17 Women’s World Cup 2022
Paper 2 – Games
Why Should You Know?
Cabinet approves Signing of Guarantees for hosting Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 Women’s World Cup 2022 in India.
In details –
- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Signing of Guarantees for hosting Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Under 17 Women’s World Cup 2022 in India.
- FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 is scheduled to be held in India between 11th and 30th October 2022.
- The seventh edition of the biennial youth tournament will be the first-ever FIFA women’s competition to be hosted by India. Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women’s football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy.
Financial outlay:
- Financial outlay of Rs. 10 crore assistance to All India Football Federation (AIFF) for Field of play Maintenance, Stadium power, Energy & Cabling, Stadia & Training Site Branding etc. will be met from the budgetary allocation for the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs).
Objectives of the Scheme:
- The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 has potential to strengthen women’s football in the country.
- Carrying on the positive legacy from the FIFA Under 17 Men’s World Cup 2017, the nation is preparing for a seminal moment for women’s football when the best young female footballers from across the world will be showcasing their skills to lift the coveted trophy. Following objectives have been contemplated in order to leave behind a positive legacy:
- increase representation of women in football leadership and decision-making bodies
- inspire more girls to play football in India
- advocate for gender-inclusive participation by normalising the concept of equal game from a young age
- opportunity to improve football standards for women in India
- improve the commercial value of the women’s game.
Justification:
- The FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup is a prestigious event and would be held for the first time in India. It would encourage more youngsters to participate in sports and help develop the sport of football in India.
- The event will not only promote football as sport of choice among Indian girls, but is also poised to leave a lasting legacy that will facilitate girls and women in the country to embrace football and sports in general.
Background:
- The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is the world championship for female players under or upto the age of 17, organized by FIFA.
- The event started in 2008 and is traditionally held in even-numbered years.
- The 6th edition of the event was held in Uruguay from 13th November to 1st December, 2018.
- Spain is the current champion of FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup.
- FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup India 2022 will be the 7th edition of the tournament in which 16 teams, including India, will participate.
- The AIFF has proposed holding of the competition matches in 3 venues namely; (a) Bhubaneshwar; (b) Navi Mumbai and (c) Goa. India successfully hosted the FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup India-2017 at 6 different venues namely New Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Kolkata in the country from 6th to 28th October, 2017.
PSLV-C53/DS-EO Mission – ISRO
Paper 3 – Science & Technology
Why Should You Know?
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, PSLV-C53 launch on 30th June, 2022 was the dedicated international customer mission wherein 3 Singaporean satellites were launched.
In details –
- Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, PSLV-C53 launch on 30th June, 2022 was the dedicated international customer mission wherein 3 Singaporean satellites were launched.
- In reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the launch also provided an opportunity to Indian space start-ups to host their technology payloads as part of PS4 upper stage orbiting platform.
- PSLV-C53 realized by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), successfully launched three Singapore customer satellites namely DS-EO, NeuSAR and SCOOB-1.
- The PSLV-C53 is the 55th mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and 15th mission using PSLV-Core Alone variant.
- PSLV-C53 was the 2nd dedicated commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), a Central Public Sector Enterprise under administrative control of the Department of Space (DOS), thus enabling NSIL to earn Foreign Exchange for providing Launch Services to international customers.
- Further, the competitiveness of Indian made launch vehicles in the international market continues to increase with each successful launch.
- It is noteworthy that ISRO, through its commercial arms, has successfully launched 345 foreign satellites from 34 countries on-board Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Total foreign exchange revenue earned through launching of foreign satellites amounts to 56 million USD and 220 million Euros approximately.
International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Paper 3 – Economy
Why Should You Know?
Dr Mansukh Mandaviya chairs the seminar on Safe Use of Chemicals at Workplace; MoU with ILO on International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) signed.
In details –
- Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a seminar on “Safe Use of Chemicals at Workplace”.
- The seminar was organised by Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC)and International Labour Organisation (ILO).
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in presence of Union Minister Dr. Mandaviya between DCPC and ILO for adopting the International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs).
- Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said that often catastrophic accidents can happen related with chemicals, mainly due to lack of proper safety measures. This calls for adhering to global safety standards and practices, he noted.
- “It is crucial that international standards developed by ILO are adopted by India as this will not only mitigate industrial accidents but also ensure further alignment with global best practices”, he added.
- He exhorted all stakeholders to ensure that information about not only these ICSCs but also safety regulations are conveyed adequately to the workers.
- He said that “Industry safety can be ensured by adhering to international standards for storage and processing, putting safest and efficient procedures, installing robust technologies in place. This can be ensured by spreading awareness and creating capacity building among workers through training sessions”.
- Shri Bhagwant Khuba, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers and New & Renewable Energy noted that India’s stature has risen globally in chemical sector and thus it becomes a need that we look at the sector not just from production basis but safety aspects as well.
- He said that the Industrial workers from floor-level to managerial level must be made aware of possible hazards at workplace and must be equipped with adequate knowledge to deal with them in case of any emergency.
- He said that such training sessions and safety mock drills are not only important for workers’ safety but also play a key role for our environment as well.
- He also thanked all the participants and echoed the need that “all stakeholders must learn and grow together as only this could ensure that our industries function without any harm and hazard, without losing any lives.” He was hopeful that this MoU between DCPC and ILO would further enforce our efforts in implementation of safety regulations in the country.
About International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
- The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) are data sheets intended to provide essential safety and health information on chemicals concisely.
- The primary aim of the Cards is to promote the safe use of chemicals in the workplace. The main users are workers and those responsible for occupational safety and health.
- The International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs) will be used by the department to disseminate the appropriate hazard information on chemicals at the workplace in an comprehensible and easy manner. To date, 1784 Chemicals Safety Cards are available.
- The ICSCs are developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) with cooperation of the European Commission and are regularly updated to take account of the latest scientific developments.
- These cards are helpful for dissemination of the appropriate hazard information on chemicals to industry associations to promote safe use of chemicals in the workplace.
Blue Economic Policy
Paper 3- Environment
Why Should You Know?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy for the country.
In details –
- A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy has been prepared. The draft Blue Economy policy framework envisages the optimal utilization of all sectors of the maritime domain, (living, non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, etc.) for sustainable development of coastal areas.
- This policy document contains key recommendations on National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture and Fish Processing. Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services and Skill Development, Logistics, Infrastructure and Shipping, Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining and Offshore Energy and Security, Strategic Dimensions and International Engagement.
- The proposed National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC) will have the Secretaries of relevant Ministries/ Deptts. as members. It would also include Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries of Coastal States and representatives from industry.
- The draft policy document was put out for comments and feedback from general public and all relevant stakeholders.
- Many valuable comments/ suggestions received from ministries/ departments, parliament members, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), industry representatives and general public have been considered and the policy document has been revised accordingly.
- There is no activity with the theme ‘Swachh Prithvi, Swachh Sagar’, however, an activity with the theme ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’is being implemented. This is a 75 days long coastal clean-up campaign for cleaning of at least 75 beaches along the coastal districts which started on 05th July 2022 and will culminate on 17thSeptember 2022 the ‘International Coastal Clean Up Day’.
- The activity is being organized by MoES jointly with Indian Coast Guard, MoEF& CC, MoYAS, NDMA, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi and Government Departments, volunteer organizations, public and students.
- The steps/initiatives would include support for awareness campaigns, competitions and workshops/seminars on the issues through Earth Day, Ocean Day etc in schools, colleges and Universities.
- This information was given by the Minister of State (I/C) for M/o Earth Sciences and M/o Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
What is Blue Economy?
- According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the “sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.” European Commission defines it as “All economic activities related to oceans, seas and coasts.
- The concept was introduced by Gunter Pauli in his book- “The Blue Economy: 10 years, 100 innovations, 100 million jobs”.
- So the Blue Economy emphasizes on integration of development of the ocean economy with social inclusion, environmental sustainability, combined with innovative business models.
Study in India Programme
Paper 2 – Education
Why Should You Know?
Recently the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar gave information about study in india programmme in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
In details –
- Ministry of Education (MOE) launched Study in India Programme on 18.04.2018 with the aim of attracting foreign students to Indian higher educational institutions (HEIs) through systematic brand building, marketing, social media and digital marketing campaigns.
- The programme involves partnership with 160 plus select Indian institutes/universities (based on NIRF Ranking and NAAC grading).
- A centralized admission web-portal (https://studyinindia.gov.in) acts as a single window for the admission of foreign students under Study in India. An examination named PRAGATII (Performance Rating of Applicants through Global Aptitude Test for Indian Institutions) is conducted to offer Study in India Scholarships to meritorious students. Though students from all over the world can apply under this flagship programme, the focus is on 48 target countries across South-East Asia, Middle East and Africa.
- Study in India has been reaching out to international students through Indian missions abroad and with extensive brand building exercise through Newspapers, Radio, Facebook, Instagram, Google Display & Search Network, Twitter, Emailers, WhatsApp, telegram etc.
About the programme –
The Study In India (SII) programme is a flagship project introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. The programme has been put together to facilitate and encourage international students to study in premier Indian institutes.
Three pillars –
Three pillars of the Study in India Programme include:
Learn – The strong network of government-owned, private institutes, institutes of national importance (INIs), provided under the Study in India umbrella, enable quality yet affordable teachings. The blended learning approach provided in these institutes focuses on both theoretical and practical aspects of all the courses.
Thrive – India is home to renowned alumni heading several Fortune 500 companies like Satya Nadella- CEO of Microsoft, Sundar Pichai -CEO of Google, Parag Agrawal – CEO of Twitter, etc. The competitive and holistic learning environment imparted in Study in India partner institutes allows students to network, innovate and thrive in the real world.
Explore – One of the most attractive factors about studying in India as an international student is the availability of plenty of things to explore. Be it the diversity, architecture & landscapes, multiple festivals and cuisines, there is a lot that the international students can experience.
Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi
Paper 3 – Economy
Why Should You Know?
A cooperative bank run by women named “Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi” will be started in Rajasthan. In details –
- The Government of Rajasthan recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Stree Nidhi Credit Co-operative Federation of the Government of Telangana to set up a women-only cooperative bank called “Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi”.
- It will promote women empowerment by supporting their enterprises.
- Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi will be established on the lines of Telangana Stree Nidhi. It will strengthen the Self Help Groups of women in Rajasthan by providing them timely credit facilities for their enterprises.
- It will be operated by all women employees. It will be set up as a complementary body with the formal banking system.
- This institution can reduce the number of loan applications pending in banks.
- The proposal for the establishment of Rajasthan Mahila Nidhi was placed by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in the budget speech of 2022-23.
- During the initial two years of operation, the state government will provide a grant of Rs 50 crore.
- Apart from this, the state government has demanded a grant of Rs 110 crore from the central government.
- Mahila Nidhi will be operational in 15 districts of Rajasthan in the first year. At present, it has started functioning in 6 districts Karauli, Kota, Alwar, Rajsamand, Jodhpur and Dungarpur.
Technical education
Paper 2 – Education
Why Should You Know?
Recently the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Subhas Sarkar gave information about promotion of technical education in india, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
In details –
- Government endeavoured promotion of technical education across the country by establishing various Institutes of National Importance that includes 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), 25 India Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), 31 National Institutes of Technology (NITs), 1 Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur, 1 Indian Institute of Science (IISc, Bengaluru), 4 National Institute of Technical Teachers Training and Research (NITTTRs) ,7 Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) etc.
- For ensuring high standards of teaching in professional technical education, All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) has been established by the Government as a statutory autonomous body for regulating and guiding the engineering colleges /technical institutes in Government and Private Sphere.
- To enhance the level of professional technical education in the country, AICTE is implementing a number of initiatives such as
- preparation of outcome based model curriculum and mandatory internship
- exam reforms to assess the learning outcomes
- perspective plan to encourage new and emerging fields with high employment potential
- teachers training for enhancing core skills
- industry readiness cell in each institute and mandatory signing of at least five (5) MoUs with Industry
- accreditation of courses to improve quality education
- start-up initiatives
- Smart India Hackathon to encourage innovations
- mandatory induction programme for students / career counselling etc.
Schemes –
- Further, various schemes such as Prime Minister Research Fellowship (PMRF), Uchchatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY), Start-up India Initiative for Higher Education Institutions (SIIHEI), Impacting Research Innovation and Technology (IMPRINT), Impactful Policy Research in Social Science (IMPRESS), Scheme for Trans-Disciplinary Research for India’s Developing Economy (STRIDE), Global Initiative of Academic Network (GIAN), Scheme for promotion of Research and Academic Collaboration (SPARC), National Initiative for Design Innovation (NIDI), Scheme for Transformational and Advanced Research in Sciences (STARS) etc. are implemented in the Ministry of Education for promotion of technical education and research ecosystem in Higher Education Institutes.
Rashtriya Khanij Puraskar
Paper 3 –Resources
Why Should You Know?
Rashtriya Khanij Puraskar- National Award to Promote Mining Across the Country.
In details –
- In order to incentivize the States who take initiative in exploration, auction and operationalisation of mineral blocks, Ministry of Mines has instituted a National level award scheme viz., Rashtriya Khanij Puraskar in three categories of minerals.
- The award money is Rs. 3 cr, Rs. 2 cr, and Rs. 1 cr for 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively in each category.
- Award for the year 2019-20 & 2020-21 have been given during the 6th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals held on 12.07.2022. A total of Rs.18 Cr has been given as award money to different States.
- Further, in order to encourage the States to auction mineral blocks, following incentives are provided by the Ministry of Mines:
- ₹20 lakh to those States where potential mineral blocks are available for auction.
- ₹20 lakh for each successful auction of mineral block conducted by the State Government.
- Reimbursement of 50% of Transaction Advisor fee for conducting auction subject to a maximum of ₹5 Lakh for each block which was put up for auction but could not be successfully auctioned.
- A total of Rs.21.02 Cr has been released to States in the above categories during 6th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals.
- There are presently three modules in the MTS viz Registration modules, Returns module and Mining plan module. The proposed additional modules of MTS are under consideration.
BM-SEAL-11 project
Paper 2 – International Relations
Why Should You Know?
Recently Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri A. Narayanaswamy gave information about Nasha Mukt Abhiyan in Lok Sabha.
In details –
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved additional investment of USD 1,600 million (about Rs. 12,000 crore) by Bharat PetroResources Ltd. (BPRL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) for development of BM-SEAL-11 Concession Project in Brazil.
The CCEA also approved following:
- To increase in the limit of equity investment by BPCL in BPRL and Authorised Share Capital of the Company from Rs.15,000 crore to Rs.20,000 crore (to be subscribed by BPCL from time to time).
- To authorise increase in the limit of equity investment by BPRL International BV in International BV Brasil Petroleo Limitada, through intermediate WOS, to Rs.15,000 crore from the current limit of Rs.5,000 crore that is an increase of Rs.10,000 crore.
- The start of production from BM-SEAL-11 project is expected from 2026-27.
- BPRL has 40% Participating Interest (PI) in this Concession along with Petrobras, National oil company of Brazil, as the Operator with 60% Participating Interest.
- BPRL has been associated with exploration and development of this project in Brazil since 2008.
Significance –
This will help in –
- accessing to equity oil to strengthen India’s energy security.
- diversifying India’s crude oil supply and Indian oil companies have expressed interest in sourcing more crude oil from Brazil.
- Strengthening India’s foothold in Brazil, which will further open business avenues in neighbouring Latin American countries.
- Further strengthening the bilateral ties between the countries.
Schemes for development of Scheduled Tribe dominated areas
Paper 2 – Social Issues
Why Should You Know?
Ministry of Tribal Affairs implements various schemes for development of Scheduled Tribe dominated areas, lets know about it.
In details –
- This Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been implementing various schemes relating to education, health, economic empowerment etc in the Scheduled Tribe dominated areas of the country. The receipt of Annual Proposals under these schemes is a continuous process which is considered by this Ministry as per schematic norms. The details of these schemes are as under:
Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS):
- It is a central sector scheme introduced in the year 1997-98 to provide quality education to Scheduled Tribes (ST) students (Class 6th to 12th) in remote areas through residential schools. As on date, 684 schools have been sanctioned by the Ministry, out of which 378 are reported to be functional.
Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution of India:
- Under this scheme, funds are released to States to enable them to meet the cost of such schemes of development as may be undertaken by the State for the purpose of promoting welfare of Scheduled Tribes in that State or raising the level of administration of Scheduled Areas therein to that of the administration of the rest of the areas of that State.
Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY):
- ‘Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAAGY)’, aims at providing Basic Infrastructure in 36428 villages with significant tribal population having at least 50% tribal population and 500 STs in convergence with Central STC and State TSP funds.
National Fellowship:
- National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students: The scheme provides financial assistance or pursuing MPhil and PhD in Universities and for perusing graduate and post graduate courses in top 246 Institutes like IIT/AIIMS etc .
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS):
- National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) to the ST Students for Studies Abroad: Under the Scheme, financial assistance is provided to 20 ST students every year for pursuing higher studies abroad.
Aid to Voluntary Organizations working for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes:
- Ministry has been funding Voluntary Organizations (VOs) including Non-Governmental Voluntary Organizations (NGOs) working in tribal Hilly, remote and border areas for projects in Education, Health and Livelihood.
Venture Capital Fund (VCF) for Scheduled Tribes:
- From the year 2021-22, the scheme of ‘Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Tribes’ (VCF-ST) has been taken up by the Ministry with a corpus fund of ₹50.00 crore for a period of five years for promoting entrepreneurship/start-up projects by ST youth.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Jatiya Vikas Mission (PMJVM):
- This scheme has been conceptualized with the merger of two schemes i.e. (i) ‘Mechanism for Marketing of Minor Forest Produce through Minimum Support Price and Development of Value Chain for MFP (MSP for MFP)’ and (ii) ‘Institutional Support for Development and Marketing of Tribal Products’. PMJVM seeks to achieve livelihood driven tribal development through quality input, technology, credit and better marketing access etc.
Pre- Matric Scholarship:
- Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which financial assistance is provided to ST students studying in classes IX and X
Post Matric Scholarship:
- Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under which financial assistance is provided to ST students studying beyond class
Support to Tribal Research Institute (TRI):
- This scheme aims to strengthen TRIs to carry out research, documentation, training and capacity building activities and serve as a knowledge hub catering to overall tribal development. Tribal museums are also established under this scheme.
Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):
- This scheme adopts a habitat level development approach to improve the quality of life through intervention in housing, drinking water, education and health services, livelihood support, and cultural aspects