22 November 2019: PIB Summary & Analysis

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November 22nd, 2019 PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Zero Budget Natural Farming
2. Adoption of Integrated Organic Farming System by States
3. Use of Modern Technology for Assessing Damage to Crops
4. Kalaburagi Airport Inaugurated Under UDAN / RCS
5. Certifying Agency for Organic Foodgrains
6. Operation Greens
7. Various Initiatives undertaken by Government for mitigation of Air Pollution
8. Studies on Impact of Climate Change
9. Population Control
10. Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
11. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
12. World Diabetes Day
13. Child Health Programme under NHM
14. World Mental Health Day
15. Steps taken by Indian Railways to avoid incidents of derailment of trains
16. Adarsh Railway Stations
17. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
18. Samarth (Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector)
19. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)
20. Poshan Abhiyaan
21. One Stop Centre Scheme
22. Mahila Sashaktikaran Scheme

Zero Budget Natural Farming

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) is a farming practice that believes in natural growth of crops without adding any fertilizers and pesticides or any other foreign elements.
• The word Zero Budget refers to the zero net cost of production of all crops (inter crops, border crops, multi crops).

The topic has been covered in 23^rd July PIB Summary and Analysis. Click here to read. 

Adoption of Integrated Organic Farming System by States

What’s in News?

The ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram has developed One acre Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) models under the scheme All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF).

• One acre Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) model is one of the research programmes of the ICAR.
• IoFS models suitable for marginal farmers have been established in Kerala, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tamil Nadu which provides scope to generate more than 80 % of inputs required for organic farming within the farm, thus reducing the cost of production.

All India Network Programme on Organic Farming (AI-NPOF):

 Under this programme, management package involving reduced application of nutrients through manures with innovative practices are being evaluated at different locations which also includes use of bio fertilizers.

Use of Modern Technology for Assessing Damage to Crops

What’s in News?

• The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, had carried out pilot studies for Optimization of Crop Cutting Experiments (CCEs) in various States involving 8 agencies/ organizations under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
• Based on the Pilot Study Reports, it was found that there is possibility of 30-70% reduction of CCEs (based on the crop and geographical region).

Read more about Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

Kalaburagi Airport Inaugurated Under UDAN / RCS

What’s in News?

• The first flight from Kalaburagi Airport to Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru took off after the inauguration of Kalaburagi airport.
• The airport has been built under the UDAN-RCS Scheme of Govt. of India.

Details:

• So far, 230 routes and 42 airports have been operationalized under UDAN.
• UDAN will connect all States and UTs of the country with around 700 routes, laying the foundation of a new regional segment in India’s aviation market.

Read more about UDAN – Regional Connectivity Scheme

Certifying Agency for Organic Foodgrains

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is the food regulator in the country and is responsible for regulating organic food in domestic market and imports.
• FSSAI has notified domestic standards for organic products recognizing National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS) or any other equivalent procedure as pre-requisite for qualifying the organic food claim in domestic market.

FSSAI has notified Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017 in the Gazette of India on 29.12.2017.

• These Regulations require organic food to comply with the provisions of any one of the existing certification systems – National Programme for Organic Production under Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) or Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• Organic foods are required to comply with the requirements of labelling of FSSAI in addition to that of NPOP or PGS-India.
• Therefore, a proper system is in place to regulate the organic foods in the country.

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India:

• FSSAI or the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, is a sovereign body established by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. This act is an amalgamation of the food regulations and safety rules of India.
• It is responsible for the promotion and protection of the public’s health through careful and systematic supervision of the food safety and regulations.
• It is also responsible for formulating science-backed standards of food products and maintaining a check on the production, storage, and distribution of food products to ensure the public has access to nutritious, wholesome and safe food.
• It is mandatory to obtain the license issued by FSSAI for the individuals who would or want to be involved in the food business operations. This license is an assurance of the quality and safety of marketed or sold food products to the public.

Operation Greens

• In the budget speech of 2018-19, a new Scheme “Operation Greens” was announced on the line of “Operation Flood”, with an outlay of Rs.500 crore.
• The scheme was launched to promote Farmer Producers Organizations, agri-logistics, processing facilities and professional management.
• Operation Greens seeks to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.
• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has launched the scheme.
• NAFED will be the Nodal Agency to implement price stabilisation measures.

Various Initiatives undertaken by Government for mitigation of Air Pollution

Government is taking all efforts for the mitigation of air pollution in the country. Central Government has taken a number of regulatory measures for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution in the country.

Action Plans for Improvement of Air Quality

1. The Central Government has launched National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) under the Central Sector “Control of Pollution” Scheme as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner with targets to achieve 20 % to 30 % reduction in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
2. The Central Government has notified a Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) in 2018 identifying timelines and implementing agencies for actions identified for prevention, control and mitigation of air pollution in Delhi and NCR.
3. Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) was notified in 2017, for prevention,    control and abatement of air pollution in Delhi and NCR. It identifies graded measures and implementing agencies for response to four AQI categories, namely, Moderate to Poor, Very Poor, Severe and Severe + or Emergency.

Other initiatives:

• SAMEER app has been launched wherein air quality information is available to public along with provision for registering complaints against air polluting activities.
• Air quality information collection and dissemination are done from a centralized location. It provides real time air quality status to all stakeholders.
• A dedicated media corner, Twitter and Facebook accounts have been created for access to air quality related information and to provide a platform for lodging complaints by general population.
• Crowd sourcing of innovative ideas/ suggestions/proposals from public is done through CPCB website to strengthen efforts for improving air quality in Delhi-NCR.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is implementing Environment Education, Awareness and Training Scheme with the objective to promote environmental awareness among all sections of the society and to mobilize people’s participation for conservation of environment.
• Under the National Green Corps (NGC) programme of the Ministry, about one lakh schools have been identified as Eco-clubs, wherein, nearly thirty lakh students are actively participating in various environment protection and conservation activities, including the issues related to the air pollution.
• Ministry is promoting peoples participation and awareness building among citizens for environmental conservation that focus on promotion of cycling, saving water and electricity, growing trees, proper maintenance of vehicles, following of lane discipline and reducing congestion on roads by carpooling etc.

Studies on Impact of Climate Change

Climate change is a global challenge and requires efforts by all nations based on the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities. Government of India is committed towards combating climate change at the highest level through its several programs and schemes.

Initiatives by the Government:

• The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NRCMP) is under implementation in eight coastal states to mitigate the sufferings of the coastal community. Cyclone shelters and early warning system created under this project proved to be of great help during cyclones ‘Phailin’ in 2013, ‘Hud-Hud’ in 2014, ‘Titli’ in 2018 and cyclone ‘Fani’ in 2019.
• Under National Monsoon Mission, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has set up state of the art dynamical prediction systems for short, medium & extended range forecasts and seasonal forecasts. This has helped to upgrade early warning system so that advance warning is available with concerned agencies to prepare themselves for mitigating adverse impacts of extreme weather events.
• The Government is implementing National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) which comprises eight missions in specific areas of solar energy, energy efficiency, water, agriculture, Himalayan ecosystem, sustainable habitat, green India and strategic knowledge on climate change. NAPCC provides an overarching framework for all climate actions.
• Under the Paris Agreement, India has submitted Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) with target to reduce the emissions intensity of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 33 to 35 % by 2030 from 2005 level, to achieve about 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030, and to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030.
• The Government is also implementing the scheme, ‘National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change’ to support adaptation measures of States/UTs in areas that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Population Control

The Government is taking several steps to sensitize people and generate awareness of the need for population control.  Some of the important initiatives are as follows:

(i) 360 degree media campaign–  The first phase of the campaign was launched in 2016 and the present second phase comprising TV Commercials, posters and hoardings, year-long Radio show, and a dedicated website on Family Planning was launched in 2017.

(ii) World Population Day & fortnight as well as Vasectomy Fortnight are observed every year to boost awareness.

(iii) Promotional activities like Saas bahu sammelans, Nayi Pehel Kits, Mobile publicity vans, and advocacy meetings are undertaken to increase awareness in high fertility Mission Parivar Vikas districts.

 The Government is implementing various schemes for improving access to quality family planning services, details of which are given below:

• The Government has launched Mission Parivar Vikas for substantially increasing access to contraceptives and family planning services in146 high fertility districts with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of 3 and above in seven high focus states.
• New contraceptives viz. Injectable contraceptive and Centchroman have been added to the existing basket of choices.
• A new method of IUCD insertion immediately after delivery i.e. post-partum IUCD (PPIUCD) has been introduced.
• Compensation scheme for sterilization acceptors – Under the scheme MoHFW provides compensation for loss of wages to the beneficiary and also to the service provider (& team) for conducting sterilizations.
• Scheme for ASHAs to Ensure spacing in births.
• Family Planning Logistic Management and Information System (FP-LMIS): dedicated software to ensure smooth forecasting, procurement and distribution of family planning commodities across all the levels of health facilities.

Achievements:

• The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has declined to 2.2 (SRS 2017).
• The Crude Birth Rate has declined from 23.8 to 20.2 from 2005 to 2017 (SRS).
• The Teenage birth rate has halved from 16% (NFHS III) to 8% (NFHS IV).

Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)

• Launched in September 2018, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) scheme remains one of India’s most ambitious health schemes ever.
• It was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage.
• It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme having central sector component under Ayushman Bharat Mission anchored in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
• It is an umbrella of two major health initiatives, namely Health and wellness Centres and National Health Protection Scheme.
• 5 lakh existing sub-centers will bring health care system closer to the homes of people in the form of Health and wellness centres. These centres will provide comprehensive health care, including for non-communicable diseases and maternal and child health services.
• The government aims to provide a health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to 500 million Indians free of cost. This includes families from lower-income groups that fall under the socio-economic caste census (SECC) data of 2011.
• States can implement PMJAY either through the insurance route or the trust route or both.
• The states implementing the scheme through the insurance mode select the insurance companies through an open tender process.
• The states implementing the scheme through the trust mode may engage Third-Party Administrators (TPAs) and Implement Support Agencies (ISAs) through an open tender process for implementing the scheme.

Read more about Ayushman Bharat Scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) was announced in 2003 and was approved in 2006.
• PMSSY is a programme aimed at correcting the imbalances in the availability of affordable healthcare facilities in the different parts of the country in general, and augmenting facilities for quality medical education in the under-served States in particular.

World Diabetes Day

What’s in News?

• World Diabetes Day is observed on 14^thNovember of each year.
• This is observed by various Governmental institutions, academic and professional organizations.
• India aims to halt rise in prevalence of diabetes by 2025.

This topic has been covered in detail in 14^th November Comprehensive News Analysis. Click here to read.

Child Health Programme under NHM

Government of India is implementing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent health and Nutrition (RMNCHAN) strategy to improve maternal and Child health outcome under National Health Mission (NHM).

The various interventions under RMNCHA+N strategy are as below:

• Promotion of Institutional deliveries through cash incentive under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakaram (JSSK) which entitles all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions to absolutely free delivery including Caesarean section, post-natal care and treatment of sick infants till one year of age.
• Pradhan Matritvya Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) is another maternity benefit programme under which cash incentive of Rs. 5000 is provided to pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for first six months and appropriate Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices are promoted under Mothers’ Absolute Affection (MAA) in convergence with Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Days (VHSNDs) are observed for provision of maternal and child health services and creating awareness on maternal and child care.
• Nutrition Rehabilitation Centres (NRCs) have been set up at public health facilities to treat and manage the children with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) admitted with medical complications.
• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) is being supported to provide vaccination to children against life threatening diseases such as Tuberculosis, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rubella, Pneumonia and Meningitis caused by Haemophilus Influenzae B. The Rotavirus vaccination has also been rolled out in the country for prevention of Rotaviral diarrhoea. “Mission Indradhanush is targeted to immunize children who are either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated i.e. those that have not been covered during the rounds of routine immunization for various reasons. Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 2.0 is being planned as per road-map for achieving 90% full immunization coverage across the country.
• All the children from 0 to 18 years of age are screened for 30 health conditions classified into 4Ds – Diseases, Deficiencies, Defects and Developmental delay under “Rastriya Bal Swasthya Karyakaram” (RBSK).
• National Deworming Day (NDD) is implemented biannually every year for deworming of children (one to nineteen year of age).
• Name based tracking of mothers and children till two years of age is done through RCH portal to ensure complete antenatal, intranatal, postnatal care and immunization as per schedule.
• Capacity building of health care providers is regularly done to build and upgrade the skills in basic and comprehensive obstetric care of mother during pregnancy, delivery and for essential new-born care.

 Besides above programme and scheme, few newer initiatives started under RMNCHA+N are as follows:

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has been launched to provide fixed-day assured, comprehensive and quality antenatal care universally to all pregnant women on the 9th of every month.
• “LaQshya” programme aims to improve the quality of care in Labour room and Maternity operation theatres.
• Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) initiative is focussed on assured delivery of maternal and newborn health care services encompassing wider access to quality care services, at no cost, zero tolerance for denial of services, assured management of complications along with respect for women’s autonomy and dignity.
• Defeat Diarrhoea (D2) initiative has been launched for promoting ORS and Zinc use and eliminating the diarrhoeal deaths by 2025.
• Social Awareness and Actions to Neutralize Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) initiative is launched for reduction of Childhood morbidity and mortality due to Pneumonia.
• Anaemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy is a part of Poshan Abhiyan that aims to strengthen the existing mechanisms and foster newer strategies to tackle anaemia, which include testing & treatment of anaemia in school going adolescents & pregnant women, addressing non-nutritional causes of anaemia and a comprehensive communication strategy.

World Mental Health Day

What’s in News?

The World Mental Health Day (WMHD) is observed on 10^th October of each year. The day is observed with the objective to mobilize efforts in support of mental health and to raise awareness about mental health issues and advocate against the social stigma that surrounds mental health. The World Mental Health Day, 2019 was observed with the theme of “Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention”.

Details:

• As per the National Mental Health Survey, 2016, the prevalence of mental disorders in teenagers aged 13-17 years was 7.3% and nearly 9.8 million in this age group needed active interventions.
• To address the burden of mental disorders, the Government is implementing the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) in the country since 1982.
• The Government is supporting implementation of the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) under NMHP for early detection, management and treatment of mental disorders/illnesses.
• With the objective to address the shortage of qualified mental health professionals in the country, the Government is implementing Manpower Development Schemes for establishment of Centres of Excellence and strengthening/ establishment of Post Graduate (PG) Departments in mental health specialties.
• Tertiary level mental healthcare facilities are provided through dedicated Mental Health Institutions as well as Medical Colleges run by Central and State Governments.
• The Government has also enacted the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017. The Act aims at protection and promotion of the rights of persons with mental illness during the delivery of health care in institutions and in the community.

Steps taken by Indian Railways to avoid incidents of derailment of trains

The following steps have been taken to avoid incidents of derailments and to improve safety of railway tracks:

• During 2018-19, 4181 km track renewal had been carried out.
• Cold weather patrolling of the railway tracks is done during the coldest part of the night in cold months of the year to look out for weld/rail fractures for ensuring safety.
• Ultrasonic Flaw Detection (USFD) testing of rails to detect flaws and timely removal of defective rails. USFD Vehicular testing system has been introduced and implemented successfully on Northern Railway.
• GPS trackers are being provided to keyman and patrolmen to monitor their movement and to report any unsafe condition noticed by them instantaneously.
• Mechanization of track maintenance is being carried out to reduce human errors.
• Track management system has been introduced on Indian Railways for development of database and decision support system and to decide/rationalize maintenance requirement and optimize inputs.
• Safety drives and inspections at regular intervals are carried out to monitor and educate staff for observance of safe practices.

Adarsh Railway Stations

• ‘Adarsh’ Station Scheme has been started since 2009-10 and presently, upgradation of Railway stations is being carried out under ‘Adarsh Station Scheme’.
• The Adarsh station scheme of Ministry of Railways aims to upgrade the suburban stations of India to Adarsh stations.

Adarsh stations will be beautified and upgraded with modern facilities like:

• Improvement of facade of the station building.
• Duly streamlining traffic flow
• Improvement of platform surface
• Improvement of existing waiting halls and retiring rooms
• Toilet facilities
• Provision of foot overbridges
• Provision of lifts and escalators etc.

The Upgradation process will be monitored by the Indian Government and Indian Railways.

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)

• This is the flagship scheme for skill training of youth to be implemented by the new Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
• The scheme will cover 10 million youth during the period 2016 -2020.
• Under this Scheme, Training and Assessment fees are completely paid by the Government.
• Skill training would be done based on the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) and industry led standards.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) skilling is being imparted through Short Term Training (STT) courses and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
• STT is being imparted to either school/college dropouts or unemployed youth at accredited and affiliated Training Centres (TCs). Upon successful completion of their assessment, candidates are being offered / provided with placement assistance by Training Providers (TPs).
• Under RPL, individuals with prior learning experience or skills are being assessed and certified.
• It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

Samarth (Scheme For Capacity Building In Textile Sector)

• Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS)/ SAMARTH Scheme of the Ministry of Textiles is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in the textile sector for the entire value chain of textile except Spinning and Weaving in the organized sector.

The skilling programmes are being implemented through following Implementing Agencies:

• Textile Industry
• Institutions/Organization of the Ministry of Textile/State Governments having training infrastructure and placement tie-ups with textile industry.
• Reputed training institutions/ NGOs/ Societies/ Trusts/ Organizations/ Companies /Start Ups / Entrepreneurs active in textile sector having placement tie-ups with textile industry.

Funding is granted to the Training agencies to cover the complete training and certification cost of the trainees, as per the scheme norms.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  (PMMVY) is a Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in all the districts of the country in accordance with the provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013.
• It is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• It is a conditional cash transfer schemefor pregnant and lactating women of 19 years of age or above for the first live birth, transferred upon meeting certain conditions including early registration of pregnancy, having at least one ante-natal check-up and registration of childbirth.
• It is aimed at providing partial compensation for the wage loss in terms of cash incentives so that the woman can take adequate rest before and after delivery of the first living child.
• The cash incentive provided would lead to improved health-seeking behaviour amongst Pregnant Women and Lactating Mothers (PW& LM).

Poshan Abhiyaan

• POSHAN Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
• It ensures convergence with various programmes i.e., Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) of MWCD, Public Distribution System (PDS), Department Food & Public Distribution, National Health Mission (NHM), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), Swachh-Bharat Mission, and Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation.

Read more about POSHAN Abhiyaan.

One Stop Centre Scheme

• One Stop Centre Scheme is a sub-scheme of the National Mission for Empowerment of Women which also includes the Indira Gandhi Matritva Sahayog Yojana.
• The scheme is funded by the Nirbhaya fund.
• Under this scheme, complete financial assistance will be provided by the Centre to the States and the Union territories.

Read more about One Stop Centre Scheme

Mahila Sashaktikaran Scheme

• Mahila Shakti Kendra (MSK) Scheme was approved in 2017 as a centrally sponsored scheme, to empower rural women through community participation.
• It was launched under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
• The scheme aims to empower rural women through community participation and to create an environment in which they realize their full potential.
• Under the Scheme, Capacity Building of Women Collectives is envisaged in not more than 50% of the MSK blocks in 115 aspirational districts to address the livelihood needs of the women particularly those in remote/vulnerable areas where women are not in a position to move out from their immediate surroundings for formal skill training.
• This component is to be implemented in collaboration of NGO’s/ Cooperative Societies/ Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

Read more about Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme (PMMSK)

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