Mahila Kisan Diwas

Paper 3 –Agriculture

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: “Rural women are an integral part of the country’s food system. Despite their huge contribution, they have to face inequality, discrimination and violence in their home, society.” In the light of this statement, throw light on the importance of Mahila Kisan Diwas.

Why Should You Know?

on 15th October, 2022Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare and its various wings celebrate ‘Mahila Kisan Diwas’.

In details –

• The National Gender Resource Centre in Agriculture (NGRCA), Directorate of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare  in collaboration of National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), an autonomous organization under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (MoAandFW) has celebrated  ‘Mahila Kisan Diwas’ or ‘International Rural Women Day’ on 15th October, 2022.
• As the year 2023 has been declared as the ‘International Year of Millets by United Nations (UN), the theme of this year Mahila Kisan Diwas is ‘Millets: Empowering Women and Providing Nutritional Security’.
• This inaugural event was organized through Video Conferencing under the guidance of Union Agriculture Minister Shri. Narendra Singh Tomar and the technical session of the programme is being organized at MANAGE, Hyderabad with the technical support provided by Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR), Hyderabad.
• Shri Tomar released a book on depicting “Evidences based Gender Inequality in Agriculture and Food Systems in India” which will be helpful for the policy makers, academicians and researchers to focus on areas where the gender analysis is needed.
• The Senior and middle level extension functionaries, women farmers and agri-entrepreneurs and resource persons from various States/Institutes/Start-ups training institutes participated in the event and an exhibition was also showcased at MANAGE, Hyderabad by women Start-ups. The successful women entrepreneurs from various States also said their views and experiences on the occasion during the event.

Background

• The first “International Rural Women’s Farmer’s Day” was celebrated by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 October 2008, since then this day has been celebrated every year.
• In developing countries, about 43 percent of women work as agricultural laborers and are associated with the food sector.
• The day is celebrated to recognize the contribution of rural women to the agricultural structure of the entire country, including indigenous women. These women also contribute to rural development and participate in eradicating poverty in the villages.

Contribution of women in food system

• The United Nations says that rural women are an integral part of the country’s food system as they also take part in food processing.
• Despite such a huge contribution being given by them, they have to face inequality, discrimination and violence in their home, society. They do not even get enough food to eat, as a result of which they become victims of diseases like malnutrition.
• At the same time, the corona epidemic has widened the scope of women’s problems even more. Apart from having less access to income and food, they also have to deal with diseases.
• According to a new report by UN Women, the food system needs to be rebuilt for the development of rural women. For this, it is necessary to have better communication between the government and the leaders of the society.
• Throughout history, we have seen rural women leading agitations and protests against the cutting of trees and sometimes stopping the construction of dams.
• Rural women are the drivers of developed and developing economies. They play an important role in shaping not only families but also society. Along with this, they are also actively involved in agricultural and non-farm work.

Contribution of rural women in development

• The vital role of women in ensuring the sustainability of rural women and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall well-being is increasingly recognized.
• Women form a substantial part of the informal work as well as the agricultural labor force, unpaid care within households and households in rural areas, and domestic work.
• They contribute significantly to agricultural production, food security and nutrition, land and natural resource management.
• Rural women are leading the movements. Advocating for greater agricultural approaches, as well as creating local strategies for crop diversity and better soil, water and pest management that help increase household income and food security.
• Despite all this, women in rural areas continue to suffer from poverty, while globally there has been a greater decline in poverty.
• The world’s one billion people who live in unacceptable conditions of poverty are from rural areas.
• Structural barriers and discriminatory social norms inhibit women’s decision-making power and political participation in rural families and communities.

Source – PIB

Heads of  Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGAM)

Paper 2 – International Relations

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: India’s shared vision of SAGAR (Security and Development for All in the Region), Sustainable Development Goals and a ‘rules-based order at sea’ complements the focused Indian vision of inclusive growth and sustainable cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Have a discussion.

Why Should You Know?

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting 18th HACGAM in coordination with HACGAM secretariat from October 14-18, 2022.

In details

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is hosting 18th HACGAM in coordination with HACGAM secretariat from October 14-18, 2022.
• A total of 55 representatives from 18 countries and two International Organisations – Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime- Global Maritime Crime Programme (UNODC-GMCP) – are participating in the meeting.
• During the four-day event, working-level discussions and high-level deliberations on issues of maritime prominence in the domain of marine environment protection, maritime search and rescue and maritime law enforcement will be held.
• Additionally, a joint statement encompassing the key outcomes of this congregation of Heads of Asian Coast Guard will be released which will act as roadmap for this multilateral forum to plan and conduct various collaborative initiatives till next HACGAM.
• In this meeting Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has reaffirmed India’s resolve for open, free and rule-based maritime borders in the Indo-Pacific region. The Raksha Mantri asserted that India, throughout history, has been a peace loving society which has never invaded a foreign land and has always respected universal human values and territorial integrity of other countries, while treating them as equal partners.
• He stressed that oceanic space should be respected as a global common for the benefit of all humanity in an environmentally sustainable way. 
• The Raksha Mantri stressed that India’s shared vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth of All in Region), Sustainable Development Goals and ‘Rule Based Order at Sea’ complement the focused Indian approach of inclusive growth and lasting collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.
• He highlighted India‘s focus towards blue economy and strongly advocated the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs and preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.

What is HACGAM?

• The HACGAM is a multilateral forum of 23 countries viz. Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, France,  India, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkiye, Vietnam and one Region i.e. Hong Kong (China). Additionally, two international organisations viz.
• The 1st HACGAM was hosted by Japan Coast Guard in 2004 at Tokyo. This is the only forum where all the heads of Asian CG agencies congregate.

About Indian Coast Guard

• The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone.
• The Indian Coast Guard was formally established on 1 February 1977 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India.
• It operates under the Ministry of Defence.
• The Coast Guard works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Revenue (Customs), and the Central Armed Police Forces, and the State Police Services.

Missions of ICG

• Safety and protection of artificial islands, offshore terminals and other installations
• Protection and assistance to fishermen and mariners at sea
• Preservation and protection of marine ecology and environment including pollution control
• Assistance to the Department of Customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations
• Law enforcement in territorial as well as international waters
• Scientific data collection and support
• National defence during hostilities (under the operational control of the Indian Navy)

Organization

The Headquarters of the Indian Coast Guard is located in New Delhi. It is divided into five areas:

• Western Zone – Regional Headquarters : Mumbai
• Eastern Region – Regional Headquarters : Chennai
• North Eastern Region – Regional Headquarters : Kolkata
• Andaman and Nicobar Region – Regional Headquarters : Port Blair
• North Western Region – Regional Headquarters : Gandhinagar, (Gujarat)

Source – The Hindu

Control of air pollution in Delhi-NCR

Paper 3 – Environment

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Review the important steps taken by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas towards overall improvement of air quality to reduce the menace of air pollution.

Why Should You Know?

In the coming days, the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM) has intensified its actions in order to prepare for the fight against air pollution in Delhi-NCR.

In details –

• Intensifying its actions in the battle against air pollution in Delhi-NCR in the coming days, the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has urged all concerned including Industries and Project Proponents of Construction and Demolition (CandD) sites to strictly follow the statutory directions issued by the Commission.
• Citizens have also been advised to strictly follow steps highlighted in the Citizen Charter in each stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) earnestly in the coming days.

Inspection teams/ flying squads

• The 40 inspection teams/ flying squads constituted by the Commission are under directions to intensify inspections, supervise and rigorously monitor enforcement and compliance of statutory directions issued by the Commission to ameliorate the air quality of Delhi-NCR.
• These flying squads will conduct surprise inspections and field level incognito checks at industrial units, CandD sites, commercial/ residential units, air pollution hotspots, etc.
• These flying squads will widely cover all parts of the Delhi-NCR to track down violators and report the details to the Commission for stringent actions against them.
• As on 14.10.2022, more than 8,580 sites were inspected by the CAQM flying squads and closure directions have been issued to 491 defaulters flouting the statutory directions of the Commission, 110 in Delhi; 118 in Haryana (NCR); 211 in Uttar Pradesh (NCR); and 52 in Rajasthan (NCR).

Strict enforcement

• CAQM will make every effort towards strict enforcement of its statutory directions and orders. Violations and non-compliance of the directions issued by the Commission air pollution control rules/ regulations are being viewed very seriously.
• The Commission in case of gross violations will not only pass closure orders but will also impose Environmental Compensation (EC) and initiate prosecution.
• CAQM has also advised the State implementing agencies including State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and DPCC to ensure compliance and strict implementation of the directions issued by the Commission.

About Commission for Air Quality Management

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was established as a statutory body by the government in August 2021.
• The Commission has been set up for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas for better co-ordination, research, identification and resolution of problems surrounding the air quality index and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
• The CAQM has replaced the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) which was appointed by the SC and had been active for 22 years.

Functions 

Functions of the Commission include

• co-ordinating actions taken under the Ordinance by concerned state governments (Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh).
• planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in the NCR.
• providing a framework for identification of air pollutants.
• conducting research and development through networking with technical institutions,
• training and creating a special workforce to deal with issues related to air pollution, and
• preparing various action plans such as increasing plantation and addressing stubble burning.

Sources – Air News

WB-IMF Annual Meetings

Paper 2– International Relations

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: The role of the World Bank in bringing all stakeholders together to develop an investment strategy for climate and development financing is very important, explained.

Why Should You Know?

Recently Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in WB-IMF Annual Meetings.

In details

• On October 15, 2022 the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in joint World Bank-International Monetary Fund (WB-IMF) Development Committee (DC) meeting during the Annual Meetings 2022 in Washington DC.
• The Development Committee had specifically met to discuss two critical aspects that the world is facing:
• The food and energy crisis: Weathering the storm
• Achieving Climate and Development goals: The Financing Question
• In her opening remarks, the Finance Minister stated that this is an excellent opportunity to put our heads together and think about how best we can negotiate the multiple challenges and bring back long-term growth.
• Smt. Sitharaman stated that the Food and Energy Crisis paper rightly identifies energy efficiency as the “first fuel of choice”. Similarly, reducing crop loss and food waste should also be the “first intervention of choice” to ensure food security.
• Going forward, Smt. Sitharman said that there are 3 clear opportunities for the World Bank Group:
• Promoting behaviour change to increase energy efficiency and to reduce food losses. Programmes like the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) launched by the Prime Minister of India on the World Environment Day in June 2022, in which Mr. David Malpass, president, World Bank Group, delivered a wonderful keynote address, can mainstream responsible consumption behaviour.
• Helping all client countries in arranging concessional financing and technology transfer in areas like renewable and green energy.
• Supporting regional integration not only through International Development Association (IDA) but also through International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
• On financing  climate and  development  goals, the Finance Minister said that the WBG is uniquely placed to bring together all stakeholders for developing an investment strategy for climate and development finance. Yet, thw world must never lose focus on the internationally agreed basic principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. This necessitates avoidance of a one-size fit-all approach.
• Smt. Sitharaman stated that mitigation of risks is essential for crowding in private capital. While welcoming the launching of SCALE, the Finance Minister encouraged the World Bank to increase the share of grants from the current 5 % level and to work below the country level to support projects with huge climate impact beyond the national borders.
• Smt. Sitharaman exhorted for prioritising consultations with key stakeholders throughout the formulation of CCDRS and following the “One Bank” approach are critical to their success.
• While urging the World Bank to take the lead and also help build consensus across MDBS, the Finance Minister pushed for the recommendations of the Independent Review of the MDB Capital Adequacy Frameworks commissioned by the G20 hold the key for sustained financing.

About the WB-IMF Annual Meetings

• The joint WB-IMF Development Committee meets every fall at the time of the Annual Meetings of the Boards of the Governors of the World Bank and the IMF, and every spring at the Spring Meetings, to discuss the progress of the work of the Bank and the Fund.
• Following the Annual Meetings tradition, the Development Committee meets in Washington two years out of three and, in order to reflect the international character of the two institutions, every third year in a different member country.

Source – Livemint

Conference of Power and New and Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs

Paper 2 – Governance

From the point of view of mains examination

Q: Is power supply an important factor in economy? How important is ensuring 24×7 reliable power supply to ensure the socio-economic development of the country? explain.

Why Should You Know?

Recently Conference of Power and New and Renewable Energy Ministers of States and UTs held in Udaipur.

In details

• The conference of Power and Renewable Energy Ministers of State/ UTs was held on 14th and 15th October, 2022 in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
• During the Conference, detailed deliberations were held with focus on Financial Viability and Sustainability of distribution sector, Modernization and upgradation of power systems, and Development of Power Systems to ensure 24×7 power supply including investment requirement and Power Sector Reforms. The States provided their inputs and suggestions on each of these pertinent issues.

Outcomes –

• Considering the critical role of distribution sector in ensuring financial and operational sustainability across the power sector value chain, it was emphasized to take effective steps towards reduction of Aggregate Technical and Commercial (ATandC) losses, ensuring cost reflective tariffs, accounting of subsidy and timely payment of subsidy by state governments, clearance of outstanding dues of State Government departments and adherence to Electricity (Late Payment Surcharge and Related Matters) Rules, 2022 (LPS Rules) for timely payment of dues to generating companies etc. For reduction of ATandC losses, it was agreed to expedite deployment of Prepaid Smart Metering for consumers and System Metering for establishing energy accounting systems.
• It was also agreed that subsidy for various category of consumers shall be provided only on per unit basis on actual energy consumption. Overall it was noted that there has been substantial progress made in the steps being taken to improve the viability of the power systems.
• Most of the states have already submitted their respective action plan under Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to improve financial and operational efficiency of their distribution companies (DISCOMs).
• All efforts and policies should be focused towards providing better services to the electricity consumers.
• Renewable energy deployment is central to achieve the target of net zero by 2070 and to reach 500 GW of non-fossil installed capacity by 2030 as per commitment of the nation towards achieving climate change goals.
• Highlighting the achievements in the past few years in the Renewable energy sector, deliberations were made on policy, regulatory and institutional interventions required for fast-track implementation of renewable energy projects and states should support to achieve the non-fossil installed capacity objectives of GoI.
• Emphasis was also laid on creating enabling framework to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity in RE sector through various incentive measures.
• States should endeavour to deploy solar rooftop systems expeditiously to ensure meeting the overall target of 40 GW.
• States were encouraged to accelerate solarization under PM KUSUM scheme.
• To ensure future energy security, implementation of energy storage including BESS and Pumped Storage Hydro projects should be taken up on priority. Future technologies including Green Hydrogen, Off Shore Wind, Off grid and Decentralized Renewable Energy (DRE) applications need to be adapted.
• Ensuring 24×7 reliable electricity supply is critical to ensure socio-economic development of the country. The electricity demand in the country is set to double in next decade and necessary capital investment, estimated over INR 50 lakh Cr., across power generation, transmission and distribution will be required to cater such demand.  It is therefore essential to source funding for these investments from multiple sources.
• Attracting large scale investments requires ensuring ease of doing business in the country for effective private sector participation. Moving in this direction, GoI has taken various initiatives like LPS Rules 2022, Electricity (Timely Recovery of Costs due to Change in Law) Rules 2021, Electricity (Promoting RE through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022, Introduction of RTM, GTAM and GDAM in electricity markets.
• The Union  Minister sought the cooperation from the States in achieving the ambitious goals that are set before the power sector.

What is PM KUSUM scheme?

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) Yojana was launched by the Government of India to increase the income of farmers and provide sources for irrigation and de-dieselising the agricultural sector.
• The PM-Kusum scheme got administrative approval in March 2019 and guidelines were prepared in July 2019.
• The scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for setting up solar pumps and other new power plants across the country.
• Under Kusum Yojana, a group of farmers, panchayats, cooperatives can apply to install solar pumps. The total cost included in this scheme is divided into three categories in which the government will help the farmers.
• The government will provide 60% subsidy to the farmers and 30% of the cost will be given by the government in the form of a loan. Farmers will only have to pay 10% of the total cost of the project.
• Farmers can sell electricity generated from solar panels. The money received after selling electricity can be used to start a new business.

Sources – Business Standard

Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA )

Paper 2- Social Issues

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What is ‘Nitthon’? Describe how it has provided physical and emotional support as well as financial support to the families of air warriors.

Why Should You Know?

Recently Air Force Wives Welfare Association ( AFWWA ) celebrated its 62nd anniversary.

In details

• On October 15, 2022 the Air Force Wives Welfare Association ( AFWWA ) celebrated  its  62nd anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, AFWWA organised a cultural program at Air Force Auditorium, Subroto Park, New Delhi.
• Union Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Minister,  Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani   was  the  Chief Guest on the occasion  and Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh also attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Mrs Neeta Chaudhari, President AFWWA was  present on the occasion.

‘Knittathon’

• The event  also marked the culmination of a special drive by AFWWA called ‘Knittathon’, wherein approximately 3,000 ladies (all AFWWA members) had collectively knit over 41,000 woolen caps over a period of three months.
• AFWWA has made the  Guinness world record for making a huge quantity of knitted caps  ( 41, 541 ) in mere three months.
• The Award was announced by the Adjudicator, Guinness World Record on the occasion. Mrs Neeta Chaudhari, President, AFWWA received the award on behalf of AFWWA.
• The awardees of Knittathon in different categories were also felicitated on the occasion by Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.
• ‘Knittathon’ the unique idea of a special knitting drive,  was conceptualised primarily to provide solace to the underprivileged  and poor during harsh winter and to revive the age old art of knitting. In the process, the Air Force ladies were skilled with a productive art, thereby empowering them in a true sense.
• These knitted caps will be  donated to the homeless and poor of the country to provide them comfort during the coming winter months. Knittathon  commenced on 15th  July 2022 all over India and culminated  today  with the AFWWA Day celebrations.

What is AFWWA?

• Air Force Wives Welfare Association is the core welfare organisation for the families of the Indian Air Force.
• Empowerment of its members known as Sanginis, holistic development of the children, extending helping hand to the needy sections of the society are few of its primary objectives.
• The Association’s contribution to the senior citizens, special children and orphans over the years deserves special mention.

Background

• The 1965 war had an adverse affect on the families of Air Warriors. Not only the trauma but also the availability of physical and emotional support in destitute times was the need of the hour.
• It was then that the seed of forming an organization which would come to the forefront for helping a lady and her family came to the mind of our pioneers.
• The seed germinated on 28th October 1970 as a registered body to provide assistance to the families of deceased / disabled / retired / serving personnel of the Indian Air Force and is today a big tree that provides shelter of welfare to families of Air Force personnel.
• Air Force Wives Welfare Association is the core welfare organisation for the ladies of the Air Force. Apart from providing innumerable benefits to its members, it provides an excellent forum for meaningful and fruitful interactions.
• AFWWA also extends its helping hand to poor and needy people of the society. Its willing contribution to the senior citizens, special children, orphans etc. is notable.

Sources – India Today

Testing Center for Dietary Supplements

Paper 2 – Health

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What do you understand by doping? Should doping be legalized to a certain level? Discuss as well as tell what steps have been taken recently by the Government of India to stop doping.

Why Should You Know?

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, FSSAI and NFSU sign MoU for setting up the testing facility for dietary supplements

In details

• Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) signed Memorandum of Understanding for setting up the testing facility for dietary supplements in the presence of Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Sports, MYAS, Smt. Ritu Sain, Director General, NADA and other officers of the Ministry, FSSAI and NFSU.
• The MoU is one of the first definite steps in the direction of the Government’s initiative to achieve the goal for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. In the years to come, India is poised to become a regional leader for availability of such a testing facility.
• This MoU will benefit athletes and athlete-support personnel by educating and spreading awareness about inadvertent doping due to prohibited substances present in nutritional supplements.
• This facility being established at NFSU will help the stakeholders, not only in the country but also in the entire region.
• It is an important step forward in implementing the recently enacted National Anti-Doping Act, 2022,  by Government of India. An important feature of this Act is the adoption of the best practices for nutritional supplements to save sportspersons from inadvertent doping.

What are Dietary supplements?

• Dietary supplements are substances used to add nutrients to the diet or to lower the risk of health problems.
• It includes vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, enzymes, amino acids, or other dietary ingredients.
• They come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, gummies, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars.
• Supplements can also benefit athletes who need to gain weight or address a known nutrient deficiency. Some common supplements function as ergogenic aids that enhance energy production and recovery.
• Nutritional supplements can contain unlabeled substances that are on the List of Prohibited Substances as published yearly by the World Anti‐Doping Agency. They are a potential source for unintentional doping violations, leading to severe sanctions for well‐intentioned elite athletes.

Prohibited substances

• The prohibited list is extremely detailed and includes a wide variety of both medicinal and non-medicinal substances.
• Professional athletes are exposed to intense physical overload every day. They follow a relevant food regime and take specific dietary supplements, which is essential for better recovery between trainings and competitions.
• However, the use of “non-prohibited” dietary supplements is not always completely safe. One of the risks associated with the use of dietary supplements is the risk of unintended doping—originating from contaminated products.
• The presence of undeclared compounds in the composition of Dietary Supplements is a serious concern. As of now, no testing facility available in India for ensuring the absence of Prohibited Substance in the dietary supplements.
• To overcome this shortcoming and to ensure quality Dietary Supplements for sportspersons, a major step has been taken today to create a testing facility at the National Forensic Science University, Ahmedabad, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This MoU will help to achieve this objective.

What is doping?

• A strength-boosting substance that increases the stamina of any player by eating it. Through this shortcut, he can leave behind his opponents in the field of play.
• Doping is not only India’s problem but its network is spread all over the world. Doping means that athletes consume substances that help increase their physical ability.
• This makes him perform better than his potential. Five types of drugs have been banned under doping. The most common of these are stimulants and hormones. By consuming them, there are many side effects in the body of human. They are therefore banned by the sports governing bodies.

How does doping happen ?

• Any player can take it in liquid form by injection or by eating banned powder or dissolving it in water.
• It can also be taken by mixing it in food items.

What is a dope test?

• Dope test is done to catch the use of strength enhancing drugs.
• Any player can be taken a dope test at any time. Urine samples of players are taken in a dope test before an event or during a training camp.
• These tests are conducted by NADA (National Anti-Doping Agency) or WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
• In this, the first stage of investigation is called ‘A’ and the second stageis called ‘B’.
• In this, the urine of the players is tested in the special lab of WADA or NADA. NADA labs are in Delhi and WADA labs are in many places in the world.

Provision of punishment –

• When caught: There is a provision of punishment ranging from 2 years or 4 years to life imprisonment for its culprits.
• If the ‘A’ test is positive, the player can be banned.
• If the player wants, he can appeal to the Anti-Doping Panel for the ‘B’ test. After this, the sample is examined again.
• If the ‘B’ test also comes positive, then the player can be banned.

Sources – PIB

PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards

Paper 2–Health

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: Only a healthy society builds a healthy economy, in this direction, discuss how Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is strengthening the health sector in the country.

Why Should You Know?

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will kickstart the distribution of PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards in Gujarat on 17th October,2022.

In details

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will kickstart the distribution of PMJAY-MA Yojana Ayushman cards in Gujarat on 17th October at 4 PM via video conferencing.
• As the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister had started the “Mukhyamantri Amrutam (MA)” scheme in 2012 to protect poor citizens from the catastrophic costs of medical treatment and illness.
• In the year 2014, ”MA” Yojana was extended to cover those families who are having an annual income limit of Rs. 4 lakh. Later, this scheme was extended to several other groups as well.
• The scheme was rebranded as Mukhyamantri Amrutam Vatsalya (MAV) Yojana.

AB-PMJAY

• Drawing from the experience of the success of the scheme, Prime Minister launched the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana  (AB-PMJAY) in 2018.
• It is the largest health insurance scheme in the world providing coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, for primary, secondary and tertiary care hospitalization without any cap on the family size and age.
• With the launch of the AB-PMJAY, Gujarat integrated MA / MAV Yojana with the AB-PM-JAY scheme in 2019 with the name PMJAY-MA Yojana and the beneficiaries under MA/MAV and AB-PMJAY became eligible for co-branded PMJAY-MA cards.
• During the programme, Prime Minister will kickstart the distribution of these  cards, after which printed 50 lakh coloured Ayushman cards will be distributed to all the beneficiaries across Gujarat, at their doorstep, by National Health Authority empanelled agencies after doing e-KYC of beneficiaries.

Sources – PIB

India-Africa Defence Dialogue

Paper 2 –Education

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: What do you understand by ‘Lucknow Declaration’ in India-Africa relations? Also throw light on the statement that – “India’s participation rests on African priorities”.

Why Should You Know?

India-Africa Defence Dialogue to be held on October 18 on the sidelines of DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

In details –

• Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will host the Defence Ministers of African Nations during the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, 2022 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• The broad theme of the dialogue is ‘India-Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergising and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.
• India and Africa share close and historical ties. India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles enunciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018. India’s engagement rests on African priorities as outlined by Africans themselves.

Background –

• The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with DefExpo on February 06, 2020.
• A Joint Declaration – ‘Lucknow Declaration’ – was adopted at the end of the conclave as an outcome document.
• In continuance of the ‘Lucknow Declaration’ and in consultation with stakeholders, IAAD has been institutionalised to be held once every two years on the sidelines of DefExpo.
• The IADD will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism.
• Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) is the knowledge partner for the India-Africa Defence Dialogue.

Sources –India Today

SemiconIndia FutureDesign Roadshow

Paper 3 – Science and Tech

From the point of view of mains examination

Question: India is a land of opportunities in the field of semiconductors, do you agree with this statement? Describe it with reference to the major challenges of this sector.

Why Should You Know?

MoS Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar to visit Gandhinagar On October 17, 2022 to flag off the first SemiconIndia FutureDesign Roadshow

In details

• The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar will flag off the maiden SemiconIndia FutureDesign Roadshow at Karnavati University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat On October 17, 2022.
• The SemiconIndia FutureDesign Roadshows under the Design Linked Incentive scheme of India Semiconductor Mission aims to catalyse the Startups in the field of Semiconductor Design and Innovation through incentives to the tune of Rs 100 crore per device at the Design stage.

Semiconductor Mission –

• The Government of India, in December 2021, had launched the India Semiconductor Mission with an incentive outlay of Rs 76,000 crore to attract investments in the strategic Semiconductor sector.
• The Government of Gujarat followed it up by announcing its Semiconductor Policy 2022-27 and its move to set up a Semicon city in Dholera. Recently, Vedanta and Foxconn have announced setting up of a Greenfield Semiconductor Fab unit at Dholera in Gujarat.
• The Minister in his recent trip to Rajkot, Gujarat had stated that “Dholera would emerge as Asia’s biggest electronics and semiconductor innovation hub”. The SemiconIndia FutureDesign will inspire the next gen Startups in Semiconductor Design and also help create a robust semiconductor ecosystem in the state.
• Shri Rajiv Chandrashekhar said, “The Government of India aims to establish India as a global hub of semiconductor design and innovation. India is a land of opportunities in the semiconductor sector and we are building a semiconductor ecosystem for India’s tech day.”

Unprecedented Growth in Electronics sector

• The Electronics sector in India has witnessed unprecedented growth since 2014. The sector has grown from around Rs 1,10,000 crore (in 2014) to around Rs 6,00,000 crore this year.
• In 2014, there were just two Mobile manufacturing units which have increased significantly to over 200 now.
• The mobile exports in India in 2015-16 were near zero. Propelled by the PMP and PLI Schemes, they reached Rs.27,000 cr in 2019-20, and within the first year of PLI Scheme, saw a 66% increase to Rs.45,000 cr.
• Central Government now seeks to Broaden and Deepen the electronics manufacturing sector. Semiconductors, being the building blocks of Tech, are critical for India’s expanding Digital Economy which is expected to breach the $1Trillion mark by 2025/26.

What is Semiconductor?

• Semiconductors are materials which have a conductivity between conductors (generally metals) and nonconductors or insulators (such as most ceramics).
• Its resistivity falls as its temperature rises; metals behave in the opposite way. Its conducting properties may be altered in useful ways by introducing impurities (“doping”) into the crystal structure.
• Some examples of semiconductors are silicon, germanium, gallium arsenide, and elements near the so-called “metalloid staircase” on the periodic table.
• After silicon, gallium arsenide is the second-most common semiconductor and is used in laser diodes, solar cells, microwave-frequency integrated circuits, and others. Silicon is a critical element for fabricating most electronic circuits.
• Semiconductors are an essential component of electronic devices, enabling advances in communications, computing, healthcare, military systems, transportation, clean energy, and countless other applications.

Sources – PIB