communication skills and sales at workplace, and marketing skills.
- The project will also get the support of industry participation. Which is important for the successful implementation of this project and the support it is getting?
- Industry will collaborate in areas such as training 150 trainers, creating infrastructure, providing raw materials and promoting crafts in domestic and international markets.
GS PAPER III
Corbewax
Why in News
- The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the Phase III trial of Biologics-E’s COVID Vaccine Corbevax to be tested as booster shots.
Key point
- Biologicals-E Limited is the second company after Bharat Biotech to get approval for clinical trials for booster doses.
- After detailed deliberations, the Expert Committee recommended permission to conduct the proposed Phase III clinical trial.
- Along with this, the controlled use of Kovid-19 drug ‘molnupiravir’ (tablet) in emergency has also been allowed.
- In this way, now 8 vaccines against corona have been approved in the country.
- Booster dose will start in the country from January 10, so companies are collecting data regarding the manufacture of booster dose.
- After the approval of the vaccine, Biological-E is also preparing systematic data for the study of booster doses.
- Amidst the possibilities of a third wave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation had announced to give booster doses to people above 60 years of age.
- Keeping in mind the need of booster doses, the company will also focus on manufacturing booster doses in the coming times.
India against Corona Pandemic
- Corbevax is India’s first indigenously developed protein sub-unit vaccine against corona pandemic, which has got approval from DGCI.
- The vaccine maker company plans to deliver more than one billion additional doses globally.
- These capabilities will enable the Hyderabad-based company to deliver 300 million doses as promised to the government.
- Under this approval, the most effective booster dose will be studied in two groups of six and nine months, age-wise, while covering 50 percent of subjects with high risk or serious disease conditions. Second, the safety follow-up should be extended to nine months.
- Biologicals-E plans to produce its Kovid-19 vaccine Corbevax at the rate of 75 million doses per month.
- By February 2022, it will be in a position to produce over 100 million doses of Corbevax vaccine per month.
GS PAPER II
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
Why in News
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- The controversial law Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland has been extended by six months (30 June 2022).
Key point
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- This information has been given by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This law gives wide powers to the army to operate freely anywhere in the disturbed area of the state.
- Considering the current situation in the state, it has been described as an important step. So that law and order can run smoothly in the state.
- An announcement in this regard has been made through a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- It has been said by issuing notification that, in view of the disturbed and serious situation in the entire state, the use of armed forces is necessary.
- The central government has described the situation in Nagaland as ‘disturbed and dangerous’. Under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), it has been extended for another six months from December 30.
- In this way the entire state has been declared a ‘disturbed area’ for the next 6 months.
Court of inquiry
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- Let us tell you that recently (December 4, 2021) in Nagaland, 13 civilians were accidentally killed in an army action, the Court of Inquiry is going on in this regard.
- According to the police, the first incident of firing took place after a suspicious situation was created.
Constitution of a high level committee
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- The move to extend the AFSPA for six months comes days after the central government constituted a high-level committee to examine the possibility of withdrawing the controversial AFSPA from Nagaland. AFSPA has been in force in Nagaland for decades.
- A Home Ministry notification said that the Central Government is of the opinion that the entire territory of the State of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces is necessary to assist the civil administration.
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
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- Under the AFSPA Act, the army can prevent five or more people from gathering in one place.
- Under this, the army can enter and search someone’s house without a warrant. This law gives the army the power to arrest anyone without a warrant.
- One does not have to wait for orders from anyone to fire under this law.
- If someone is killed in a shootout, then the soldier will not even be tried for murder.
- If the state government or the police administration registers an FIR against a soldier or an army unit, then the permission of the central government is necessary for its prosecution in the court.
GS PAPER III
BRICS New Development Bank
Why in News
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- The BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) announced the inclusion of Egypt as a new member on 29 December 2021.
Key point
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- Egypt is the fourth new member to join the NDB. Prior to that Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay were included as members.
- India has welcomed the inclusion of Egypt in the NDB. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said on December 29 that the expansion in the membership of the NDB would further cement its position as a premier development institution for emerging economies.
- Earlier, NDB President Marcos Trijo said that we welcome Egypt to the NDB family. We would like to meet the investment needs for Egypt’s infrastructure and sustainable development.
- Egyptian Finance Minister Dr. Mohamed Mait said that the NDB has established itself as one of the leading multilateral development banks for emerging markets and developing countries.
About New Development Bank (NDB)
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- New Development Bank, formerly known as BRICS Bank informally, is the official name of a new development bank set up by the countries of the BRICS grouping.
- It is a multilateral development bank jointly established by the BRICS countries at the 6th BRICS Summit held in ‘Fortaleza’, Brazil in the year 2014.
- This bank was formed to support infrastructure and sustainable development efforts for rapid growth through innovation and cutting edge technology in BRICS and other emerging economies.
- Its headquarter is located in Shanghai (China). Its objective is to mobilize financial resources for sustainable development infrastructure projects of BRICS countries and other emerging and developing economies.
- NDB was established by BRICS countries Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It was formally launched in July 2015.
- This bank mainly provides financial assistance to projects in areas such as transport, water, drainage, clean energy, digital infrastructure, social infrastructure and urban development.