30 September 2022 – Current Affairs

Infrastructure Projects In Gujarat

Paper 3 – Infrastructure

Why Should You Know?

Recently The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of some projects in Bhavnagar and Surat in Gujarat.

In details –

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of projects worth over ₹5200 crores in Bhavnagar.
• Also The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated various projects worth more than ₹3400 crores in Surat today.

In Bhavnagar –

World’s First CNG Terminal and brownfield port

• The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of the World’s First CNG Terminal and of brownfield port at Bhavnagar.
• The port will be developed at a cost of over ₹4000 crores and will have the state-of-the-art infrastructure for the world’s first CNG Terminal along with the world’s fourth largest lock gate system.
• In addition to the CNG Terminal, the port will also cater to the future needs and demands of various upcoming projects in the region.
• The port will have an ultra-modern Container Terminal, Multipurpose Terminal, and Liquid Terminal with direct door-step connectivity to the existing roadway and railway network.
• It will not only lead to economic benefits in terms of cost saving in handling cargo but also generate employment for people in the region. Also, the CNG Import Terminal will provide an additional alternate source of energy to meet the growing demands for clean energy.

Regional Science Centre

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also inaugurated the Regional Science Centre in Bhavnagar, which is spread over 20 acres and has been built at a cost of around ₹100 crores.
• The centre has several theme-based galleries including Marine Aquatic gallery, Automobile gallery, Nobel Prize gallery – Physiology and Medicine, Electro-Mechanics gallery, and Biology Science gallery.
• The centre will also provide a creative platform for discovery and exploration for children through outdoor installations like animatronic dinosaurs, science theme-based toy trains, nature exploration tours, motion simulators, portable solar observatories etc.

Other Projects

• During the programme, the Prime Minister also inaugurated various other projects including package 7 of Sauni Yojna link 2, 25 MW Palitana Solar PV Project, APPL Container (Aawadkrupa Plastomech Pvt. Ltd.) project; and laid the foundation stone of projects including package 9 of Sauni Yohna link 2, Chorvadla Zone water supply project among others.
• The inauguration and foundation stone of these wide-ranging developmental projects reflect the commitment of the government to develop world-class infrastructure, enhance urban mobility and improve multi-modal connectivity.
• It also showcases the continuous focus of his government on enhancing the ease of living of the common man.

In Surat –

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicated various projects worth more than ₹3400 crores in Surat.
• These include works for water supply, drainage projects, DREAM City, Biodiversity Park and other development works such as public infrastructure, heritage restoration, city bus / BRTS infrastructure, electric vehicle infrastructure, and joint development works by the central and state government.

DREAM City

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase-I of road infrastructure works and the main entrance of Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City.
• DREAM City project has been launched with the vision to meet the growing demand for commercial and residential space to complement the rapid growth of the diamond trading business in Surat.
• The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Phase II of the project.

Biodiversity Park

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Biodiversity Park, which is being built in an area of over 87 hectares from Dr Hedgewar Bridge to Bhimrad-Bamrolli Bridge.
• The Prime Minister also inaugurated Khoj Museum at Science Centre in Surat. Built for children, the museum will have interactive displays, inquiry-based activities and inquisitiveness-based explorations.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Ministers Meeting

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

Recently the 21st meeting of the Ministers of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held.

In details

• Recently, the 21st meeting of SCO ministers was held in which Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel participated virtually.
• Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel said that constructive co-operation coupled with trust and transparency is key to tap the trade potential of SCO Member States.
• The Minister mentioned the opportunities available in the SCO region for mutually beneficial, balanced and equitable gains for all SCO Members. She stressed on the need for effective cooperation between SCO Member States for a balanced and equitable growth in trade and commerce.
• The Minister mentioned the opportunities available in the SCO region for mutually beneficial, balanced and equitable gains for all SCO Members, according to a Commerce Ministry press release. She stressed on the need for effective cooperation between SCO Member States for a balanced and equitable growth in trade and commerce.
• She underscored the importance of collective efforts to achieve balanced and equitable economic growth by way of making trade as an engine of reviving growth and driver of economic recovery. She emphasised that trust and transparency determine the sustainability of global trade and preserving the fundamental principles and objectives of the multilateral trading system.
• She stressed on the need to work towards enhancing affordable access to medicines, therapeutics, vaccines as well as health care at affordable prices for fighting any pandemic, such as Covid-19 to preserve the life, livelihood, food and nutritional security of the poorest.
• To bring prosperity for the humankind, MOS emphasised the need to share the best practices on technological development, optimum utilization of resources, conservation of environment, sustainable distribution of resources so that present and future generation have adequate resource to live with, in a happy environment.
• On the issue of environment, MOS expressed that the climate agenda at world forum should not be used to introduce measures restricting trade and investment cooperation.
• MoS also highlighted that there is a significant gap in digital technologies between developed and developing countries which needs to be narrowed down by building digital capacities.
• She lauded the recent initiative of SCO, wherein City of Varanasi has been nominated as the first-ever SCO Tourism and Cultural Capital for the period of 2022-2023. She expressed hope that this will help promote tourism and people-to-people interaction and boost trade and economic cooperation.
• In her concluding remarks, MOS emphasised that SCO members must prepare, act and pursue an agenda that is equitable, inclusive and development-oriented.
• The virtual meeting was attended by the representative of SCO Secretariat and Heads of Delegations of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

About SCO –

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is an intergovernmental organization founded in Shanghai on 15 June 2001.
• SCO is a Eurasian political, economic and security organization.
• In terms of geographic scope and population, it is the world’s largest regional organization, covering approximately 60% of the area of Eurasia, 40% of the world population, and more than 30% of global GDP.
• The SCO is the successor to the Shanghai Five, a mutual security agreement formed in 1996 between China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
• On 15 June 2001, the leaders of these nations and Uzbekistan met in Shanghai to announce a new organization with deeper political and economic cooperation; the SCO Charter was signed on 7 July 2002 and entered into force on 19 September 2003.
• The SCO currently comprises eight Member States (China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan), four Observer States interested in acceding to full membership (Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, and Mongolia) and six “Dialogue Partners” (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Turkey).
• In 2021, the decision was made to start the accession process of Iran to the SCO as a full member, and Egypt, Qatar as well as Saudi Arabia became dialogue partners.
• Since its inception in 2001, the SCO has mainly focused on regional security issues, its fight against regional terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism. To date, the SCO’s priorities also include regional development.
• The SCO has been an observer in the UN General Assembly since 2005.

Objective

• To strengthen mutual trust among member states, promote mutual effective cooperation in defence, politics, trade, economy, research, technology and culture, as well as in education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection and other fields of the Group is the main objective.
• SCO has also been making constant efforts to maintain and ensure peace, security and stability in the region.

Mobile phone production In India

Paper 3 – Economy

Why Should You Know?

To increase the production of mobile phones in India, Taiwanese electronics major Pegatron’s unit is being inaugurated in Tamil Nadu.

In details –

• Taiwanese electronics major Pegatron’s new mobile phone manufacturing facility, set up under Centre’s popular Production Linked Incentive scheme (PLI), in an industrial park in Chengalpattu near Chennai, is going to be inaugurated on September 30,2022.
• The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar will be attending the event as a guest of honour.

• The PLI Scheme has catalysed growth in India’s electronics manufacturing sector which as per Shri Chandrasekhar was in a “moribund state devastated by Flawed FTAs, corruption and red tape until the year 2014”.
• Notebly Mobile phone production, which had sunk to Rs.18,900 cr in 2014-15 is now up over 14 times, to Rs.2,75,000 cr – of which a 28% jump of Rs.60,000 cr was recorded within the first year of the Scheme.
• It is pertinent to mention that Mobile phone 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. In a YOY comparison for the first 5 months of April-August, mobile exports are up 140% to Rs.25,000 cr from Rs.10,300 cr
• Pegatron’s India subsidiary Pegatron India, which will be operating the facility, has committed an investment worth crores during the tenure of the Scheme and expected to generate thousands of direct jobs in the sector. It will be manufacturing and assembling mobile phones thereby augmenting mobile phone manufacturing and exports from the state of Tamil Nadu.
• Apart from Pegatron, Foxconn Hon Hai Technology India Mega Development Private Limited, Dell, Ascent Circuits, Bharat FIH have also committed crores of investments in Tamil Nadu under Centre’s PLI Scheme to ramp up their capacities to make in India for the World.
• The new Pegatron facility at Chengalpattu is expected to add to the momentum—both in terms of capacity and employment for the people of Tamil Nadu, which has emerged as one of the major electronics hardware manufacturing states, with 20% of India’s production.

About Pegatron Corporation

• It is a Design and Manufacturing Service (DMS) Company, has been at the forefront of technological advances in the field of communication devices, computing devices, consumer electronics.
• Pegatron Corporation is ranked the 2nd largest global EMS company by Manufacturing Market Insider (MMI) and # 235 in Fortune Global 500 in 2021. has manufacturing facilities spread across South East Asia, India, Europe, America. Pegatron’s India subsidiary Pegatron India, was incorporated in July 2020.

Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI)

• Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) for Large Scale Electronics Manufacturing offers a production linked incentive to boost domestic manufacturing and attract large investments in mobile phone manufacturing and specified electronic components, including Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) units.
• The Scheme would tremendously boost the electronics manufacturing landscape and establish India at the global level in electronics sector.

Electoral Bearer Bond Scheme

Paper 2 – Governance

Why Should You Know?

Recently, information was issued by the Government of India for the issuance of electoral bonds under the electoral bond scheme, let us know what is the electoral bond scheme.

In details

• The Government of India has notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 vide Gazette Notification No. 20 dated 2nd January 2018.
• As per provisions of the Scheme, Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person (as defined in item No. 2 (d) of Gazette Notification), who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India.
• A person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
• Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
• The Electoral Bonds shall be encashed by an eligible Political Party only through a Bank account with the Authorized Bank.
• State Bank of India (SBI), in the XXII Phase of sale, has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its 29 Authorized Branches (as per list enclosed) w.e.f. 01.10.2022 to 10.10.2022.
• The Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue and no payment shall be made to any payee Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period.
• The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible Political Party in its account shall be credited on the same day.

Swachh Shehar Samvad

Paper 3 – Infrastructure

Why Should You Know?

Recently, on 29 September 2022, the Swachh City Dialogue and Tech Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Hardeep S Puri.

In details

• Recently, on 29 September 2022, the Swachh City Dialogue and Tech Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Hardeep S Puri.
• Addressing the inaugural event of Swachh Shehar Samvad and Tech Exhibition today, the Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs said that as a result of efforts under SBM, all 4,372 ULBs (100%) in India have now been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).
• Not only did we build over 73.45 lakh individual and community toilets, we also restored dignity and health to millions of urban poor, including the Divyang Jan.
• At the same time, waste processing capacities of urban local bodies (ULBs) have increased from a mere 18% in 2014 to 73% at present. We are now accelerating implementation to reach 100% saturation at the earliest.
• Swachh Shehar Samvad & the Tech Exhibition was inaugurated by Shri Hardeep S. Puri here today(sep 29). Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA), senior officers from Ministry, representatives of State governments and other stakeholders were also present at the event.

Garbage-Free India

• Noting the importance of ‘Waste to Wealth’ for a circular economy and efforts of government for transforming India to a ‘Garbage-Free India’, Shri Hardeep S. Puri mentioned that “India is embarking on its next journey of Swachhata under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) 2.0.
• We are now targeting to go from an ODF India to a ‘Garbage-Free India’. He further added that the second iteration of the Mission has been launched with an overall outlay of nearly 2.5 times of the first mission.
• The increased budget is an affirmation of the confidence placed upon the government by the people of lndia. Continuing with the ethos of SBM (U), the overarching principle towards this next journey of Swachhata is based on the philosophy of “waste to wealth”, and adopts the principles of circular economy as its core tenets.

Material Recovery Facilities

• During the event, the Minister highlighted the key actions and initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission. He mentioned about setting up of Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in every city for ensuring further sorting, processing or recycling of segregated dry waste and setting up of processing/upcycling facilities for Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.

Lakshya Zero Dumpsite Challenge

• Speaking about the ‘Lakshya Zero Dumpsite Challenge’, the Minister said that all legacy dumpsites containing 16 crore metric tonnes of waste, and taking up 15,000 acres of prime land, will be remediated within the mission period. I am proud to note that Action Plans for over 1,000 legacy dumpsites—including those in Delhi—containing 12.8 crore metric tonnes waste have been approved by MoHUA, with total project cost of more than 8000 crore rupees, of which the Centre is contributing almost 3,000 crore rupees.
• Bio-methanation plants and waste-to-energy plants are being put up in large cities, he said.

Significance –

• Swachh Shehar Samvad & the Tech Exhibition, inaugurated today is a capacity building initiative of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 to equip States and Cities with an understanding of all recent developments in waste management. It comprises high quality technical and administrative discussions specially curated around topics related to management of municipal solid waste and liquid waste to enable States and cities to deliberate on strategies, best practices, and challenges in their journey towards Garbage Free status.
• The Tech exhibition showcasing best-in-class models in waste management from across the country is also a part of the Samvad.
• Around 35 technology providers are demonstrating cutting edge technology in waste management.
• Working models are on display on various aspects of solid waste management/sanitation such as IT and GIS based applications, used water management, packaging options and 3Rs(Reduce-Recycle-Reuse), processing of municipal solid waste, mobile and portable units, construction and demolition waste and remediation measures.
• There are also thematic experiential exhibitions on mission initiatives inclusive of Garbage Free Cities, aspirational toilets, used water management etc.

KVIC initiates Cleanliness campaign

Paper 3- Environment

Why Should You Know?

Recently Khadi and Village Industries Commission started cleanliness campaign

In details

• Recently Khadi and Village Industries Commission launched a cleanliness drive at Raj Ghat in Delhi and reiterated its commitment towards cleanliness.
• Earlier on September 17, 2022, on the occasion of Prime Minister’s birthday, Chairman KVIC along with the officers and employees of the Central Office of the Commission, under the leadership of Shri Narayan Rane ,Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organized a cleanliness program at Juhu Beach to spread awareness on cleanliness among the people.

About KVIC

• formed in April 1957 by the Government of India, under the Act of Parliament, ‘Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956’.
• Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with regard to khadi and village industries within India.

Objectives of the Commission

The commission has three main objectives which guide its functioning. These are –

• The Social Objective – Providing employment in rural areas
• The Economic Objective – Providing saleable articles
• The Wider Objective – Creating self-reliance amongst people and building up a strong rural community spirit.

The commission seeks to achieve these objectives by implementing and monitoring various schemes and programs.

National SC-ST Hub Conclave

Paper 3 – Economy

Why Should You Know?

National SC-ST Hub Seminar organized to create awareness among SC-ST entrepreneurs in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

In details

• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises organized a National SC-ST Hub Conclave at Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 28th September 2022 to spread awareness about the National SC-ST Hub (NSSH) Scheme and other Schemes of the Ministry.  
• The Conclave was attended by Member of Parliament & Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, Dr. Kirit Premjibhai Solanki as  Chief Guest and other senior dignitaries.
• More than 300 SC-ST entrepreneurs participated in the event.
• The conclave provided a platform for aspiring and existing SC-ST entrepreneurs to interact with CPSEs, lending institutions, GeM, RSETI, TRIFED etc.

Participation in Conclave

• The program witnessed participation of CPSEs like National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd., Food Corporation of India, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation Limited, which gave presentations on their vendor empanelment process and list of products/services to be procured.
• The conclave was also attended by financial institutions such as State Bank of India and Yes Bank.  They provided details regarding various lending schemes pertaining to MSME sector.
• Other Government organizations which participated in the program and presented their various schemes to assist MSMEs were GeM, KVIC, RSETI, District Industry Centre, MSME-DFO, Ahmedabad, etc.The conclave had facilitation desks for UDYAM Registration and GeM registrations to help SC-ST MSE participants.

About NSSH scheme

• For inclusive growth of the Indian economy, Ministry of MSME has launched National Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) scheme.
• It is aimed at capacity enhancement and promoting entrepreneurship culture amongst the SC-ST population for enhancing their participation in the public procurement.
• Given the importance of MSMEs in our economy, it is imperative that focused efforts are made to promote entrepreneurship amongst the youth and create a conducive environment where they can play an integral role in development of Indian economy to realize the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat .
• Nurturing the MSME sector is important for the economic well-being of the Nation. Government is consistently working to empower MSMEs for sustainable growth and to make them compatible in the global value chain.
• The state level conclaves assist SC-ST MSMEs to expand their horizons by incorporating new ideas as they become aware about the various schemes of Government of India.

India-Singapore delegation level talks

Paper 2 – International Relations

Why Should You Know?

Singapore Minister in PMO Loh Khum Yean, currently on a 2-day visit to India, called on his Indian counterpart Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh.

In details

• Singapore Minister in PMO Loh Khum Yean, currently on a 2-day visit to India, called on his Indian counterpart 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 at North Block here.
• Dr Jitendra Singh told the high-level Singaporean delegation led by Loh Khum Yean, Minister in PMO and Permanent Secretary, Public Service Department (PSD) that India and Singapore are closely collaborating in cutting edge areas that will shape the future in the context of accelerating technological disruption – fintech, information technology, cyber security, skill development, smart city solutions and renewable energy and food security.
• Simon Wong, High Commissioner of Singapore also attended the delegation level talks between the two sides.
• Dr Jitendra Singh said, the strategic partnership between India and Singapore has shown its resilience and both sides look forward to further strengthening this important relationship in areas like trade, defence, science and innovation, education, governance and the digital economy.

India-Singapore cooperation

• Dr Jitendra Singh said, the maiden India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable held in New Delhi on 17th September, 2022 was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which he described as a path breaking initiative that is a testament to the unique India-Singapore bilateral ties and can pave the way for coordination in new areas of partnership.
• Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that India and Singapore show convergence on a variety of issues of international importance and they are part of numerous groupings like G20, Commonwealth, IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association), East Asia Summit, and IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium.
• He said, following the conclusion of Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) of 2005, this robust relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2015 during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
• Loh Khum Yean told his Indian counterpart Dr Jitendra Singh that Singapore has emerged as the top source nation in terms of foreign direct investment (FDI) equity flows into India for the financial year 2021-22. The amount of FDI inflow from Singapore to India in fiscal year 2022 was estimated to be almost 16 billion U.S. dollars.
• Both the sides also discussed to firm up the Exchange Program of Civil Services and visit by PM Excellence Awardees to Singaporean Institutes of Excellence. The Future of Work, Workforce and Workplace of Singapore has agreed to work closely with the Vision India-2047, being headed by Dr Jitendra Singh.

Background

• Earlier, the Second Bilateral Meeting was held in New Delhi which was co-chaired by Secretary (DARPG) Shri V. Srinivas and Loh Khum Yean, Permanent Secretary, Public Service Department (PSD), Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore.
• During the meeting both sides exchanged information on initiatives taken in the field of governance reforms. Indian side made presentations on Good Governance Index, National e-Governance Service Delivery and CPGRAMS and the Singapore side on Service Delivery Benchmarking Study, Citizen Centric Public Services and The Future of Work, Workforce and Workplace.
• V, Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG informed that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Singapore in the field of Personnel Management and Public Administration was signed on 1st June, 2018.
• Key areas identified for cooperation include Public Service Delivery, Human Resource Management, Public Sector Reform, Leadership/Talent Development and E-Governance/Digital Government. After signing of the MoU in June, 2018, both sides held the first round of bilateral meeting virtually on 6th July, 2021 due to pandemic.
• The MoU facilitates sharing of information and experience through workshops, seminars and conferences, exchange of information and experts to deliver lectures, build capacity and undertake joint comparative research of common interest, co-operation between training institutes of the both the countries in the training of public officials.
• In his concluding remarks, Dr Jitendra Singh said, he is quite confident that both sides will continue to engage in exchanging of best practices in areas of Public Administration and Governance Reforms and will also explore the possibility of its replication.

Millet Rich Regional Menu  in Vande Bharat Express

Paper 2 – Health

Why Should You Know?

New Gandhinagar Capital- Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express to offer Health Conscious Low Calorie Millet Rich Regional Menu

In details –

• Newly introduced Gandhinagar Capital- Mumbai Central Vande Bharat Express shall be inaugurated on 30th September 2022. The indigenous developed train shall also come with a befitting Health Conscious Low Calorie Millet Rich Regional menu.
• The much awaited experience of High end Vande Bharat Express travel from Gandhinagar Capital – to the Capital of Maharashtra State in Mumbai i.e.  Mumbai Central  shall be available to one and all with effect from 1.10.2022 post its inaugural run on the  30th of  September 2022. 
• The professional Catering Services arm of Indian Railways i.e. IRCTC shall deliver rich cuisine experience to travellers’ taste buds during the journey both on the inaugural day as well as regular runs.
• Indian Railways is all set to serve high end delicacies suited to the taste-buds of esteemed clientele in the prestigious semi-high speed train. The elegant design and appearance of the train shall be ably complimented with local cuisine anticipating preferred train patronisation from Gujarat and Maharashtra, though the menu shall also address passenger expectations from other parts of the country.
• Looking to cater to the premium business and Corporate segment that travels on the route, Health Conscious and Low calorie food options made from Ragi, Bhagar, Cereals, Oats, Muesli, etc shall be integral to the menu.
• Railways has not missed its focus on the preference of Fasting/ Jain/ Senior patrons in the Mumbai Gujarat Section. Dishes prepared from Sabu Dana, Bhagar and Fruits which are otherwise light on the stomach but still have high nutritional value are much a part of the menu.
• The customised menu for Vande Bharat Train is also in sync with the theme of ensuing year 2023 which is poised to be celebrated World over as the International Year of Millets. The initiative has been steered by India in the U.N. General Assembly adopting a resolution in April 2021 and declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets.
• In a first, Healthy Malt Beverages for travelling kids are being introduced as a service in the premium train.
• Replacing Chocolate Bars with local Brands of “Peanut Chikki” with Peanuts sourced from local farmers is being seen as a part of Be Vocal, Go Local ideology.
• The Menu service being planned to suit the train schedule timings includes Morning Tea, Breakfast, Hi-Tea, Lunch and Dinner on the motto “Quality First “.
• On board hospitality shall be extended by engaging experienced and competent professionals of balanced gender mix at par with the Mumbai Ahmedabad Corporate Tejas Trains run by  IRCTC.

About Vande Bharat Express

• The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is an Indian semi-high-speed, intercity, EMU train which is operated by the Indian Railways only on three prominent routes as of September 2022,
• one from New Delhi (NDLS) to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK)
• the second one from New Delhi (NDLS) to Varanasi (BSB) and
• the third one is from Gandhinagar to Mumbai Central.
• The train was launched on 15 February 2019. The service was named ‘Vande Bharat Express’ on 27 January 2019.
• It was designed and manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) at Perambur, Chennai under the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, over a span of 18 months.
• Vande Bharat Express is designed to be capable of running at a maximum speed of 160 kmph that can be touched in only 140 seconds for commercial purpose and it exceeded 180kmph during testing.

CSIR Foundation Day

Paper 3 – Science & Tech

Why Should You Know?

Recently CSIR-NIScPR celebrated 81st Foundation Day of CSIR.

In details

• Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) was set up on 26 September 1942. This year, this one of the largest R&D organisations of India is celebrating its 81st Foundation Day.
• 37 laboratories spread across the country, celebrate this special day at their own place.
• Delhi based CSIR laboratory the National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (NIScPR) celebrated 81st Foundation Day on 27th September 2022 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), New Delhi.
• During the Foundation Day Function, Distinguished Guests distributed the Awards to retirees, 25 Years’ service completion and 10th & 12th class brilliant wards of NIScPR staff. Cultural programs on various themes were performed by the staff members of NIScPR.

What is CSIR?

• The Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), known for its cutting edge R&D knowledge base in diverse S&T areas, is a contemporary R&D organization.
• It was established in the year 1942
• CSIR is funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology and is registered as an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• CSIR has a dynamic network of 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes, and five units with a pan-India presence.
• CSIR’s R&D expertise and experience are embodied in about 3460 active scientists supported by about 4350 scientific and technical personnel as of June 2021.
• CSIR covers a wide spectrum of science and technology – from oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology.
• It provides significant technological intervention in many areas concerning societal efforts, which include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors. Further, CSIR’s role in S&T human resource development is noteworthy.

Vision

• “Pursue science which strives for global impact, technology that enables innovation – driven industry and nurture trans-disciplinary leadership thereby catalyzing inclusive economic development for the people of India”