In News:

The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has constituted a team to enquire into the death of ten elephants in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve of Madhya Pradesh. The team is conducting an independent enquiry in the matter.

• Incident Overview:
  • Ten elephants found dead in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, between October 29-31, 2024.
  • Preliminary cause of death suspected to be poisoning; final cause pending postmortem and toxicological analysis.
• Government Actions:
  • Union Government:
    • The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) has set up a team to conduct an independent investigation into the deaths.
  • Madhya Pradesh Government:
    • Constituted a five-member State-level inquiry committee, headed by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF, Wildlife).
    • Committee includes members from civil society, scientists, and veterinarians.
    • The State Tiger Strike Force (STSF) is conducting field investigations, combing surrounding areas for further clues.
  • Other Involved Authorities:
    • The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh are directly supervising the inquiry in Bandhavgarh.
    • Senior officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) have visited the site for discussions and investigation.

About Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):

• Mandate:
  • Combats organized wildlife crime through intelligence gathering and coordination with enforcement agencies.
  • Develops wildlife crime data and assists in prosecutions.
  • Provides capacity building for wildlife crime enforcement agencies.
• Operations & Initiatives:
  • Conducts operations like SAVE KURMA, THUNDERBIRD, WILDNET, and more to counter wildlife crimes.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

In News:

• A novel anti-counterfeiting ink has been developed using luminescent nanomaterials, which significantly enhances security in currency, certificates, medicines, and branded goods.
• The ink utilizes the luminescent properties of rare earth ions and bismuth, enabling excitation-dependent luminescence under different light sources, providing a robust solution to combat counterfeiting.

Key Features:

• Multi-Wavelength Luminescence:
  • The ink exhibits distinct colors when exposed to various wavelengths of light:
    • Vibrant blue under 365 nm UV light
    • Pink under 395 nm UV light
    • Orange-red under 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light
  • These varying color emissions make it difficult for counterfeiters to replicate, as traditional covert tags are visible only under UV light and can be easily duplicated.

• Enhanced Durability:
  • The ink remains effective under a wide range of conditions, including varying light, temperature, and humidity, ensuring long-term usability without degradation.
• Simple Application Method:
  • The luminescent nanomaterials are synthesized through a co-precipitation method at 120°C.
  • The resulting nanomaterials are then mixed into commercially available PVC ink using sonication, allowing for easy dispersion of nanoparticles.
  • The ink is applied using screen printing to create patterns and texts that exhibit distinct color changes under different lighting conditions.
• Security Features:
  • The ink combines rare earth ions with bismuth emissions, boosting its encryption and decryption capabilities. This creates a high level of security for applications on high-value items.

Applications:

• Currency and Certificates: Enhances the authenticity of financial instruments and official documents.
• Branded Goods: Protects products from counterfeiting and fraud.
• Medicines: Helps verify the authenticity of pharmaceutical products, preventing the distribution of fake medicines.

Benefits:

• Verification: Both consumers and manufacturers can easily verify the authenticity of products, providing an accessible solution to counterfeiting.
• Practical Solution: The ink offers a practical, reliable, and non-invasive method for detecting counterfeit products, addressing a global challenge in various industries.

In News:

• Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.
• This initiative is aimed at showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and promoting traditional historical elements among visitors to Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Significance of the Konark Sun Temple:

• Historical Background: The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century under King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in Konark, Odisha.
• Architectural Design: The temple is a colossal stone chariot with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels, symbolizing the chariot of the Sun God.
• Materials Used: Constructed using Khondalite stones, the temple features detailed carvings that depict mythology and cultural life.
• Astronomical Significance: The temple's orientation is designed to capture the first light of the sun, reflecting ancient Indian knowledge of astronomy.
• UNESCO World Heritage Status: The Konark Sun Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, recognizing its architectural and historical importance.

Symbolism of the Konark Wheel:

• Time and Progression: The Konark wheel represents time (Kalachakra), progression, and democracy. Its 24 spokes symbolize ancient Indian wisdom and the passage of time.
• Sundial Function: The wheel was historically used as a sundial in the temple, marking the passage of time and symbolizing India’s commitment to progress and resilience.
• National Emblem: The Konark wheel's design is also reflected in the Ashoka Chakra, the wheel on the national flag of India, symbolizing the nation’s resolve towards progress.

Cultural Heritage at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

• The installation of these replicas is part of a broader effort to introduce and promote traditional cultural and historical elements at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
• The Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan serve as platforms to exhibit India’s diverse artistic legacy to visitors, allowing them to experience the grandeur of ancient Indian architecture and its cultural significance.

In News:

Celebrated on 29th October 2024, marking the 9th Ayurveda Day, with the theme “Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health”.

• Global Participation: Over 150 countries participating, reflecting Ayurveda's growing global influence.
• Venue: Major events held at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

Significance of Ayurveda and its Global Outreach

• Ancient System: Ayurveda is one of the oldest healthcare systems, focusing on holistic well-being, rooted in Vedic traditions, and dating back over 5,000 years.
• Global Recognition: Recognized in 24 countries and Ayurveda products exported to over 100 countries.
• International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts through forums like BRICS, SCO, BIMSTEC, and WHO to integrate Ayurveda into global health policies.

Role of Dhanvantri in Ayurveda Day

• Dhanvantari Jayanti: Ayurveda Day coincides with Dhanteras, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantri, considered the divine physician.
• Cultural & Religious Significance: Worshiped for promoting health and longevity, Dhanvantri symbolizes the healing powers of Ayurveda.

Innovations and Relevance of Ayurveda

• Research and Innovation: The theme emphasizes scientific advancements in Ayurveda to address global health challenges such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and geriatric care.
• Startup Ecosystem: Focus on fostering innovation through Ayurveda startups, particularly in the North Eastern states and across India.

Ayurveda’s Role in Addressing Global Health Issues

• Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): Ayurveda offers preventive and holistic treatment for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
• Mental Health: Ayurveda promotes balance in the mind, body, and spirit, with methods addressing stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): Emphasizing traditional medicinal plants and natural remedies to combat resistance to antibiotics.
• Geriatric Health: Ayurveda's role in managing aging and enhancing quality of life through rejuvenation therapies.

Focus Areas for Ayurveda Innovation

• Women’s Health: Developing Ayurvedic solutions tailored for women's health issues, including reproductive health and hormonal balance.
• Workplace Wellness: Integrating Ayurveda in workplace settings to improve mental and physical health.
• School Wellness Programs: Promoting Ayurvedic practices in schools to boost immunity and overall health of children.
• Food Innovation: Modernizing Ayurvedic dietary concepts, focusing on nutritional balance and preventive health.

Government Initiatives and Digital Transformation

• Ayush Digital Platforms: Initiatives like Ayush Grid, Ayurgyan Scheme, Ayush Research Portal, and Namaste Portal are enhancing accessibility to Ayurvedic knowledge.
• WHO Integration: Ayurveda's inclusion in the WHO ICD-11 Traditional Medicine Module facilitates global standardization and recognition.
• I Support Ayurveda Campaign: A public awareness campaign aiming to garner over 250 million votes in support of Ayurveda.

Ayurvedic Education and Research

• Research Centers: Government-supported centers like the Research Centre for Innovation in Ayurveda Biology and WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre advancing Ayurveda's global integration.
• Academic Contributions: Institutes like National Institute of Ayurveda, Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, and North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homeopathy are leading innovation and education in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Ayurveda contributes significantly to public health, with a focus on preventive care and holistic health.
• Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Ayurveda supports affordable, accessible healthcare solutions, complementing the global health agenda.

In News:

Recently, ‘Abhay’, the seventh ship in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) series was launched.

Key Details:

Project Background

• Contract Details: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata, in April 2019 for the construction of eight ASW SWC ships.
• Class of Ships: The Arnala-class ships are intended to replace the older Abhay-class ASW Corvettes currently in service with the Indian Navy.
• Purpose: These ships are designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in coastal waters and to conduct Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and mine-laying activities.

Design and Features of 'Abhay'

• Dimensions:
  • Length: 77 meters
  • Width: 10 meters
• Speed and Endurance:
  • Maximum speed: 25 knots
  • Endurance: 1800 nautical miles (NM).
• Propulsion: Waterjet-propelled, offering agility and swift response in tactical situations.
• Indigenous Content: Over 80% indigenous content, supporting India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiative in defence manufacturing.

Capabilities of the ASW SWC

• Anti-Submarine Warfare:
  • Designed to conduct subsurface surveillance and anti-submarine operations in coastal waters.
  • Equipped with advanced sonar systems, including Hull-Mounted Sonar and Low-Frequency Variable Depth Sonar for enhanced underwater surveillance.
• Armament and Equipment:
  • Torpedoes and ASW rockets for anti-submarine operations.
  • Mines for mine-laying operations.
  • Close-in Weapon System (CIWS): 30 mm for close-range defence against aerial and surface threats.
  • 12.7 mm Stabilized Remote-Control Guns for additional defensive capability.

Strategic Importance

• Coastal Defence: The ASW SWC ships enhance the Navy’s capability to defend India’s extensive coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) against submarine threats.
• Operational Role:
  • In addition to anti-submarine warfare, these ships can conduct Low-Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), which include operations against non-traditional threats.
  • Mine-laying capability to disrupt enemy naval operations.
• Advanced Detection: These ships are equipped to track both surface and underwater targets, enabling them to coordinate operations with aircraft, strengthening maritime security.

In News:

IndiaAI and Meta have announced the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, Srijan (????) at IIT Jodhpur, along with the launch of the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), for the advancement of open source artificial intelligence (AI) in India.

Key Initiatives Launched

• Center for Generative AI, Srijan (????) at IIT Jodhpur:
  • Focus on Generative AI (GenAI) research and innovation.
  • Meta’s support for ethical and responsible development of AI technologies.
  • Aim to empower researchers, students, and practitioners with the tools for responsible AI deployment.
  • Focus Areas: Open science, AI policy advisory, and indigenous AI application development.
• YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building:
  • Target: Empower 100,000 students and young developers (ages 18-30) with AI skills.
  • Core Focus: Leveraging open-source Large Language Models (LLMs) for real-world solutions.
  • Skills Development: Generative AI, open-source tools, and sector-specific AI applications (healthcare, education, agriculture, smart cities, mobility, and financial inclusion).
  • Partnership: Collaboration with AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education).

Strategic Goals and Outcomes

• Research and Innovation:
  • Strengthen India’s AI ecosystem through groundbreaking research and collaborations.
  • Focus on open-source AI and indigenous AI solutions for national challenges.
  • Empower India to lead in AI through ethical and responsible AI deployment.
• AI Talent Development:
  • Bridge the AI talent gap by training young developers in open-source AI technologies.
  • Develop AI solutions for critical sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, smart cities, and financial inclusion.
  • Program Components:
    • GenAI Resource Hub with courses, case studies, and open datasets.
    • Unleash LLM Hackathons for students to propose AI solutions for real-world challenges.
    • Support for AI startups through an Innovation Accelerator.

Sectoral Focus and Impact

• Healthcare: AI for diagnostics, personalized medicine, and healthcare delivery.
• Education: AI tools for enhancing learning outcomes and personalized education.
• Agriculture: AI solutions for precision farming, pest control, and crop management.
• Smart Cities: AI in urban planning, traffic management, and public services.
• Mobility: AI applications in transportation, logistics, and urban mobility.
• Financial Inclusion: AI in fintech, digital payments, and financial services for underserved populations.

Additional Programs and Opportunities

• AICTE Collaboration: Mobilizing technical institutions across India to build AI capabilities.
• Master Training Activation Workshops: To introduce foundational AI concepts to students.
• Mentorship and Grants: Top AI solutions from hackathons will receive mentoring, seed grants, and market support.
• Student Startups: AI Innovation Accelerator will incubate 10 student-led AI startups experimenting with open-source models.

In News:

Recently, the Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying launched the Pandemic Fund Project on "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response"in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

Launch of Pandemic Fund Project

• Objective: Strengthening animal health security in India to enhance pandemic preparedness and response.
• Funding: $25 million initiative funded by the G20 Pandemic Fund.
• Location: New Delhi, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.

Context and Importance

• Livestock Sector: Crucial for socio-economic upliftment, contributing to employment and rural development.
• Growth in Livestock Sector: Significant progress in the last 9 years through schemes like the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP).
• Key Diseases Targeted:
  • Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD): Aimed at eradication, with over 90.87 crore vaccines administered.
  • Brucellosis: Over 4.23 crore vaccines administered.

Objectives of the Pandemic Fund Project

• Enhanced Disease Surveillance: Includes genomic and environmental monitoring for early warning systems.
• Laboratory Infrastructure Development: Upgradation for better diagnosis and disease management.
• Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthening partnerships for global monitoring of zoonotic diseases.
• Integrated Monitoring System: Creation of a robust system for managing zoonotic diseases, with a focus on early detection and containment.

Documents Released for Strengthening Animal Health

• Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG):
  • Best practices for veterinary care to improve livestock health and productivity.
  • Supports national action plans, especially for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Crisis Management Plan (CMP) for Animal Diseases:
  • Framework for effective response and containment during animal disease outbreaks.
  • Ensures timely mitigation of animal disease crises.

One Health Approach

• Integration of Human, Animal, and Environmental Health: Key to preventing and managing future health crises.
• Zoonotic Risks: The project emphasizes reducing zoonotic disease transmission from animals to humans, crucial given the origins of many recent public health emergencies.

Implementation and Collaboration

• The project will be executed in collaboration with global institutions:
  • Asian Development Bank (ADB)
  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • World Bank

In News:

• Recently, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue (CDD) 2024, second edition, was held at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• Theme: "Drivers in Nation Building: Fueling Growth Through Comprehensive Security."
• Focus: Discussions on integrating national security into India's development trajectory and global strategy for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Key Objectives:

• The dialogue aimed to explore India’s strategic directions and development priorities by fostering discussions between policymakers, strategic thinkers, defence experts, and academia.
• Highlighted the link between national security and economic growth, stressing how security frameworks are vital for national progress.

Key Sessions and Discussions:

• Session 1: Social Cohesion and Inclusive Growth: Pillars of a Secure Nation:
  • Focused on internal security, social unity, and inclusive development.
  • Panelists discussed the role of community engagement, countering terrorism, and law enforcement reforms.
  • Emphasized the need for integrating social progress and addressing challenges like separatism and terrorist narratives.
  • Panelists called for evidence-based policies for equitable growth and stronger security frameworks to protect the country from internal threats.
• Session 2: Blurring Frontiers: The Convergence of Technology & Security:
  • Addressed the intersection of technology and national security.
  • Topics included AI, quantum computing, IoT, and blockchain for improving cyber resilience and data protection.
  • Panelists emphasized the need to balance technological innovation with strong security measures, particularly in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection.
• Session 3: Ground-breakers: Shaping Land Warfare, Reflections for the Indian Army:
  • Explored the integration of emerging technologies like AI, unmanned systems, and cyber warfare tools in enhancing military readiness.
  • Focused on indigenous defense technologies under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance and reducing dependency on foreign technologies.
  • Emphasized multi-domain operations and the challenges of adapting to evolving security threats, especially from advanced cyber and space warfare.

Strategic Insights:

• Economic Growth & Security: The dialogue highlighted that national security and economic growth are interlinked, with a strong military infrastructure crucial for sustaining development.
• Role of Technology: Technological advancements like AI, space technology, and cybersecurity are pivotal for enhancing India's defense capabilities and strategic posture in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.
• Inclusive Security: Emphasized social cohesion and inclusive growth as key components of national security, acknowledging that a unified society contributes significantly to national resilience.
• Global Diplomacy: India’s global leadership in multilateral forums, its stance on peacekeeping, and its role in promoting sustainable development were discussed as part of the country’s soft power strategy.

In News:

Recently, the Financial Services Secretary stated that Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have played a crucial role in fostering financial inclusion but they should refrain from any reckless lending.

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) and Financial Inclusion:

• MFIs provide small loans and financial services to low-income and marginalized groups, particularly those without access to formal banking services.
• Goal: To promote financial inclusion and empower marginalized communities, especially women, by enabling them to become self-sufficient and improve their socio-economic status.

• In India, over 168 MFIs serve around 3 crore clients across 29 states and 563 districts.
• The sector has grown significantly and is crucial for empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) to access credit and other financial services.

Concerns over Reckless Lending:

• The Financial Services Secretary, emphasized that MFIs should avoid reckless lending practices that could harm both borrowers and the sector.
• Poor underwriting and irresponsible lending could lead to unsustainable debt, especially for Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Joint Liability Groups (JLGs) with limited financial literacy.
• Key Advice: Lending practices must be responsible, careful, and should aim to empower borrowers, not exploit their limited understanding.

Government Programs Supporting MFIs:

• SHG-Bank Linkage Programme: Over 77 lakh SHGs with a total loan outstanding of ?2.6 lakh crore, benefiting around 10 crore households.
• Lakhpati Didi Yojana: Aimed at empowering women, this scheme helps transform SHG members into women entrepreneurs.

Challenges Facing Microfinance Institutions:

• Regulatory Scrutiny: Many MFIs face scrutiny for high interest rates and non-compliance with borrower assessments. The RBI has urged MFIs to reassess lending practices.
• Over-Indebtedness: Many borrowers take loans from multiple MFIs, leading to unsustainable debt. As of March 2024, over 12% of borrowers had multiple loans, risking defaults.
• Low Financial Literacy: A significant challenge is low financial literacy among borrowers, which increases the risk of defaults and harms the reputation of MFIs.

RBI Guidelines on Microfinance (2022):

• Collateral-Free Loans: For households with income up to ?3 lakh, loans should be collateral-free.
• Repayment Cap: Monthly loan repayments should not exceed 50% of the borrower’s monthly income.
• Flexibility in Repayment: MFIs must offer flexible repayment options and ensure proper income assessment.
• Interest Rate Cap: The RBI has implemented guidelines to limit excessive interest rates charged by MFIs.

Government Schemes for Microfinance:

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): Provides financial assistance to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises.
• National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM): Promotes rural livelihoods through the formation and capacity building of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana: Focuses on the empowerment of rural poor through skill development and income generation.
• Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): Provides guarantee cover to micro and small enterprises.

Way Forward for Microfinance Sector:

• Responsible Lending: MFIs must prioritize affordable lending practices, ensuring borrower’s repayment capacity is carefully assessed to avoid over-indebtedness.
• Enhancing Financial Literacy: MFIs should focus on financial education for borrowers, enabling them to make informed choices.
• Adherence to Regulatory Guidelines: MFIs should comply strictly with RBI regulations, including interest rate caps and borrower income assessments, to enhance sector transparency and trust.
• Malegam Committee Recommendations: Implementing suggestions like capping interest rates, tracking multiple loans, and improving transparency to prevent over-indebtedness.
• Diversifying Funding Sources: To reduce vulnerability to economic downturns, MFIs should work on diversifying their funding sources, reducing dependence on external capital.

In News:

• Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has been globally recognized as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform, acknowledged by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
• Mormugao is India's first port to implement Green Ship Incentives through the ESI, contributing to global efforts to reduce maritime air emissions.

 ‘Harit Shrey’ Scheme:

• Launched in October 2023, the ‘Harit Shrey’ scheme provides discounts on port fees based on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores of commercial vessels.
• Ships with higher ESI scores (indicating better environmental performance) are rewarded with incentives to encourage eco-friendly practices in shipping.

ESI and Global Efforts for Emission Reduction:

• The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is a global system to evaluate and reward ships based on their environmental performance, particularly their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).
• The 2023 IMO greenhouse gas strategy aims to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030.

Incentives and Benefits:

• The Harit Shrey scheme has already benefitted several vessels, promoting greenhouse gas emission reductions and contributing to sustainable maritime operations.
• The scheme aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint of shipping operations.

Sustainability Recognition:

• The Mormugao Port Authority has submitted the Harit Shrey scheme for consideration in the IAPH Sustainability Awards under the World Port Sustainability Programme (WPSP), reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

• ESI is a system that evaluates and rewards ships for better environmental performance than the standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Ships are assessed based on their emissions of NOx and SOx, with greenhouse gas reporting also included in the evaluation.

Main Features of ESI:

• Port-Centric: Developed as a port-to-port system, where ports can offer incentives based on the ESI score.
• Voluntary Participation: Shipowners participate voluntarily to demonstrate their vessels' environmental performance.
• Automated Calculation: The ESI score is automatically calculated and updated.
• Incentives: Ships with higher ESI scores may receive benefits such as reduced port fees and priority berthing.

In News:

Recently, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW) organised a National Workshop on the SATHI (Seed Authentication, Traceability, and Holistic Inventory) Portal in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

Purpose & Focus

• SATHI Portal: Focuses on Seed Authentication, Traceability, and Holistic Inventory to enhance seed certification, improve seed traceability, and streamline the seed supply chain.
• Primary Objective: Ensure availability of high-quality seeds to farmers through a transparent and efficient seed management system.

Key Features of the SATHI Portal

• Seed Certification: Aims to streamline seed certification processes across states for faster and more accurate seed certifications.
• Seed Traceability: Enhances transparency and traceability of seeds to ensure quality and authenticity.
• Inventory Management: The portal facilitates seed inventory management, helping farmers and stakeholders access reliable and transparent seed information.
• Technological Integration: Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), the portal incorporates technology-driven solutions to minimize transactional time for registrations, approvals, and certifications.

Phase-II Rollout

• Focus on seed inventory management, with the objective of offering farmers reliable access to certified seed varieties.
• It aims to integrate state-specific seed processes into the national framework for greater standardization and efficiency.

Workshops & Technical Sessions

• NIC and ICAR Presentations: Covered the core components of the SATHI Portal, including:
  • Seed Law Enforcement
  • DNA Fingerprinting for ensuring seed authenticity.
  • Seed Laboratory Processes to uphold quality control.
• Review of Phase-I: Discussions on achievements of Phase-I, focusing on improvements in seed certification processes across states.
• State Experiences: 10 state representatives shared insights on their experiences with the portal, discussing both benefits and challenges in the implementation phase.

Role of NIC & Technology

• The National Informatics Centre (NIC) is the technology partner behind the SATHI Portal, which is designed to enhance the efficiency of seed certification and inventory management.
• The portal contributes to larger digital initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and Unified Farmer Service Platform (UFSP), which aim to support agricultural development through technology.

In News:

With a vision of "Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas", the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

• Objective of PM-YASASVI:
  • The scheme aims to provide financial support and educational opportunities to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT).
  • The goal is to help these students overcome financial barriers and pursue quality education, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

• Consolidation of Earlier Schemes:
  • PM-YASASVI integrates multiple previous scholarship schemes:
  • Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBCs.
  • Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for DNTs.
  • This consolidation aims to streamline the process and increase the impact on vulnerable groups.

• Key Components of the Scheme:
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: For students in Class 9-10 with annual family income below ?2.5 lakh. Provides ?4,000 annually.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: For students pursuing higher education, with academic allowances ranging from ?5,000 to ?20,000 based on course type.
  • Top Class School Education: For meritorious students, offering ?1.25 lakh annually for students from OBC, EBC, and DNT categories in Classes 9-12.
  • Top Class College Education: Covers tuition, living expenses, and educational materials for students in top institutions.
  • Construction of Hostels for OBC Boys and Girls: Provides hostel facilities to socially and educationally backward students near government institutions.

• Scope and Financial Allocation (2023-24):
  • Pre-Matric Scholarship: ?32.44 crore allocated to states and UTs for the year 2023-24, benefiting 19.86 lakh students.
  • Post-Matric Scholarship: ?387.27 crore allocated for the year, benefiting 27.97 lakh students.
  • Top Class School Education: ?6.55 crore for 2,602 students.
  • Top Class College Education: ?111.18 crore for 4,762 students.
  • Hostel Construction: ?14.30 crore allocated for the construction of hostels, accommodating 1,146 students.

• Key Benefits:
  • Financial Assistance: Reduces the financial burden on students from marginalized communities, enabling them to continue their education without financial stress.
  • Inclusive Education: Supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that they can access quality education from school through to higher education.
  • Promotion of Merit: Focuses on meritorious students, ensuring that academic excellence is supported at all levels, from school to top-class institutions.

• Selection Process:

• The YASASVI Entrance Test (YET) is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidate selection under the scheme.
• Eligible students must appear for this test, and the results determine scholarship awards.

• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The scheme is open to OBC, EBC, and DNT students with a family income not exceeding ?2.5 lakh annually.
  • Additional specific eligibility criteria may apply for different scholarships under the scheme.

• Application Process:
  • Interested students can apply for scholarships via the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in), which is the official platform for application submission.

In News:

• The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) launched the third phase of the Amazon Future Engineer Program in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
• Schools involved are spread across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Tripura.

Program Focus Areas:

• Emerging Technologies: The third phase introduces tribal students to key areas like:
  • Blockchain technology
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Coding and block programming
• The program is designed to equip students with skills in computer science fundamentals.

Teacher Training:

• A four-day in-person training workshop for teachers was conducted to empower them with the skills necessary to teach emerging technologies effectively.
• Teachers also participated in the EMRS Coders Expo, showcasing top student coding projects from the previous academic year.

Target Audience:

• Students: The program targets students from grades 6 to 9. Class 10 students will participate in project-based virtual sessions aligned with the CBSE AI Skills Curriculum.
• The goal is to enhance students' understanding of computer science and technology and prepare them for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) careers.

Program Expansion:

• Future Plans: The program will be rolled out in the next phase to cover a total of 410 EMRSs across India.
• Impact: Over 7,000 students in grades 6 to 8 have already benefited from the program’s introduction to computer science and block programming.

Key Goals of the Program:

• Empower Tribal Students: Provide tribal students with modern technological skills to prepare them for future STEM careers.
• Capacity Building: Equip both teachers and students with the knowledge and skills to engage with emerging technologies.
• Fostering Technological Literacy: The initiative aims to foster technological literacy and modernize education in tribal areas.

Recognition:

• During the event, Top 3 Student Coding Projects were felicitated for their creativity and innovation.
• The Top 3 IT Teachers were also recognized for their dedication in guiding students through the program.

Partnership with Amazon:

• The program is a collaboration between NESTS and Amazon, showcasing a joint effort to improve educational access and technological skill development among tribal students.