12 August 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
12-August -2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau )
1. New Soil Health Card Scheme
Topic: GS2 – Government initiatives.
About New Soil Health Card Scheme:
- The New Soil Health Card Scheme (NSHCS) is a government initiative to improve soil health and crop productivity in India.
- The scheme was launched in 2023 and aims to cover all farmers in the country by 2025.
- Under the NSHCS, each farmer will be issued a soil health card that contains information about the nutrient status of their soil.
- The card will also provide recommendations on the type and amount of fertilizers and other amendments that the farmer should apply to their soil to improve its health and productivity.
- The NSHCS covers a wider range of nutrients, includes more detailed recommendations on fertilizer application, and is being implemented using a more efficient and transparent system.
- By providing farmers with the information they need to manage their soil more effectively, the scheme will help to improve yields, reduce input costs, and make Indian agriculture more sustainable.
Here are some of the key features of the NSHCS:
- It covers a wider range of nutrients than the previous SHCS, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and boron.
- It provides more detailed recommendations on fertilizer application, based on the specific nutrient deficiencies in the soil.
- It is being implemented using a more efficient and transparent system, with the use of geospatial technology to map soil types and nutrient deficiencies.
- It is being implemented in partnership with the private sector, to ensure that farmers have access to the fertilizers and other amendments they need to improve soil health.
Here are some of the benefits of the NSHCS for farmers:
- Improved crop yields: By providing farmers with the information they need to manage their soil more effectively, the NSHCS can help to improve crop yields.
- Reduced input costs: By applying the recommended fertilizers and amendments, farmers can reduce their input costs and save money.
- Improved soil health: The NSHCS can help to improve soil health by addressing nutrient deficiencies and other problems.
- Increased sustainability: By using the recommended fertilizers and amendments, farmers can help to make their agricultural practices more sustainable.
Conclusion:
The NSHCS is a major step forward in the government’s efforts to improve soil health and crop productivity in India. The scheme is expected to have a significant impact on the agricultural sector, and it is a welcome development for farmers and the environment.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947891
2. Modification of Agricultural Practices to Combat Climate Change
Topic: GS3 – agriculture sector.
Government schemes launched in this regard:
- Crop Diversification Programme (CDP) under RKVY-RAFTAAR:
- Aims to shift from water-intensive paddy to alternative crops like pulses, oilseeds, cotton, etc.
- Promotes diversified crop production for sustainable agriculture.
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM) and Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):
- Encourages diversified crop production including pulses, coarse cereals, nutri cereals, high-value horticultural crops.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY-PDMC):
- Focuses on water-use efficiency through drip and sprinkler irrigation systems.
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER):
- Promotes organic farming and sustainable soil fertility enhancement.
- Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati (BPKP) under PKVY:
- Encourages natural farming with biomass recycling and cow dung-urine formulations.
Other Agricultural Practices to Combat Climate Change:
- Adopting climate-resilient crop varieties and breeds.
- Implementing precision agriculture techniques.
- Using efficient irrigation systems like drip and sprinkler.
- Promoting agroforestry and tree planting on farms.
- Incorporating cover cropping and crop rotation.
- Applying organic and natural farming methods.
- Implementing soil conservation measures.
- Reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage.
- Integrating weather forecasting for timely decisions.
- Developing early warning systems for extreme events.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947888
3. MAKE IN INDIA/AATMANIRBHAR BHARAT ABHIYAN IN DEFENCE SECTOR
Topic: GS3 – defence sector.
Significance of self-reliance in defence sector:
- Reduces dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defence equipment.
- Enhances national security and strategic autonomy.
- Strengthens the country’s defence capabilities and readiness.
- Boosts indigenous manufacturing and technological advancements.
- Creates a robust domestic defence industry and generates employment.
- Mitigates geopolitical risks and vulnerabilities in the global market.
- Improves cost-effectiveness in defence procurement and maintenance.
- Fosters innovation and research and development in the defence sector.
- Enables the country to respond quickly to evolving threats and challenges.
- Demonstrates sovereignty and national pride in defence capabilities.
Challenges to self-reliance in defence sector:
- Lack of advanced technology and expertise in certain critical areas.
- High initial capital investment for setting up indigenous manufacturing facilities.
- Lengthy development timelines for complex defence systems.
- Dependence on foreign collaborations and technology transfers for certain projects.
- Limited access to cutting-edge technologies due to export restrictions by other countries.
- Competition from established global defence manufacturers in the international market.
- Inadequate funding and budget constraints for research and development.
- Bureaucratic red tape and complex procurement
- Skilled workforce shortages in specialized defence technologies.
- Rapidly evolving and unpredictable defence requirements and threats.
Steps Taken by Indian government in this regard:
- Promulgation of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) to promote indigenous sourcing and domestic manufacturing.
- Emphasis on ‘Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ and ‘Buy (Indian)’ categories in capital acquisition.
- Implementation of ‘Make’ categories to involve Indian industrial eco-system, including the private sector, in self-reliant defence production.
- Introduction of Government funding for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF), and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.
- Establishment of ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ with an embargo on the import of certain defence equipment and platforms.
- Opening DRDO test facilities to industries for research and development
- Setting up two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost domestic defence manufacturing.
Way forward:
- Continuously invest in research and development to develop cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies.
- Strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions to foster innovation.
- Provide financial incentives and support to encourage domestic defence manufacturing.
- Facilitate technology transfer and partnerships with global defence companies for knowledge exchange.
- Streamline procurement processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for faster decision-making.
- Enhance skill development programs to create a skilled workforce in advanced defence technologies.
- Focus on export promotion to showcase India’s self-reliant defence capabilities in the global market.
- Encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) to leverage resources and expertise for large-scale projects.
- Foster a conducive ecosystem for startups and MSMEs to contribute to the defence sector.
Model question: Discuss the significance of self-reliance in the defence sector for India’s national security and strategic autonomy. Analyze the steps taken by the Indian government in this regard. What are the challenges faced in achieving complete self-reliance, and suggest potential measures to address them?”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947700
4. Development under PMKSY
Topic: GS2 – Government initiatives.
About Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY):
- Ministry: Initiated by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in 2017-18.
- Scheme: An umbrella scheme comprising multiple component schemes.
- Objectives: Boost growth in the food processing sector, provide better prices to farmers, generate rural employment, reduce agricultural produce wastage, increase processing levels, and enhance processed food exports.
- Goals: Boost growth in the food processing sector, provide better prices to farmers, generate rural employment.
- Aims to create modern infrastructure and efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947738
5. Food Processing Sector as Employment Intensive Industry.
Topic: GS3 – food processing sector.
Food Processing Sector as Employment Intensive Industry:
- Food processing sector is highly labor-intensive due to various manual processes involved.
- It creates substantial job opportunities across different stages of production.
- Located in rural areas, it contributes to rural job creation and reduces migration.
- Engages in harvesting, sorting, processing, and packaging, requiring diverse skills.
- Offers a mix of skilled and unskilled job roles, promoting inclusivity.
- Many operations are Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), fostering local employment.
- Generates indirect employment in logistics, transportation, and support services.
- Empowers women by providing employment in sorting, packaging, and quality control.
- Provides stable year-round employment, addressing seasonal unemployment.
- Contributes to economic growth by generating employment and supporting communities.
Steps taken by Indian government:
- Launched “Make in India” campaign to promote domestic food processing.
- Established Mega Food Parks for modern infrastructure and value addition.
- Introduced Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PKSKY) for food processing infrastructure development.
- Focused on skill development through National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) and Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative (FICSI).
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947734
6. Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah introduces three new bills in Parliament.
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
More about three new bills introduced in the Parliament:
- Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill, 2023: This bill will replace the Indian Penal Code, It will have 356 sections, 175 sections have been changed, 8 new sections have been added and 22 sections have been repealed.
- Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023:This bill will replace the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898. It will have 533 sections, 160 sections of old law have been changed, 9 new sections have been added and 9 sections have been repealed.
- Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023: This bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. It will have 170 sections, 23 sections have been changed, 1 new section has been added and 5 have been repealed.
Here are some of the key changes brought about by these bills:
- Repeal of sedition law:The sedition law will be repealed completely. This is a historic decision as the sedition law has been used to suppress dissent in India for many years.
- Definition of terrorism:The definition of terrorism has been expanded to include armed insurgency, subversive activities, separatism, and challenging the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of India. This will help to crack down on terrorism in India.
- Trial in absentia: A person declared fugitive by a Sessions Court judge will be tried and sentenced in his absence, no matter where in the world he may be hiding. This will help to bring criminals to justice even if they flee the country.
- Special care for women and children: Special care has been taken of women and children in these bills. Provisions have been made to punish crimes against women and children, and to ensure that the police do not misuse their powers.
- Harsh punishment for heinous crimes: Harsh punishment has been provided for heinous crimes such as rape, gang rape, and mob lynching. This will send a strong message to criminals and deter them from committing such crimes.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947941
7. MONSOON SESSION OF PARLIAMENT ADJOURNS SINE DIE
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
Context:
- Monsoon Session 2023 of Parliament started on July 20 and adjourned sine die on August 11.
- The session comprised 17 sittings across 23 days.
- In Lok Sabha, 20 Bills introduced; 22 Bills passed.
- In Rajya Sabha, 5 Bills introduced; 25 Bills passed.
- Total Bills passed by both Houses: 23.
What is Adjournment sine die:
- Conclusion of Session: Adjournment sine die signifies the end of the current session of the Indian Parliament.
- No Date Set: Unlike other forms of adjournment, no specific date is set for the next session to begin.
- The decision to adjourn sine die is made by the presiding officers of both the Lok Sabha (Speaker) and the Rajya Sabha (Chairman). It is usually done after consultation with the government.
- Session Business Completed: This type of adjournment is used when all the business, debates, discussions, and legislative matters for the session have been concluded.
- Future Sessions: After adjournment sine die, the President of India, on the advice of the government, will summon the Parliament for its next session. The timing and agenda of the next session are determined by the government.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1947857
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