20 July 2022 – Current Affairs

Organic cultivation

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

Recently Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar gave the information that Organic cultivation area doubles in last three years.

In details –

• the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar gave the information in a written reply in Lok Sabha.
• In India, a cumulative area of 29.41 lakh ha, 38.19 lakh ha and 59.12 lakh ha have been brought under organic cultivation in the last three years (2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22) using organic manure and other organic inputs, which constitute 2.10%, 2.72% and 4.22% of the cultivable land of 140 million ha.
• Apart from this, Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) is prescribed for entire cultivable land in the country that promotes balanced use of fertilizers including chemical, organic and bio-fertilizers.

Government efforts –

• Government has been promoting organic farming through dedicated schemes of Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North East Region (MOVCDNER). 
• Farmers are provided financial assistance (Rs. 31000/ ha / 3 years in PKVY and Rs. 32500/ ha/ 3years under MOVCDNER) for organic inputs such as seeds, bio fertilizers, bio-pesticides, organic manure, compost/ vermi-compost, botanical extracts etc.
• Apart from this, support is also provided for group/ Farmers Producers Organization (FPO) formation, training, certification, value addition and marketing of their organic produce.
• In addition, Organic cultivation on either side of River Ganga and Large Area Certification have also been introduced under PKVY to increase acreage under organic cultivation using organic manure / bio-fertilizers. 

What is Organic Farming?

• Organic farming is a production system which avoids or largely excludes the use of synthetically compounded fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, genetically modified organisms and livestock food additives.
• To the maximum extent possible organic farming system rely upon crop rotations, use of crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off farm organic wastes, biofertilizers, mechanical cultivation, mineral bearing rocks and aspects of biological control to maintain soil productivity and tilth to supply plant nutrients and to control insect, weeds and other pests.
• Organic methods can increase farm productivity, repair decades of environmental damage and knit small farm families into more sustainable distribution networks leading to improved food security if they organize themselves in production, certification and marketing.

17th CII Exim Bank Conclave on India-Africa Growth Partnership

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

17th CII Exim Bank Conclave  on India-Africa Growth Partnership held on 19 july 2022.

In details –

• External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar speaking at the 17th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India-Africa growth partnership said that India has extended concessional loans of over 12.3 billion dollars to Africa.
• “Being a trusted partner in the journey of socio-economic development, India has extended concessional loans of over 12.3 billion dollars to Africa. We’ve completed 197 projects so far, 65 more are currently under execution & 81 are at the pre-execution stage,” said Jaishankar.
• He also highlighted that India has granted USD 700 million of grant assistance.
• “Our development projects in various sectors such as drinking water schemes to irrigation, rural-solar electrification, power plants, transmission lines, cement, sugar and textile factories, technology parks, railway infrastructure etc. have generated local employment and changed the life of many people in Africa,” said the EAM.
• Jaishankar also informed about various development works done by India in African countries like Gambia, Zambia, Mauritius, Namibia and South Sudan.
• “In Gambia, India has constructed the National Assembly building and undertaken projects in water supply, agriculture and food-processing,” said Jaishnakr.
• “In Zambia, India has been involved in important hydropower projects, erection of pre-fabricated health posts and in the supply of vehicles. In Mauritius, our recent notable project includes metro express, the new Supreme Court and social-housing,” he added.
• He underscored the focus on training and education in Africa to create new opportunities for cooperation.
• “In Namibia, a new centre of excellence in IT has just become operational, whereas, in South Sudan as with so many other African partners, we are focussing on training and education and welcome new opportunities for cooperation,” said Jaishankar.
• He further stressed the cooperation between India and African countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• “During the COVID-19 pandemic, India continued its engagement with Africa by focussing more on the virtual format. The 15th and 16th editions of CII-EXIM Bank Africa Conclave were accordingly held in that mode. We tried to make real difference in continent’s ability to cope with the pandemic. 32 African countries received 150 tonnes of medical assistance from India. Many of them also utilized ‘Made in India’ vaccines, received directly or otherwise from us,” said Jaishankar.
• A wide-ranging and detailed agenda was deliberated upon during the course of the day ranging from higher education or skilled development, building stronger financial partnerships or strengthening value-chains in agriculture and food processing.
• “These are all significant sectors of cooperation between us and had created a buzz among the India-Africa business community, said Jaishankar.
• India and Africa have long-standing, historic trade and economic linkages – whether it is commerce, culture or mobility. There are truly historical linkages that give a contemporary partnership a strong sense of comfort.
• “It is only natural that during the 20th century – India should support African countries in the quest to attain independence and fight against apartheid,” said the EAM.
• Africa plays an important role in India’s foreign policy outlook, reflected in the expanding diplomatic footprint that today covers 43 African countries.
• “It is our ability to take these goals forward that defines the rebalancing that the world is currently undergoing. During the last 8 years, there is also stepped up engagement with the continent recording 36 high-level visits from India and more than 100 similar ones from Africa,” said Jaishankar.
• Development partnership is the primacy of India’s Africa policy due to post-colonial reconstruction. This has been the centre-piece of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) that first commenced in 2008.
• Since then, the IAFS Summit has expanded very significantly. Particularly, after 2015 the engagements have intensified, which underlines Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal commitment to greater equity and sustainable development.
• “The current Indian approach to our cooperation was enunciated by him in Kampala in July 2018,” added Jaishankar. (ANI)

 

FDI in R&D sector

Paper 3 – Economy

Why Should You Know?

India attracts USD 343.64 million FDI equity inflow in R&D sector during 2021, which is 516% higher as compared to 2020

In details –

• India attracted USD 343.64 million FDI equity inflow in R&D sector during C.Y. 2021 (Calendar Year) which is 516% higher as compared to previous C.Y. 2020 (USD 55.77 million).
• FDI is permitted under 100% automatic route in R&D sector subject to applicable laws/regulations, security and other conditionalities.
• Karnataka is the top FDI Equity recipient state in R&D during C.Y. 2021 followed by Telangana and Haryana.
• The following states showed growth of more than 250% during C.Y. 2021 compared to previous C.Y. 2020: Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh & Tamilnadu.
• Singapore is the top investing country in R&D during C.Y. 2021 with 40% share of total FDI Equity in R&D followed by Germany (35%) and U.S.A (11%). Further, FDI Equity inflow from several countries like Germany, Mauritius, France, Singapore, Oman and U.S.A. showed an increase of more than 200% as compared to previous C.Y. 2020.
• Daimler Truck Innovation Center was the top FDI Equity inflow recipient company in R&D during C.Y. 2021 with 35% share of total FDI Equity in R&D followed by Aragen Life Sciences Private Limited (34%) and Stelis Biopharma Private Limited (21%).
• These trends indicate a robust and growing R&D sector which would benefit the economy by driving innovation, increasing productivity, thereby leading to higher economic growth.

Important role of R&D

• Research and Development (R&D) plays an important role in the development of a knowledge-based economy that can pave the way for higher economic growth.
• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) infuses long term sustainable capital in the economy and contributes towards technology transfer, development of strategic sectors, greater innovation, competition and employment creation amongst other benefits.
• It has been a continuous endeavor of the Government to attract and promote R&D intensive FDI in order to supplement domestic capital, technology and skills for accelerated economic growth and development.

 National Culture Fund

Paper 1 – Art & Culture

Why Should You Know?

Recently, Minister of Culture and Tourism and Development of North Eastern Region Shri G Kishan Reddy gave information in Lok Sabha that National Culture Fund has completed 52 projects with various donors since its inception.

In details –

• Government of India has set up National Culture Fund (NCF) as a Trust on 28th November, 1996 under the Charitable Endowment Act, 1890.
• NCF is managed by a (Governing) Council and an Executive Committee.
• The Council is chaired by the Union Minister of Culture and has a strength of 21 including 15 non-official members representing various fields including corporate sector, private foundations and not-for-profit voluntary organizations.
• The Executive Committee is chaired by Secretary (Culture) and has a strength of 9 including 4 non-official members from the Council.
• A donor/sponsor while making contributions to the NCF may indicate a project along with any specific location/aspect and also an agency for execution of the project.
• Besides, the interests accrued from the Primary and Secondary Corpus is also utilized for activities associated with the field of culture.
• The aim of National Culture Fund (NCF) is to establish and nurture partnerships in the field of Culture and Heritage with private and public sectors, government, non-government agencies, private institutions and foundations and mobilize resources for the restoration, conservation, protection and development of India’s rich, natural, tangible and intangible heritage.
• The major objectives of NCF is to administer and apply the Fund for conservation, maintenance, promotion, protection, preservation and up gradation of monuments protected or otherwise; for the training and development of a cadre of specialists and cultural administrators, for innovations and experiments in arts and for documentation of cultural expressions and forms that have lost their relevance in contemporary scenario and are either fading out or facing extinction.
• Since inception, NCF has completed 52 projects with various donors.

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

Paper 3 – Agriculture

Why Should You Know?

Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims at upliftment of dairy farmers making dairying more remunerative

In details –

• The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) with the aim of development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds, genetic upgradation of bovine population and enhancement of milk production and productivity of bovines thereby making dairying more remunerative to the farmers.
• Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014.

Objectives –

The Scheme has been implemented with the following objectives:

• To enhance productivity of bovines and increasing milk production in a sustainable manner using advance technologies
• To propagate use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding purposes.
• To enhance Artificial insemination coverage through strengthening of breeding network and delivery of Artificial insemination services at farmers doorstep
• To promote indigenous cattle & buffalo rearing and conservation in a scientific and holistic manner.

Achievements –

Major achievements made under the scheme since its inception are as under:

• Under implementation of Nationwide Artificial Insemination (AI) Programme Artificial Insemination services has been made available free of cost at farmers doorstep. As on date 3.50 crore animals have been covered, 4.33 crore Artificial Insemination performed and 2.28 crore farmers benefitted under the programme.
• 19 bovine IVF/ ETT labs have been made operational and so far 14092 viable embryos of mostly indigenous breeds produced, 6598 viable embryos transferred and 1075 calves are born under the programme.
• Government has initiated Accelerated Breed Improvement programme using IVF technology and under the programme 2 Lakh IVF pregnancies will be established in next five years. Subsidy at the rate of Rs 5000 per assured pregnancy will be made available to farmers. Bovine IVF technology is now available at farmers’ doorstep.
• Sex sorted semen production has been introduced in the country for production of only female calves upto 90% accuracy.
• Use of sex sorted semen will be a game changer not only for enhancing milk production but also limiting stray cattle population. Sex sorted semen production facility has been established at 4 Government semen stations and sex sorted semen production facility is also available at 3 private semen stations.
• So far 44.37 lakh sexed semen doses have been produced. Government has initiated accelerated breed improvement programme using sex sorted semen and under the programme 51 lakh pregnancies will be established and subsidy of Rs 750 or 50% of the cost of sorted semen on assured pregnancy will be made available to farmers.
• 13 Progeny Testing (PT) and 7 Pedigree selection progarmmes have been implemented in the country to meet requirement of high genetic merit bulls at semen stations. Under these programme 2401 high genetic merit bulls mainly of indigenous breeds have been produced and inducted at semen stations for semen production.
• In order to deliver breeding inputs at farmers doorstep so far 29,218 Multi-purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural Areas (MAITRIs) have been inducted.
• 16 Gokul Grams and 2 National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre have been established for development and conservation of Indigenous breeds in scientific and holistic manner.

Jan Samarth Portal

Paper 2 – Government Policies

Why Should You Know?

Jan Samarth Portal presently hosts loans under 13 credit linked Government Schemes

In details –

• The Government launched “Jan Samarth” Portal on 6th June 2022. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha on July 18, 2022.
• Giving more details, the Minister stated that the salient features of the “Jan Samarth” Portal are as under:
• It connects all stakeholders like beneficiaries, financial institutions, Central/State Government Agencies, & Nodal Agencies on a common platform.
• Applicant can initially access 13 schemes through a single platform.
• Intuitive guidance to applicants for checking subsidy eligibility.
• Auto recommendation of the best suitable scheme for beneficiary.
• Digital approval of loan application based on digital verifications.
• Beneficiary can track real time status of their loan application.
• The Minister further stated that the use of “Jan Samarth” Portal by applicants will ease the loan application and disbursement process as the applicant can upload his application and the rule engine for approval of the applications is inbuilt.
• This will save time and effort as applicant can apply for a loan on the portal which is available on 24/7 basis.
• The portal presently hosts loans under 13 credit linked Government Schemes catering to youth, students, entrepreneurs and farmers viz. Education Loans, Agriculture Loans, Business Activity Loans, and Livelihood Loans, the Minister stated.
• Any applicant/beneficiary can register, check eligibility under various Government Schemes and apply for digital loan approval through Jan Samarth Portal, the Minister stated.

Quality of medicines in India

Paper 2 – Health

Why Should You Know?

Centre Government has taken various regulatory measures since 2019 to ensure the quality of medicinal products in country.

In details –

• The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this information in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha .

• The Government has taken various regulatory measures since 2019 to ensure the quality of medicines in the country. The key measures are as under:

• The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended providing that every Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (bulk drug) manufactured or imported in India shall bear Quick Response Code on its label. The stored data or information shall include the minimum particulars including Unique product identification code, Batch No, Manufacturing date, Expiry Date.
• The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended providing that any marketer who sells or distributes any drug shall be responsible for quality of that drug as well as other regulatory compliances along with the manufacturer under these rules.
• The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended providing that “in case the applicant intends to market the drug under a brand name or trade name, the applicant shall furnish an undertaking in Form 51 to the Licensing Authority to the effect that to the best of his knowledge based on search in trademarks registry, central data base for brand name or trade name of drugs maintained by Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, literature and reference books on details of drug formulations in India, and internet, such or similar brand name or trade name is not already in existence with respect to any drug in the country and the proposed brand name or trade name shall not lead to any confusion or deception in the market”.
• The manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of 80 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) drugs in India were prohibited in public interest after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
• 220 additional posts of various levels have been created including Joint Drugs Controller, Deputy Drugs Controller, Asst. Drugs Controller and Drugs Inspector in the year 2022-23.

 PMBJP Scheme –

• Further, Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched a scheme, namely, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).
• Under the scheme, Generic Medicines are sold through dedicated outlets namely Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs).
• It is an initiative of Government of India towards making an impact on common masses to provide quality medicines at affordable prices. As on 30.06.2022, 8,742 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country and the product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,616 drugs and 250 surgical items.

History –

• In November 2008, with an objective to make available generic medicines at affordable prices to all, the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers launched the “Jan Aushadhi Scheme”.
• To reinvigorate the supply of affordable generic medicines with efficacy and quality equivalent to that of branded drugs, the scheme was revamped as “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Yojana” in 2015.
• To provide further momentum to the ongoing scheme, it was again renamed as “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana” (PMBJP).

Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act

Paper 2 – Health

Why Should You Know?

Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes.

In details –

• The Transplantation of Human Organs & Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994 provides for regulation of removal, storage and transplantation of human organs & tissues for therapeutic purposes and for prevention of commercial dealings in human organs & tissues. The subject of artificial organs is not regulated under the aforesaid Act.
• As reported by Directorate General of Health Services, there has been an overall increase in lifestyle diseases like Diabetes, Hypertension, Chronic Kidney Disease, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver disease in the past decade, which may cause organ damage. Once the end stage organ failure occurs, such cases may require organ transplants.
• The Government of India has implemented National Organ Transplant Program (NOTP) to establish a network of organ and tissue transplant organizations at national, regional and state level and to link them with transplant & retrieval hospitals and tissue banks and to maintain a national registry of organ & tissue donors and recipients for the purpose to provide an efficient system for procurement and distribution of organs & tissues from deceased donors.
• Under the program, support is provided to establish new or to upgrade existing organ & tissue transplant and retrieval facilities and to establish tissue banks.
• The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

GOAL Programme

Paper 2 – Education

Why Should You Know?

The second phase of the GOAL Programme (GOAL 2.0) was launched on 28thJune, 2022 with an aim to digitally upskill tribal youth

In details –

• GOAL (Going Online as Leaders) is a joint initiative of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Meta (formerly Facebook), which aims at digital empowerment of tribal youth and women through concept of mentor and mentee.
• The first phase of the GOAL programme was launched as a pilot project in May 2020 and it was completed by Dec 2021.
• The mentees in the first-phase were provided with 40+ hours of training across three course pillars:

(1) Communication & Life Skills;

(2) Enabling Digital Presence, and

(3) Leadership & Entrepreneurship.

• The programme is fully funded by Meta (Facebook India). As part of the phase 1 of GOAL program, 176 tribal youth from 23 States across India were selected through an online application process.  The mentees were also given a smart phone and Internet Connectivity by Facebook.
• The second phase of the GOAL Programme (GOAL 2.0) was launched on 28thJune, 2022 with an aim to digitally upskill tribal youth by promoting entrepreneurship and opening up opportunities for them using digital technology.
• In Phase-I, the digital mentorship was provided online by attaching one mentor to 2 mentees.  Based on learnings from Phase-I, there is change in the design in Phase-II.  Rather than inviting applications to become mentees under the scheme, Goal 2 program will be open to all people from tribal communities.
• The program aims to upskill and digitally enable tribal youth via Facebook live sessions and Meta Business Coach, a digital learning tool. There will be special focus on more than 10 lakh members of 50000 Vandhan Self Help Groups. 
• They will be digitally trained with regard to market demand, packaging, branding and marketing of their products.  The GOAL 2 will enable maximum participation and percolation of benefits of the training within the tribal youth with provision of Chatbot, need based on line sessions from Industry experts in different fields as per requirements from the mentees.
• The programme is fully funded by Meta (Facebook India) and Ministry of Tribal Affairs has not incurred any expenditure or provided any funds for implementation of the program.
• Ministry of Tribal Affairs in coordination with Ministry of IT and Electronics, will be providing 6 digital classes in each of the 175 EMRS schools selected under the program.  The project is being implemented by ERNET, which is an autonomous organization under MeiTY through STC funds available with MeITY and 10% funding is being done by NESTS. 

Other Programmes –

• Under Skill India Mission, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is implementing its flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Under PMKVY 3.0, focus has also been given for skilling on digital technology and Industry 4.0. Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) have also created job roles on new and emerging digital technologies and industry 4.0 skills like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).  MSDE has budget of Rs. 203 cr under Schedule Tribe Component (STC) for various programs related to skill development of tribals during 2022-23. 
• Further, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the MSDE has initiated online skilling through eSkill India portal. The platform offers learning opportunities on emerging technologies like cybersecurity, blockchain, artificial intelligence and machine learning, predictive modelling, statistical business analytics, cloud and Internet of Things along with professional skills like design thinking, project management and digital marketing.
• There is no separate fund allotment for training of Digital Skills under the PMKVY scheme. Under Centrally Sponsored State Managed (CSSM) component of PMKVY scheme, there is a provision of State/UT-wise allocation of funds.
• Further, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education is implementing the initiative of Vocationalisation of School Education under the umbrella of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of ‘Samagra Shiksha’. Under Vocational Education component of ‘Samagra Shiksha’, NSQF compliant vocational courses are offered to the school students including tribal Students from class 9th to 12th in the schools covered under the scheme. It consists of Communication Skills, Self-Management Skills, Information and Communication Technology Skills, Entrepreneurship Skills and Green Skills.

‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’

Paper 1 – Art & Culture

Why Should You Know?

Team of students from Telangana reached Faridabad under ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ programme.

In details –

• Under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ programme, students of both the states of Telangana and Haryana are visiting each other’s states for the exchange and learning about the culture, cuisine and lifestyle.
• In this connection, a group of students from Telangana reached a private university in Faridabad on July 18, 2022 to know about Haryana. This team is on a five-day tour of Haryana state.
• The President of All India Council for Technical Education and other officials explained the merits of the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme to these students through video conferencing.
• University’s Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Srivastava said that under the ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ programme, we have got a golden opportunity to know about each other’s state. He said that, “A paired programme is going on in which responsibility has been given to 2 states that our students should go there and learn the culture there and the students of the other state should learn the culture here.”
• Dr. Gurjit Kaur Chawla, the nodal officer of the University for the programme ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’, informed that arrangements have been made for the students coming from Telangana under this programme. She said that these students would be taken to different places of the state and made aware about the culture, language, lifestyle and cuisine of Haryana.
• Teachers and students who came from Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, told that under this programme they have got an opportunity to know the culture, language, lifestyle and cuisine of Haryana, which they are very curious to know about.

What is ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ ?

• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat was announced by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17.
• Through this innovative measure, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different states & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the states, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
• The Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme, aims to actively enhance interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different States and UTs in India, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding amongst them.
• As per the programme, each year, every State/UT would be paired with another State/UT in India for reciprocal interaction between the people. It is envisaged through this exchange, that the knowledge of the language, culture, traditions and practices of different states will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between one another, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India.
• The States and UTs are to embark on a mission to enhance their cultural, academic and economic ties by entering into a wide range of mutual engagements with the paired States/UTs covering the spheres of music, drama, cuisine, language, history, tourism and other forms of exchange between the people.
• An indicative list of activities has been drawn up and circulated to the State Governments / UT Administrations and to the key Central Ministries. The States/ UTs may choose, evolve and develop their interaction pattern based on the suggested list as per operational suitability in the course of their interactions.
• All States and UTs will be covered under the programme. There will be pairing of States/UTs at national level and these pairings will be in effect for one year, or till the next round of pairings. The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for state level activities. District level pairings would be independent of the State level pairings.
• The activity will be very useful to link various States and Districts in annual programmes that will connect people through exchanges in areas of culture, tourism, language, education trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity of a much larger number of States/UTs while realising that India is one.