8 August 2023 : PIB

PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU

8-August -2023

Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau )

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1. Measures in place to Ensure Coal Mines Safety

Topic: GS3 – mines safety.

Mines safety:

• Occupational safety and health in mines, including coal mines, is governed by the Mines Act, 1952, and rules and regulations framed under it.
• Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) administers the Mines Act, ensuring suitable legislation, rules, regulations, standards, and guidelines.

Various measures are taken to reduce accidents and ensure safety in coal mines:

• Site Specific Risk Assessment based Safety Management Plans (SMPs) are prepared and implemented.
• Principal Hazards Management Plans (PHMPs) are formulated and implemented.
• Safety Audits are conducted by multi-disciplinary Safety Audit teams.
• State-of-the-art mechanisms like Scientifically determined Rock Mass Rating (RMR) based Support System are adopted for Strata Management.

Mechanisms for monitoring the mine environment include:

• Detection of mine gases using Methanometer, CO-detector, Multi-gas detector, etc.
• Continuous monitoring of mine environment through Environmental Tele Monitoring System (ETMS) & Local Methane Detectors (LMD).
• Application of Gas Chromatograph for mine air sample analysis with better accuracy.
• Use of Personal Dust Sampler (PDS).

Other measures put in place to ensure my safety:

• Training on Mine Safety includes initial and refresher training, on-the-job training, and skill up-gradation for frontline mine officials.
• Regular mine safety inspections are carried out by competent and statutory Supervisors, Workmen Inspectors, and officials .
• Various safety awareness programs are conducted to increase safety awareness among grassroots level workers.
• An Online Centralized Safety Monitoring System “CIL Safety Information System (CSIS)” monitors different safety parameters in coal mines.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1946382

2. Ministry of Culture supports NGOs for promotion and conservation of art and culture.

Topic: GS1 – art and culture.

NGOs for promotion and conservation of art and culture:

• The Ministry of Culture supports NGOs and voluntary organizations in promoting various forms of art and culture through its schemes.

Role NGOs can play in promotion and conservation of art and culture:

• Advocating for the importance of art and culture in society.
• Preserving and safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.
• Providing artistic training and skill development to aspiring artists and craftsmen.
• Engaging with communities in cultural activities and events.
• Organizing cultural festivals, exhibitions, and performances.
• Conducting research on art and cultural
• Promoting cultural tourism and sustainable development.
• Collaborating with other organizations and agencies.
• Digitizing and preserving cultural artifacts.
• Supporting capacity building and institutional development in the cultural sector.

Challenges faced by NGOs in conservation of art and culture:

• Limited Funding and Resources: Insufficient financial support and limited resources hinder conservation efforts.
• Expertise and Capacity: Shortage of qualified experts and skilled personnel in the field of art and culture conservation.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing conservation efforts while respecting the cultural significance and context of artifacts and practices.
• Preservation of Intangible Heritage: Challenges in documenting and preserving intangible cultural expressions and traditions.
• Illicit Trafficking and Theft: Artifacts and cultural treasures may be vulnerable to theft and illegal trafficking.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper storage facilities, conservation labs, and exhibition spaces.
• Policy and Legal Framework: Inconsistent or inadequate policies and regulations for art and cultural heritage conservation.

Some of the key schemes are:

• Financial Assistance for Promotion of Guru-Shishya Parampara: Supports performing arts activities and training of artists in the Guru-Shishya tradition.
• Financial Assistance to Cultural organizations with National Presence: Provides financial assistance to reputed cultural organizations with national presence for organizing cultural activities.
• Cultural Function & Production Grant (CFPG): Offers financial support to NGOs/ Societies/ Trusts/ Universities for various cultural events and productions.
• Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Cultural Heritage of the Himalayas: Aims to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Himalayas through research and audiovisual programs.
• Financial Assistance for the Preservation & Development of Buddhist/Tibetan Organization: Provides financial aid to voluntary Buddhist/Tibetan organizations for the propagation and development of cultural and traditional aspects.
• Financial Assistance for Building Grants including Studio Theatres: Supports the creation of cultural infrastructure and facilities in NGOs, trusts, universities, etc.

Question: What are the key challenges faced by NGOs in the conservation of art and culture? Provide two examples of specific challenges and briefly explain how these challenges can impact cultural preservation efforts. (150 Words)

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1946435

3. Initiatives taken up under NEP 2020 for the transformation of Education Sector

Topic: GS3 – education sector.

New education policy 2020:

• NEP 2020 calls for a substantial increase in public investment in education, aiming for 6% of GDP allocation.
• Ministry of Education budget increased from Rs. 99,311.52 crore (2020-21) to Rs. 1,12,899.47 crore (2023-24), a 13.68% increase. 

Initiatives taken up under NEP 2020:

• Promotion of academic collaborations with foreign institutions through various schemes like GIAN and SPARC.
• Establishment of Indian universities’ campuses abroad and foreign universities’ campuses in India.
• 12 institutions notified as ‘Institutions of Eminence’ (loE) to promote academic and research excellence.
• Memorandums of Understanding signed for IIT campuses in Zanzibar-Tanzania and Abu Dhabi.
• Permission granted to world-class foreign universities in GIFT City, Gujarat, for courses in financial services and technology.
• Various initiatives like PM SHRI, NIPUN Bharat, PM e-VIDYA, NCF FS, NISHTHA, ULLAS, NDEAR, and New India Literacy Programme for foundational education.
• Introduction of National Credit Framework (NCrF) and National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF) for flexible education pathways.
• Guidelines on incorporating Indian knowledge, arts, and culture in higher education curricula.

Importance: These points can be used in mains answer related to education sector development.

4. Damage due to Forest Fire

Topic: GS3 – environmental conservation.

What are forest fires?

• Forest fires are uncontrolled and often rapid spreading fires that occur in forests, causing significant damage to vegetation, wildlife, and the ecosystem.

Recent global incidents of forest fires:

• Indonesia:In July 2023, forest fires broke out in several provinces in Indonesia, including Sumatra and Kalimantan.
• Greece:In July 2022, forest fires broke out in several parts of Greece, including the Peloponnese peninsula and the island of Evia.
• Russia:In August 2022, a large forest fire broke out in Siberia, Russia. 
• Amazon forest fires: Amazon Forest is one of the most vulnerable reason for forest fires. It has witnessed a massive forest fires in recent years – 2020, 2021, 2022.

Reasons for forest fire:

• Natural Causes:
  1. Lightning strikes
  2. Volcanic eruptions
• Human Activities:
  3. Campfires left unattended
  4. Burning of agricultural fields
  5. Arson and intentional acts of vandalism
  6. Industrial activities and electrical faults
  7. Deforestation and loss of vegetation.
• Weather Conditions:
  8. High temperatures and drought
  9. Low humidity and dry vegetation
  10. Strong winds that aid fire spread
• Fuel Availability:
  11. Accumulation of dry leaves, branches, and dead vegetation
  12. Dense undergrowth and flammable plant species
• Climate Change:
  13. Altered weather patterns leading to prolonged dry spells and increased fire risk. 

Ways to control forest fires:

• Early detection through fire surveillance and monitoring systems.
• Rapid mobilization of firefighting teams and resources.
• Creation of firebreaks to contain the spread of fires.
• Controlled burning to reduce fuel load and prevent uncontrolled fires.
• Use of firefighting equipment like fire engines, helicopters, and water bombers.
• Community involvement and education on fire safety and prevention.
• International cooperation and mutual aid agreements for cross-border fires.
• Post-fire rehabilitation and ecosystem restoration measures.

Question: What are the key strategies and measures that can be employed for controlling forest fires? Explain the significance of early detection, community participation, international collaboration, and technological advancements in ensuring effective fire management.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1946413

5. Land Degradation and Desertification

Topic: GS3 – environmental conservation.

Difference between Land degradation and desertification:

Land degradation:

• Refers to the deterioration of the quality and productivity of land.
• Can occur in various types of ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural lands.
• Causes can be both natural processes and human activities, such as deforestation, soil erosion, overgrazing, urbanization, and mining.
• It may result in reduced soil fertility, loss of vegetation cover, and ecological imbalances.
• Land degradation can happen in any type of climate or geographical region.

Desertification:

• Specifically pertains to land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions.
• Often characterized by the transformation of productive land into desert-like conditions.
• Mainly caused by prolonged droughts, climate change, deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable land management practices.
• Leads to the expansion of deserts and a loss of fertile land for agriculture and other human activities.
• Primarily occurs in regions with low rainfall and water scarcity.

Important data related to desertification in India:

• Area affected: According to the Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India 2021, at least 30% of India’s total geographical area is under the category of “degraded land”. This means that about 100 million hectares of land in India is degraded.
• States most affected: The states most affected by desertification in India are Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. These states are located in the arid and semi-arid regions of India.

Reasons for Land degradation and desertification:

 Land Degradation:

• Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• Deforestation and clearance of natural vegetation for agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
• Soil erosion caused by water, wind, and human activities like improper land management.
• Overgrazing by livestock, leading to the depletion of vegetation and soil degradation.
• Mining and extraction activities causing soil disturbance and habitat destruction.
• Urbanization and industrialization leading to soil sealing and loss of fertile land.

Desertification:

• Prolonged droughts and climate change, reducing soil moisture and promoting desert-like conditions.
• Overexploitation of water resources for irrigation and other purposes.
• Deforestation and degradation of vegetation, reducing soil stability.
• Unsustainable agricultural practices in arid and semi-arid regions.
• Wind and water erosion, further exacerbating land degradation.
• Expanding desert areas encroaching on neighboring fertile lands. 

Possible solutions:

• Sustainable Land Management:

1. Implementing conservation agriculture techniques to minimize soil disturbance.
2. Promoting agroforestry to restore and maintain soil fertility.
3. Practicing rotational grazing to prevent overgrazing.

• Reforestation and Afforestation:

1. Planting trees to restore degraded areas and prevent soil erosion.
2. Establishing green belts to combat desertification.

• Water Management:

1. Efficient irrigation methods to conserve water resources.
2. Rainwater harvesting and watershed management to enhance soil moisture.

• Soil Conservation:

1. Engaging local communities in sustainable land management practices.
2. Promoting awareness and education on the importance of land conservation.

• Community Involvement:

1. Enforcing regulations to prevent deforestation and unsustainable land use.
2. Strengthening land tenure and property rights to discourage land degradation.

• Policy and Governance:

1. Developing strategies to cope with changing climatic conditions.
2. Introducing drought-resistant crops and agroforestry practices.

• Climate Change Adaptation:

1. Developing strategies to cope with changing climatic conditions.
2. Introducing drought-resistant crops and agroforestry practices.

• International Cooperation:

1. Collaborating with neighboring countries to address transboundary issues.
2. Accessing global funds and technical assistance for land restoration efforts.

6. PM SVANIDHI SCHEME

Topic: GS2 – Government initiatives

About PM SVANIDHI SCHEME:

• The Prime Minister Street Vendor’s Atma Nirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) Scheme was launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) on June 1, 2020.
• The primary objective of providing financial support and assistance to street vendors who faced adverse impacts on their businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The scheme aims to empower street vendors by facilitating easy access to collateral-free working capital loans, allowing them to restart and sustain their businesses during challenging times.

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1946307

7. Role of MSME Sector in the Country

Topic: GS3 – Indian economy

Contribution of MSME sector to the economy:

• MSME Gross Value Added (GVA) share in India’s GDP: 30.5% in 2019-20, 27.2% in 2020-21, and 29.2% in 2021-22.
• MSME manufacturing output share in India’s manufacturing output: 36.6% in 2019-20, 36.9% in 2020-21, and 36.2% in 2021-22.
• Export of MSME specified products share in India’s exports: 49.4% in 2020-21, 45.0% in 2021-22, and 43.6% in 2022-23.
• Total persons employed in registered MSMEs as of 2023: proximately 123 Million.
• Initiatives by the Ministry of MSMEs:

1. 5 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS).
2. 50,000 crore equity infusion through MSME Self-Reliant India Fund.
3. New revised criteria for classification of MSMEs.
4. No global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.
5. Online Portal “Champions” for e-governance and grievance redress.
6. Non-tax benefits for 3 years in case of an upward change in MSME status.
7. Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme with Rs. 6,000 crore outlay.
8. Udyam Assist Platform (UAP) to bring Informal Micro Enterprises under formal ambit for Priority Sector Lending (PSL).

Importance: Data and government initiatives can be important from mains perspective.

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