19 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. PM-DAKSH YOJANA

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2085557&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The PM-DAKSH Scheme aims to enhance the skills of marginalized groups, including SC, OBC, DNT, EWS, and Safai Karamcharis, for better employability. Launched with a budget of Rs. 450 crores for five years, the scheme targets training 2.71 lakh candidates. As of 2023-24, 1.55 lakh candidates have been successfully trained.

PM-DAKSH Scheme

• Full name: Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH) Yojana
• Launched: 2020-21
• Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
• Objective: To enhance the skill levels of marginalized groups to make them employable for wage or self-employment.
• Target Groups:
  • Scheduled Castes (SCs)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
  • Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
  • De-notified Tribes (DNTs)
  • Safai Karamcharis (including waste pickers)
• Components:
  • Short-term training programs
  • Long-term training programs
  • Up-skilling/Re-skilling programs
  • Entrepreneurship development programs
• Benefits:
  • Skill development training from certified institutions
  • Stipend during training
  • Certification upon successful completion
  • Placement assistance
• Significance:
  • Addresses social inequality by providing opportunities for marginalized communities.
  • Contributes to the development of a skilled workforce in India.
  • Empowers individuals with skills for economic independence.

2. Aims of Anusandhan National Research Foundation

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2085535&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) aims to enhance India’s research landscape by raising Rs. 50,000 crore between 2023-28, with Rs. 14,000 crore from the Central Government. Its Governing Board, including prominent global experts, will guide strategic R&D initiatives.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

• Established: 2023 by an Act of Parliament (ANRF Act, 2023)
• Headquarters: New Delhi, India
• Objective: To seed, grow and promote Research and Development (R&D) and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India.
• Functions:
  • Funding research projects across various disciplines.
  • Creating a national framework for research and innovation.
  • Fostering collaborations between academia, industry, and government.
  • Promoting international research collaborations.
  • Developing research infrastructure and human resources.
• Focus Areas:
  • Natural sciences (including mathematical sciences)
  • Engineering and technology
  • Environmental and earth sciences
  • Health and agriculture
  • Humanities and social sciences with scientific and technological interfaces
• Governance:
  • Governing Board chaired by the Prime Minister of India.
  • Executive Council responsible for day-to-day operations.
• Funding:
  • Government allocation
  • Contributions from public and private sectors, philanthropists, and international organizations.
• Significance:
  • Aims to position India as a global leader in research and innovation.
  • Seeks to address national priorities and societal challenges through research.
  • Expected to boost economic growth and sustainable development.