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July 16th, 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
National Bamboo Mission
Context
- The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) has been launched.
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Major objectives of the Mission
- To increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest Government and private lands to supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate change as well as availability of quality raw material for industries.
- To improve post-harvest management through establishment of innovative primary processing units near the source of production, primary treatment and seasoning plants, preservation technologies and market infrastructure.
- To promote product development keeping in view market demand, by assisting R&D, entrepreneurship & business models at micro, small and medium levels and feed bigger industry.
- To rejuvenate the under developed bamboo industry in India.
- To promote skill development, capacity building, awareness generation for development of bamboo sector from production to market demand.
- To re-align efforts so as to reduce dependency on import of bamboo and bamboo products by way of improved productivity and suitability of domestic raw material for industry, so as to enhance income of the primary producers.
Setting up of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
Context
Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, is promoting Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by mobilizing the farmers and helping them in registering as companies.
What is a “Farmers Producer Organisation” (FPO)?
It is one type of Producer Organisation (PO) where the members are farmers. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is providing support for promotion of FPOs. PO is a generic name for an organization of producers of any produce, e.g., agricultural, non-farm products, artisan products, etc.
What is the need for PO?
- The main aim of PO is to ensure better income for the producers through an organization of their own.
- Small producers do not have the volume individually (both inputs and produce) to get the benefit of economies of scale.
- Besides, in agricultural marketing, there is a long chain of intermediaries who very often work non-transparently leading to the situation where the producer receives only a small part of the value that the ultimate consumer pays.
What are the essential features of a PO?
- It is formed by a group of producers for either farm or non-farm activities.
- It is a registered body and a legal entity.
- Producers are shareholders in the organization.
- It deals with business activities related to the primary produce/product.
- It works for the benefit of the member producers.
- A part of the profit is shared amongst the producers.
- Rest of the surplus is added to its owned funds for business expansion
Formation of National Rural Bank
Context
- The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance in its Report recommended that Government may consider the setting up of an apex body viz. National Rural Bank of India.
Background
- The proposal for consolidating the RRBs under a National Rural Bank or NABARD has not been favoured so far for various reasons.
- Sponsor Banks were supportive of the proposal but most of the States favoured state level amalgamation without any additional financial support.”
Steps taken by the Government to strengthen the RRBs
- Government had initiated the process of structural consolidation of RRBs in 2004-05 by amalgamating RRBs of the same Sponsor Bank within a State. The amalgamation process brought down the number of RRBs from 196 to 82.
- Recapitalization support is provided to RRBs to augment their capital so as to comply with regulatory capital requirements.
- Periodic review of financial performance of RRBs, including business diversifications, profit planning, revenue management and NPA management through conduct of national level meetings by NABARD.
- Regular Capacity building efforts are undertaken by NABARD like training at Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), conduct of Organizational Development Initiative (ODI), exposure visits, etc.
- NABARD provides regular policy support to RRBs in matters relating to human resources and an arrangement has been made for redressal of grievances through Joint Consultative Committee (JCC).
Eradicating TB by 2025
Context
The Ministry has developed the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Tuberculosis (2017-2025) with the goal of ending TB by 2025.
key focus areas:
- Early diagnosis of all the TB patients, prompt treatment with quality assured drugs and treatment regimens along with suitable patient support systems to promote adherence.
- Engaging with the patients seeking care in the private sector.
- Prevention strategies including active case finding and contact tracing in high risk / vulnerable population
- Airborne infection control.
- Multi-sectoral response for addressing social determinants.
Arjuna Awards to Smriti Mandhana and Rohan Bopanna
Context
Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs & Sports today gave Arjuna Awards to Ms. Smriti Mandhana (Cricket) and Shri Rohan Bopanna (Tennis)
Arjuna Awards
- The Arjuna Awards are given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in sports.
- As per the revised guidelines, to be eligible for the award, a sportsperson should
- Should have had good performance consistently for the previous four years at the international level with excellence for the year for which the award is recommended,
- Also have shown qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
Status of Citizenship Amendment Bill
Background
- The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2016 was introduced in Lok Sabha in 2016. It was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The Committee submitted its report to Parliament.
- The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was taken into consideration and passed by Lok Sabha
- It was pending for consideration and passing by the Rajya Sabha. Consequent to dissolution of 16th Lok Sabha, this Bill has lapsed.
Objective of the amendment
- The basic object of The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was to facilitate grant of Indian citizenship to members of six minority communities who migrated from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh without valid travel documents or the validity of whose documents had expired.
- The Citizenship Act, 1955 treats such persons as “illegal migrants” and disentitles them from applying for Indian citizenship.
Related Links:
| Citizenship | National Register of Citizens |
| Interesting Facts about Padma Awards | NABARD |
June 16th, 2019 PIB:-Download PDF Here
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