MoU signed for boost International Year of Millets 2023

Paper 3 –Agriculture

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Consider the possibilities of millet as a super food in improving the nutrition of the economically weaker sections in the semi-arid tropics of Asia and Africa.

Why Should You Know?

Recently Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and NAFED signed a MoU to boost International Year of Millets (IYOM)-2023

In details –

• A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited in New Delhi On 4 october, 2022 to boost the initiative of the International Year of Millets 2023.
• Both organizations will work together for the promotion and marketing of millet-based products, keeping in view the initiative of “International Year of Millets (IYOM)-2023” proposed by the Government of India to the United Nations, which is to be celebrated across the world.
• As India is gearing up to bring millet back on the global map, they will build support and organize, promote, market, and forge effective market linkages for millet-based products to maximize the value capture and millet-based commodities across the country.

Areas of cooperation

DA&FW and NAFED will collaborate in key areas like

• facilitating advisory support to manufacturers/processors of millet-based products to develop value-added millet-based commodities;
• on-boarding of start-ups, inclusive of start-ups empanelled with Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR);
• formation of FPOs specifically for developing a range of millet-based products;
• promote and market millet-based products through the network of NAFED Bazaar Stores and other institutions linked with NAFED as well as installation of Millet based Vending Machines at various locations across Delhi-NCR; and
• dispensing millet-based products that shall assist in establishing the focus on millet-based commodities.

Background

• The United Nations General Assembly has declared the year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. This was adopted by a United Nations Resolution for which India took the lead and was supported by over 70 nations. 
• This will help to create awareness throughout the world of the importance of millets, its role in  sustainable agriculture, and its benefits as a smart and super food. 
• India is poised to become the global hub for millets  with a production of  more than 170 lakh tonnes and producing more  than 80 % of the millets produced in Asia.
• Earliest evidence for these grains have been found in Indus civilization and were one of the first plants domesticated for food.
• It is grown in about 131 countries and is the traditional food for around60 crore people in Asia & Africa.

What are Millets?

• Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.
• Millets are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa (especially in India, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger), with 97% of millet production in developing countries.
• This crop is favored due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperature conditions.
• Nutritious cereals include bajra, jowar, ragi/manduva, kangni, kodo, kutki, chena, sawan, browntop millet, teff millet, phonio millet etc.
• Millets are indigenous to many parts of the world.The most widely grown millets are sorghum and pearl millets, which are important crops in India and parts of Africa.Finger millet, proso millet, and foxtail millet are also important crop species.

Quality Council of India (QCI)

Paper 3 – Infrastructure

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Describing the historical achievements of Quality Council of India, tell about the relevance of quality to self-reliant campaign?

Why Should You Know?

On 6 October, 2022 the Quality Council of India is going to celebrate its silver jubilee.

In details

• The Quality Council of India is set to celebrate its Silver Jubilee tomorrow at the Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi with a special event intended to share India’s journey of growth, accelerated by the enhancement of quality. Stalwarts in policymaking, governance, and quality will come together on one platform to applaud and celebrate India’s tryst with excellence, rooted in quality and consistency.
• Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles will be the Chief Guest at the event.
• The event will comprise of panel discussions on the quality ecosystem being an enabler for ‘Make in India’, achieving India’s growth vision for 2047 through speed, scale, digitalization & quality, and discussion on the ‘Heal in India-Heal by India’ initiative.
• Excellent contributors to India’s quality ecosystem will also be recognized through several awards instituted by QCI with its partners.

About Quality Council of India

• Quality Council of India was set up in 1997, jointly by the Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations i.e. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), with Mr Ratan Tata as its first Chairman.
• QCI thus, came to be organized as an independent autonomous body that worked towards assuring quality standards across all spheres of economic and social activities.
• The Council is independent and works under the directions of its Governing Body (GB) having equal representation of government, industry and industry associations. It does not get funded by the government and is a self-sustaining non-profit organization with its own Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Rules.
• Since its establishment, QCI has played a pivotal role in India’s economic growth.
• Over the past 25 years, QCI has created various boards viz- NABL, NABH, NABCB, NABET and NBQP to take over the functions of accreditation and quality promotion.
• As per the mandate given to it by the government, QCI started venturing out into the global scenario and established memberships with forums and organisations that decided about how the business and trade was to be conducted in a globalised environment.
• QCI and NABL became members of IAF and ILAC respectively and subsequently to the regional bodies like APAC and APLAC. This ensured global equivalence of outcomes of quality assurance related economic activities in India.

Significance

• The real growth in the third-party assessment across schemes promulgated by the government came after the year 2015, when government increasingly started relying on organisations like QCI to provide a layer of independent feedback without any fear or favour through organisations accredited under the ambit of QCI.
• Many government departments have now created regulations which provide for testing, inspection, and certification to be done by NABL and NABCB accredited organisations.
• This has been a major shift in the policy of country where third party agencies are given the responsibilities to collect and analyse data and fill the gaps in implementation of various schemes for the welfare of common people and quality of life of the citizens

Gunvatta Se Atmanirbhartacampaign

• To celebrate the journey of quality and excellence that India stands for, QCI has launched a marquee campaign–Gunvatta Se Atmanirbharta: India’s quality movement.
• The campaign aims to celebrate India’s quality hubs, create awareness about India’s landmark achievements and inform people about the many initiatives that India is embracing with an aim to enhance the quality of lives of all our citizens.

‘HERSTART’ Platform

Paper 2 – Education

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Make a brief note about the participation of women entrepreneurs in startup platforms in India.

Why Should You Know?

President of India launches ‘HERSTART’ – A start-up platform of Gujarat University.

In details –

• The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, launched ‘herSTART’ – a start-up platform of Gujarat University in Ahmedabad on October 4, 2022. 
• She also inaugurated/laid the foundation stone virtually from Gujarat University for various projects of the government of Gujarat related to education and tribal development.
• A large number of women entrepreneurs, startup founders, academicians, and students were present to witness the launch of the various initiatives.
• It is noteworthy that Since the past three years, GUSEC, in partnership with the global multilateral organisation – United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) – has been actively working towards creating an innovation support ecosystem for women and school-going children.

About the Platform

• The herSTART platform will support women entrepreneurs in helping their innovative ideas take off, and the platform will include a digital platform to provide resources and training modules free of cost to aspiring women entrepreneurs, a digital community for them, and a digital publication to spread their success stories.
• The Platform encompasses the herSTART Incubator, a dedicated full-fledged startup incubator for women entrepreneurs and innovators, and the herSTART Accelerator, a round-the-year accelerator programme for high-impact women-led startups, both of which were launched by President Murmu.
• Supported by UNICEF, the government of Gujarat, and the government of India, herSTART has been recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as a key driving initiative for the Gujarat startup ecosystem in the States Startup Rankings Framework Report of 2022.
• There have been engagements through online and offline modes with over 15,000 women entrepreneurs as a part of herSTART. More than 2,000 women-led startups have undergone capacity-building with the participation of over 2,500 women entrepreneurs. Over 200 mature-stage women-led startups have been accelerated under the platform, while 150+ startups are actively scaling up under herSTART.

6th edition of India Mobile Congress

Paper 3 – Science & Tech

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Review the role of 5G in addressing the challenges in the fields of commerce, health, education, communication and financial inclusion in India.

Why Should You Know?

Recently the 6th India Mobile Congress, Asia’s biggest telecom festival, concluded with great success in Delhi.

In details

• Marking the historic launch of 5G services in India by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the 6th edition of Asia’s largest telecom festival, India Mobile Congress 2022 concluded with grand success here at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
• Buoyed by popularity, interests and huge footfall, the grand annual event which was earlier scheduled for 3 days was extended for one more day.
• The 4th day welcomed visitors who got a glimpse of cutting-edge technology and India’s transition to a 5G future. 
• Jointly organised by the Department of Telecommunications and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), IMC 2022 hosted 362 speakers, 13,500 participants in 80 sessions and over 1.07 lakh visitors including 7000 government officials from 150 PSUs and various other departments, 10 union ministers, 17 state ministers, 30 thousand students, and others. 239 stalls, and 1811 exhibitors registered their presence here from 1-4 October.
• IMC 2022 showcased developments and efforts around 5G technology in India and how they can contribute in the digital transformation by making communication, connection and commerce seamless. During the event, PM Modi virtually spoke with the students of Ropad Primary School in Ahmedabad on benefits of 5G technology in education.
• He interacted with workers at Vodafone Idea Dwarka Tunnel with 5G technology on current challenges and how 5G technology is going to transform their lives. He also interacted with a hologram avatar of a girl student from a Varanasi school about the advantages of 5G and her experience of studying in augmented reality.
• IMC 2022 organised insightful and thought-provoking sessions titled ‘New Digital Universe’, ‘Decoding the potential of Digital Bharat’, ‘Skilling India for new 5G paradigm, Towards 5G and Advanced 6G- an international conference, ‘Global CEO Conclave: Steering India to the new digital universe,’ ‘Global CTO Conclave: Building a connected ecosystem for next Techade’ and many others.

Significance

• The 6th edition of IMC 2022 hosted top leaders of telecom and tech companies, policymakers, thought-leaders, academicians, and others. The speakers shared their views on the future of 5G development and its large-scale implementation in the country.
• It also witnessed discussion on challenges, efforts and opportunities in the 5G arena which can contribute in creating a robust technology ecosystem in India.
• The endeavors of IMC are aligned with the vision of Digital India and promoting Made-in-India technology to address the challenges in areas of commerce, healthcare, education, communication and financial inclusion.
• Since its inception, IMC has been actively promoting India’s strength and position as a global hub for manufacturing technology products. It is further highlighting the role of startups, small-scale industries in the new digital universe to deliver best in class service, equipment, and applications.

Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

Paper 3 – Economy

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What is the Law Metrology (General) Rules, 2011? How will the amended rules go a long way in increasing the ease of doing business and reducing the compliance burden?

Why Should You Know?

Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India amended the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 for ease of doing business and reducing the compliance burden for the industries.

In details

• Section 49 of the Legal Metrology Act, 2009 allows the companies to nominate any of its Directors as a person responsible for the business of the Company.
• Earlier in case of violations under the Legal Metrology Act the prosecutions were initiated against the Directors of the companies even for the violation done by any establishment or branch or unit in any establishment or branch of the company.
• There was request from various industries to allow nominating the person who is actually having the authority and responsibility of the establishment or branch or unit in any establishment or branch and not the Director, so that the notices for the violation done by the establishments or branches or units should not be issued to the Directors who are not responsible for the violation of establishment or branch or unit in any establishment or branch.
• The Department for the enhancement of the Ease of Doing Business and for reducing the compliance burden amended the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 to provide for the companies to nominate an officer of the establishment or branch or unit in any establishment or branch who has the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the respective establishment or branch or unit in any establishment or branch.
• With this amendment companies having different establishments or branches or different units in any establishment or branch can now nominate an officer who has the authority and responsibility for the operations and activities of the establishments or branches or different units.
• This will facilitate the companies to nominate a person who is actually responsible for the activities of an establishment or branch of the company in place of Director of the Company, who is not directly involved in day to day activity of that establishment or branch thereof.

About Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011

• Legal Metrology is the application of legal requirementsto measurements and measuring instruments.
• The objective of Legal Metrology is to ensure public guarantee from the point of view of security and accuracy of the weighments and measurements.
• Specifications for weighing and measuring instruments have been prescribed in the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 which include around 40 types of weighing and measuring instruments

India-UK Defence Consultative Group meeting

Paper 2- International Issues

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Comment on the importance of modern defense and industrial cooperation between India-UK.

Why Should You Know?

Recently Defense Secretary Dr. Ajay Kumar co-chaired the India-UK Defense Advisory Group (DCG) meeting in the UK Ministry of Defence, in London on 03 October 2022.

In details

• Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar co-chaired the India-UK Defence Consultative Group (DCG) meeting with his counterpart Mr David Williams, UK Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence in London on 03 October, 2022.  They reviewed the progress of various Service level bilateral groups and other defence cooperation mechanisms.
• Dr Ajay Kumar held discussion on wide range of issues relating to the defence and industrial cooperation between India and UK. Both sides considered new areas for defence industrial cooperation, explored emerging domains such as cyber and Artificial Intelligence, and committed to work together for strengthening the bilateral defence relationship.
• Later, Defence Secretary also held a bilateral meeting with UK NSA Sir Tim Barrow. They discussed a number of key defence and security issues.

India–United Kingdom relations

• India–United Kingdom relations, also known as Indian–British relations or Indo–British relations, are the international relations between India and the United Kingdom.
• India has a high commission in London and two consulates-general in Birmingham and Edinburgh.
• The United Kingdom has a high commission in New Delhi and five deputy high commissions in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata.
• Both countries are full members of the Commonwealth of Nations. The United Kingdom has an Indian population of over 1.5 million.
• There are many bilateral trade agreements between the two nations designed to strengthen ties.
• The UK remained the sixth largest investor in India, with a cumulative investment of approximately USD 31.92 billion during FY 2000-22.This constituted around 5.4% of the total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India.
• India’s trade in goods and services with the UK amounted to USD 31.34 billion in FY 2022, as against USD 19.51 billion in 2015.
• 618 UK Companies have been identified in India, they together employ approximately 4.66 lakh people and have a combined turnover of Rs 3,634.9 billion.
• The UK and India have remained close bilaterally, historically and on an ever expanding basis. Various Indian students have gone to the UK to attain higher levels of education.
• Politically, relations between India and the UK occur mostly through the multilateral organisations of which both are members, such as the Commonwealth of Nations, the World Trade Organization and the Asian Development Bank.

Special Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta

Paper 2 – Governance

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What is Special Campaign 2.0 on Cleanliness? Discuss its positive impact on public interface and service delivery in India.

Why Should You Know?

A special campaign 2.0 on cleanliness is being run by the Ministry of Defense, let’s know about it

In details

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh inspected the South Block premises in New Delhi on 4th October 2022, as part of monitoring the progress of Special Campaign 2.0 on Swachhta being conducted by Ministry of Defence.
• He administered an oath on Swachhta to the officials of Ministry of Defence and sanitation staff and felicitated the Swachhta veers for their commendable efforts in keeping the premises neat and tidy.

About the Campaign

• The Special Campaign 2.0 of the Ministry of Defence is being carried out from 2nd October 2022 to 31st October 2022 with emphasis on field/outstation offices under the Ministry.
• Special focus is on space management and enhancement of work place experience. Offices responsible for public interface and service delivery are given preference.
• During the Special Campaign 1.0 on Swachhata, a record number of 44276 files were reviewed and 16696 files were weeded out in the Ministry of Defence. 833 outdoor cleanliness campaigns were conducted, 187790 sq. ft of space was freed and a revenue of 2.09 crore was generated from the sale of office scrap during the campaign.

Road Transport Ministry’s special campaign on cleanliness 2.0

• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) launched the Special Campaign 2.0 for Swachhta and Disposal of Pending References.
• The Campaign is being carried out in the Ministry and its subordinate offices viz. NHAI, NHIDCL, IRC & IAHE.
• Under the Special Campaign 2.0, the cleanliness drive is being carried out at about 1200 locations including all the Field Offices of MoRTH, NHAI & NHIDCL, Toll Plazas and Way Side Amenities.

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)

Paper 2–International Relations

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What do you understand by Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union? Evaluate its role in global media and journalism.

Why Should You Know?

Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union is organizing a 3-day Global News Forum 2022, let’s know about it.

In details

• The three-day Global News Forum 2022, meeting is being organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union.
• Global News Forum 2022 is the ABU’s flagship three days annual NEWS event hosting around 80 foreign participants from the field of Media & Journalism from different broadcasting organizations.
• The Global News Forum 2022is being organized from 3-5 October, 2022
• on October 4, 2022 the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan delivered the keynote address at the Global News Forum 2022 meeting in New Delhi.
• The theme of Global News 2022 is Truth and trust at times of crisis”.
• In this meeting Several news media channels such as Al Jazeera, CNN, NHK, ABC and CNA and other international organizations such as Reporters Without Borders, World Food Programme, International Committee of the Red Cross and Zerorisk International are also participating.

About Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)

• ABU was established in 1964 as a non-profit, non- governmental, non-political, professional association with mandate to assist the development of broadcasting organisations in the region currently Headquartered at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• ABU promotes the collective interests of television and radio broadcasters as well as key industry players and also facilitate regional and international media cooperation for members.
• It has over 253 members in over 67 countries in Pacific region, Asia (South east, North, South, Central), Middle East, Europe, North Africa and North America, reaching a potential audience of about 2 billion people.
• Doordarshan (DD) & All India Radio (AIR) both are Full Members of ABU. All India Radio was a founding member of the ABU in the year 1964 while Doordarshan joined ABU in the year 1976.

Various campaigns of Railway Police Force (RPF)

Paper 2 –Social Issues

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Review the role of paramilitary organizations in fulfilling their social commitment as “citizens in uniform”.

Why Should You Know?

Recently RPF has conducted several focused operations like Operation “Sewa”, Operation “Dignity”, Operation “Ninne Farishte”, Mission “Jeevan Raksha” and Operation “Matrishtik” in September 2022.

In details –

• In furtherance of the pledge of “Sewa Hi Sankalp” by RPF, a pan India month long drive under the code name SAMSAR (SAMAJIK SAROKAR) incorporating the elements of several focused operations namely Operation “SEWA”, Operation “Dignity”, Operation “Nanhe Fariste”,  Mission “Jeewan Raksha” and Operation “Matrishakti” was conducted in the month of September 2022.

Operation “SEWA”

• With a view to provide safe and comfortable journey, RPF personnel assist the elderly citizens, women, physically disabled and provide amenities like wheelchairs, stretchers, medical help, ambulances, Infant food etc. under operation “SEWA”.
• During the month of September 2022, approximately 9000 such passengers in need of help were assisted during their train journey.

Operation Dignity

• RPF has played an important role in rescuing persons lost or having run away from their homes or disoriented due to certain reason or distressed and in need of care and protection. They are vulnerable for getting exploited or trafficked and are under the risk of serious bodily harm, if not secured in time. The force personnel worked selflessly to provide timely intervention under code name “Operation Dignity” and secured 427 adults (223 Men + 204 Women) during the month of September 2022.

Operation Nanhe Fariste

• RPF personnel under the code name “Operation Nanhe Fariste” undertake the noble cause of identifying and rescuing children lost/runaway/separated from their family due to various reasons and in need of care & protection. During the month of September 2022, 1119 children were rescued.

Mission “Jeevan Raksha”

• RPF personnel go beyond the call of duty risking their own lives to save other lives. There are incidents wherein passengers trying to board/de-board a moving train, slip and fall with the risk of coming under the wheels of running train.
• In other instances, the individuals with suicidal tendency come in front of running train with intention to end their lives. RPF personnel lookout for such cases and intervene in the nick of time to save precious lives. Under mission “Jeevan Raksha” RPF personnel saved 115 (72 Male + 43 Female) during  September 2022, running the grave risk to their own lives.

Operation Matrishakti

• RPF personnel, especially lady RPF personnel, go out of the way to help pregnant women passengers, experiencing labor pain during their train journey under “Operation Matrishakti”.
• During the month of Sep-2022, they provided assistance to 32 such women passengers and were instrumental in bringing their infants to this beautiful world.

SAMSAR (SAMAJIK SAROKAR) drive

• Giving blood is a uniquely powerful act. Every instance of blood donation improves or saves lives and enhances social solidarity. It sends a powerful message of mutual co-existence and showcases the unconditional service to Humanity.
• As part of month long SAMSAR (SAMAJIK SAROKAR) drive, Railway Protection Force conducted a Mega Blood Donation programme on 17th and 20th September 2022, on the special occasion of Railway Protection Force Raising Day.
• Contributing in this noble service, Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw also donated blood to encourage more potential donors.
• Under this Mega Blood Donation programme, 3946 RPF personnel along with 829 other volunteers donated blood in the camp organized by RPF.
• RPF has been doing its bit to fulfil its social commitment as “Citizens in Uniform”. It will continue to act with empathy in our endeavor to provide “security with compassion” to 23 million passengers traveling by Railways every day.

‘Gold nanoparticles’ for cancer treatment

Paper 3 – Science & Tech

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Discuss the innovations currently being carried out in the field of cancer management and treatment through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Why Should You Know?

Recently, researchers from Amity University, Jaipur, Rajasthan have developed therapeutic agents with the help of nano-biotechnological approaches using a unique solution of ‘gold nanoparticles’.

In details

• A novel site-specific drug delivery method using gold nanoparticles can improve management and treatment of cancer.
• There are more than 200 different types of cancers known which are currently being treated through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Many of these cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. However, the available treatments are time-taking, expensive, and trigger numerous other side-effects and the actual health benefits of the therapy do not reach to the cancer patients effectively.
• Researchers at Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur have developed therapeutic agents with the help of nano-biotechnological approaches using a unique solution of ‘gold nanoparticles’ that helps in improving the site-specific drug delivery for cancer disease management and its effective treatment.
• Dr. Hemant Kumar Daima, Dr. Akhela Umapathi and Prof. S.L. Kothari from the Amity Centre for Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine (ACNN), have formulated ‘gold nanoparticles’ solution with a distinctive functional surface containing biomolecules and antibiotics for improved anticancer activity through selective generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results have revealed that the appropriate surface corona on the gold nanoparticles was essential for effective cancer treatment in a selective manner.
• The research was extended toward lung cancer cells using functional silver nanoparticles and selective anti-cancer effect originating from surface chemistry of silver nanoparticles was demonstrated in a paper published in the study published in the journal Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. Both the studies have provided deeper understanding regarding the mechanism of anti-cancer actions of the functional nanoparticles.
• The research was a global effort with researchers from University of Miyazaki, Japan; and RMIT University, Australia actively participating in it. Now, the team is planning clinical studies on the formulated nanoparticles.
• Some of the important physicochemical characterization and biological studies of gold nanoparticles were performed on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Fluorescent microscopy facilities acquired through the Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure (FIST) programme of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
• The study will open new opportunities for better cancer management and treatment, and pave a way for future nanomedicine even beyond cancer.