9 Dec 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
9-December -2023
1. Ecological Impact of Biofortified Seeds
Topic: GS3 – agriculture sector
Biofortified Varieties Developed by ICAR (2014-2023):
- 142 biofortified varieties, including 124 field crops and 18 horticultural crops.
- Field crops include Rice, Wheat, Maize, Pearl millet, Small millets, Linseed, Lentil, Chickpea, Mungbean, Fieldpea, Mustard, Soybean, Sesame, Groundnut.
- Horticultural crops include Sweet potato, Amaranthus, Greater Yam, Potato, Cauliflower, Okra, Grapes, Banana, Guava, Pomegranate.
Ecological Impact:
- No significant impact on soil and water due to normal breeding practices.
- Water and nutrient requirements are similar to traditional varieties.
Yield and Cost Considerations:
- Biofortified varieties are equal or better in yield compared to conventional varieties.
- Production cost is not higher, as there is no yield penalty or additional cultivation cost.
Seed Production and Supply (2019-20 onwards):
- 37,425.7 q breeder seed of biofortified varieties produced and supplied.
- Supplied to public and private seed production agencies for downstream multiplication.
- Certified seed distributed to farmers for cultivation, benefiting economically backward sections.
Acreage Coverage (Past Six Years):
- Over 10 million hectares covered under biofortified varieties, including wheat, rice, pearl millet, mustard, and lentil.
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) Support:
- Assistance provided through State/Union Territory to farmers for various interventions.
- Cluster demonstrations, improved package of practices, cropping system demonstrations, seed production, and distribution of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs)/ hybrids supported.
- Support to ICAR, State Agricultural Universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras for technology transfer.
- Encouragement for organizing demonstrations on biofortified varieties.
- States encouraged to produce and distribute biofortified seeds.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1984070
2. TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND
Topic: GS3 – Science and technology.
Technology Development Fund (TDF) Scheme:
- Flagship program by Ministry of Defence, executed by DRDO.
- Aligned with ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Objectives:
- Provide Grant in Aid to Indian industries, MSMEs, Start-ups, academic, and scientific institutions.
- Develop Defence and dual-use technologies currently unavailable in the Indian defence industry.
- Cultivate a culture of Design & Development of Military Technology, particularly in private industries, MSMEs, and Start-ups.
- Focus on Research, Design & Development of Niche technologies.
- Bridge collaboration among Armed Forces, research organizations, academia, and private sector entities.
- Support futuristic technologies with Proof of Concept, converting them into prototypes.
Benefits Sought:
- Capacity and capability building of Indian industries for defense technology design and development.
- Creation of an R&D ecosystem with industry-academia collaboration.
- Building a defense manufacturing ecosystem in the country.
- Achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense technology.
Achievements:
- 70 projects sanctioned with a total cost of Rs 291.25 crore.
- Successful development/realization of 16 defense technologies under the scheme.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1983971
3. AFFORDABLE JUSTICE TO COMMON MAN
Topic: GS2.
Legal Services Initiatives:
- National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under The Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987.
- Provides free legal services to weaker sections, ensuring justice accessibility.
Lok Adalats:
- Organized under Legal Services Act for equal justice opportunities.
- Organized at various levels, including National Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats.
- E-Lok Adalats introduced, enhancing access to justice during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access to Justice Scheme:
- “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India.”
- Aims to strengthen pre-litigation advice, deliver pro bono legal services, and promote legal literacy.
- Incorporates technology for easy accessibility.
Tele-Law Service:
- Connects beneficiaries with lawyers via tele/video conferencing.
- Available in 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats, offering legal advice to over 60 lakh beneficiaries.
Nyaya Bandhu Platform:
- Connects Pro Bono Advocates with registered beneficiaries.
- Facilitates free legal aid, involving 10,629 Pro Bono advocates and 89 law schools.
National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms:
- Addresses arrears and pendency in judicial administration.
- Focuses on infrastructure, human resource development, and policy measures.
Fast Track Courts:
- Established for heinous crimes, crimes against women, and children.
- 848 functional Fast Track Courts, including 412 exclusive POCSO Courts.
eCourts Mission Mode Project:
- Central Sector Scheme for ICT development of District & Subordinate courts.
- Digital initiatives enhance accessibility, including e-filing and virtual hearings.
eCourts Phase-III (Approved in September 2023):
- Budgetary outlay of Rs. 7,210 crore.
- Aims for digitization of entire court record, making courts end-to-end digital and paperless.
- e-Sewa Kendras to provide free services, bridging the digital divide and enhancing affordability and accessibility of justice delivery.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1983953
For Enquiry
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