4 August 2022 – Current Affairs

10 more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites

Paper 3- Environment

Why Should You Know?

India adds 10 more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites to make total 64 sites.

In details –

• India adds 10 more wetlands designated as Ramsar sites to make total 64 sites covering an area of 12,50,361 hac in the country.
• The 10 new sites include:  Six (6) sites in Tamil Nadu and One (1) each in Goa, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
• Designation of these sites would help in conservation and management of wetlands and wise use of their resources.
• India is one of the Contracting Parties to Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1st Feb 1982. So far 64 wetlands covering an area of 12,50,361 ha have been designated as Ramsar Sites of International Importance from India, till date.

About new sites –

Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
Satkosia Gorge	Odisha
Nanda Lake – Goa
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve	Tamil Nadu
Ranganathituu BS – Karnataka
Vembannur Wetland Complex	Tamil Nadu
Vellode Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
Sirpur wetland	Madhya Pradesh
Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu
Udhayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary	Tamil Nadu

What is Ramsar recognition?

• Ramsar Sites are wetlands of international importance that have been designated under the criteria of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for containing representative, rare or unique wetland types or for their importance in conserving biological diversity.
• Ramsar recognition is the identification of wetlands around the world, which are of international importance, especially if they provide habitat to waterfowl (about 180 species of birds). There is international interest and cooperation in the conservation of such wetlands and a judicious use of their resources.
• The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat (‘Ramsar Convention’ or ‘Wetlands Convention’) was adopted in Ramsar, Iran in February 1971 and came into force in December 1975.
• It provides the only international mechanism for protecting sites of global importance and is thus of key conservation significance.
• The Convention covers all aspects of wetland conservation and ‘wise use’. It has three main ‘pillars’ of activity:
• the designation of wetlands of international importance as Ramsar Sites;
• the promotion of the wise use of all wetlands in the territory of each country; and
• international co-operation with other countries to further the wise use of wetlands and their resources.

India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution

Paper 3- Environment

Why Should You Know?

Cabinet approves India’s Updated Nationally Determined Contribution to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In details –

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved India’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be communicated to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The updated NDC seeks to enhance India’s contributions towards achievement of the strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
• Such action will also help India usher in low emissions growth pathways.  It would protect the interests of the country and safeguard its future development needs based on the principles and provisions of the UNFCCC.
• India at the 26th  session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, expressed to intensify its climate action by presenting to the world five nectar elements (Panchamrit) of India’s climate action. This update to India’s existing NDC translates the ‘Panchamrit’ announced at COP 26 into enhanced climate targets. The update is also a step towards achieving India’s long term goal of reaching net-zero by 2070.
• Earlier, India submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to UNFCCC on October 2, 2015.
• The 2015 NDC comprised eight goals; three of these have quantitative targets upto 2030 namely, cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil sources to reach 40%; reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33 to 35 percent compared to 2005 levels and creation of additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and tree cover.
• from 2005 level and achieve about 50 percent cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• Today’s approval, also takes forward the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of sustainable lifestyles and climate justice to protect the poor and vulnerable from adverse impacts of climate change.
• The updated NDC reads “To put forward and further propagate a healthy and sustainable way of living based on traditions and values of conservation and moderation, including through a mass movement for ‘LIFE’– ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ as a key to combating climate change”. The decision on enhanced NDCs demonstrates India’s commitment at the highest level for decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
• India’s updated NDC has been prepared after carefully considering our national circumstances and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC). India’s updated NDC also reaffirms our commitment to work towards a low carbon emission pathway, while simultaneously endeavoring to achieve sustainable development goals.
• Recognizing that lifestyle has a big role in climate change, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, at COP 26, proposed a ‘One-Word Movement’, to the global community. This one word is LIFE…L, I, F, E, i.e. Lifestyle For Environment. The vision of LIFE is to live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it. India’s updated NDC also captures this citizen centric approach to combat climate change.
• The updated NDC also represents the framework for India’s transition to cleaner energy for the period 2021-2030. The updated framework, together with many other initiatives of the Government, including tax concessions and incentives such as Production Linked Incentive scheme for promotion of manufacturing and adoption of renewable energy, will provide an opportunity for enhancing India’s manufacturing capabilities and enhancing exports.
• It will lead to an overall increase in green jobs such as in renewable energy, clean energy industries- in automotives, manufacturing of low emissions products like Electric Vehicles and super-efficient appliances, and innovative technologies such as green hydrogen, etc.
• India’s updated NDC will be implemented over the period 2021-2030 through programs and schemes of relevant Ministries /departments and with due support from States and Union Territories.
• The Government has launched many schemes and programs to scale up India’s actions on both adaptation and mitigation. Appropriate measures are being taken under these schemes and programs across many sectors, including water, agriculture, forest, energy and enterprise, sustainable mobility and housing, waste management, circular economy and resource efficiency, etc. As a result of the aforesaid measures, India has progressively continued decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Net Zero target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will lead to a reduction of emissions by 60 million tonnes annually. Similarly, India’s massive LED bulb campaign is reducing emissions by 40 million tonnes annually.
• India’s climate actions have so far been largely financed from domestic resources. However, providing new and additional financial resources as well as transfer of technology to address the global climate change challenge are among the commitments and responsibilities of the developed countries under UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement. India will also require its due share from such international financial resources and technological support.
• India’s NDC do not bind it to any sector specific mitigation obligation or action. India’s goal is to reduce overall emission intensity and improve energy efficiency of its economy over time and at the same time protecting the vulnerable sectors of economy and segments of our society.

What is Nationally Determined Contribution ?

• A nationally determined contribution (NDC) or intended nationally determined contribution (INDC) is a non-binding national plan highlighting climate change mitigation, including climate-related targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions.
• These plans also include policies and measures governments aim to implement in response to climate change and as a contribution to achieve the global targets set out in the Paris Agreement.
• NDCs are the first greenhouse gas targets under the UNFCCC that apply equally to both developed and developing countries.

ANIC-ARISE-1.0 program

Paper 3 – Science & Technology

Why Should You Know?

ISRO along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog launched ANIC-ARISE-1.0 program.

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 informed that six start-ups were selected and supported by ISRO with a grant-in-aid of maximum of Rs 50 lakhs each in areas like geo spatial information, propulsion and Robotics/ AR/VR.
• In Reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, ISRO along with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog launched ANIC-ARISE-1.0 program that aims to seek, select, support and nurture technology-based innovations that solve sectoral challenges of national importance. The Minister said that twenty-Four start-ups submitted their proposals, out of which six start-ups were selected and supported with a grant-in-aid of maximum of Rs 50 lakhs each.
• ANIC-ARISE-1.0 has following three space sector challenges to get project proposals from start-ups: (i) geo spatial information, (ii) propulsion and (iii) Robotics/ Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality.
• ANIC-ARISE-2.0 has been launched with four space sector challenges: (i) GIS solutions, (ii) Propulsion, (iii) Navigation & (iv) AI/ML modelling for space applications, seeking project proposals from start-ups in these areas. Selected start-ups will be supported with a grant-in-aid of maximum of INR 50 lakhs each.

About ANIC-ARISE Programme –

• The Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC program is a national initiative to promote research & innovation and increase competitiveness of Indian startups and MSMEs.

• The objective of Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC program is to proactively collaborate with esteemed Ministries and the associated industries to catalyse research, innovation and facilitate innovative solutions to sectoral problems.
• The objective is also to provide a steady stream of innovative products & solutions where the Central Government Ministries / Departments will become the potential first buyers.
• The Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC program is in line with the Honourable Prime Minister’s mandate of “Make in India”, “Startup India”, “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” to fast track the growth of the Indian MSME sector.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat ARISE-ANIC Challenge Statements included 15 focus challneges from 5 ministries

National Anti-Doping Bill 2022

Paper 2 – Social Issues

Why Should You Know?

Recently Parliament passed the National Anti-Doping Bill 2022, lets know about it.

In details –

• On August 4, 2022 The Rajya Sabha passed the National Anti-Doping Bill, 2022. The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 17th December, 2021 and passed on 27th July, 2022 with some Official Amendments proposed on the basis of the suggestions/recommendations received from the Parliamentary Standing Committee and some other key stakeholders.
• It was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 28th July, 2022.
• With this, the Bill stands passed in the Parliament. A notable feature of the discussions on the Bill was that the members across the political spectrum unanimously endorsed the Bill.
• The Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur said that it is a landmark occasion when India joins the select group of around 30 countries which have their own Anti-Doping Law.
• The making of this Law will send a strong message to the world that India is very serious about sports, sportspersons and tackling doping. The new Law will ensure highest standards of integrity while participating and preparing for sports competitions, domestically and internationally, the Minister explained. This strongly establishes our commitment to Sports, he added.
• The passing of the Bill will help to increase awareness, education and research facilities related to anti-doping within the country. Shri Anurag Thakur further said that we have increased the capacity of NDTL which will fulfil Prime Minister’s dream of AtmaNirbhar Bharat. The Bill will also pave way for establishing more Dope Testing Laboratories in the country.

Salient features –

The salient features of the Bill are as follows:

Statutory framework in the form of legislation for prohibition of doping in sports and enforcing anti-doping activities in the country.

The proposed Bill intends to accomplish: –

• Building institutional capabilities in anti-doping and enabling hosting of major sports events;
• Protecting rights of all sportspersons;
• Ensuring time-bound justice to athletes;
• Enhancing cooperation among agencies in fighting doping in sports;
• Reinforcing India’s commitment to international obligations for clean sports;
• Independent mechanism for anti-doping adjudication;
• Providing legal sanctity to National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) & National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL);
• Establishing more Dope Testing Labs;
• Creating job opportunities both, directly & indirectly; and
• Creating opportunities for academic research, science and manufacturing relating to Anti-Doping.
• Establishing standards for the manufacturing of nutritional supplements for sports in India.

Mission Vatsalya Scheme

Paper 2 – Government Policies

Why Should You Know?

Recently the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani gave information about Mission Vatsalya Scheme, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

In details –

• Mission Vatsalya Scheme is a roadmap to achieve development and child protection priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It lays emphasis on child rights, advocacy and awareness along with strengthening of the juvenile justice care and protection system with the motto to ‘leave no child behind’. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 provisions and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 form the basic framework for implementation of the Mission. Funds under the Mission Vatsalya Scheme are released according to the requirements and demands made by the States/UTs.
• The Scheme is implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in partnership with State Governments and UT Administrations to support the States and UTs in universalizing access and improving quality of services across the country.
• The fund sharing pattern is in the ratio of 60:40 between Centre and State & Union Territories with Legislature respectively. The fund sharing pattern between Centre and State is in the ratio of 90:10 for the North-Eastern States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura and two Himalayan States viz. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and UT of Jammu and Kashmir. For Union Territories without Legislature, it is 100% central share.
• Mission Vatsalya scheme supports the children through Non-Institutional Care under Private Aided Sponsorship wherein interested sponsors (individuals/ institutions/ company/ banks/ industrial units/ trusts etc.) can provide assistance to children in difficult circumstances.
• The District Magistrates take measures to encourage individuals or Public/ Private Sector Organisations to sponsor a child or a group of children or an Institution. Such arrangements are subject to stipulations as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, and Rules thereof.

GOAL Programme

Paper 2 – Government Policies

Why Should You Know?

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has partnered with Microsoft and Meta for training tribal youth in digital skills and technology.

In details –

• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft in May, 2021.
• The initiative will enable the professional development of educators so as to train them to use technology in classrooms. Under the partnership, students from EMRS schools will be mentored on projects that involve AI applications.
• The second phase of the GOAL Programme (GOAL 2.0) was launched on 28th June, 2022 in partnership with Meta (previously Facebook).
• initiative is aimed at digitally skilling tribal youth and opening up opportunities for them using digital technology. The State Tribal Welfare Departments and Tribal Research Institutes are being consulted and asked to create awareness about the program amongst tribal communities of the state.

About GOAL Programme –

• Going Online as Leaders (GOAL) Program was launched by Facebook in partnership with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) on 15th May 2020 to digitally skill and empower 5000 youth from tribal communities over the next five years.
• The project aims to identify and mobilise 2500 renowned people from the industry which include policy makers and influencers, teachers, artists, entrepreneurs and social workers known for their achievements in their respective domains, to personally mentor tribal youth across India.
• The nine-month program includes seven months of mentorship in areas such as digital literacy, life skills, leadership & entrepreneurship and sector-specific skills followed by a two-month internship for the mentees to gain an on-ground experience.

A digital Programme –

• The GOAL program is a completely digitally enabled program, especially relevant during the COVID times.
• Leveraging digital tools and platforms for e-learning, interaction and monitoring, this initiative serves the leading objectives of Digital India.

Aim –

• The aim of the program is to empower the youth from tribal communities to become village-level digital leaders and entrepreneurs for their communities.
• This program is likely to ignite competitiveness of our tribal communities by offering them an opportunity to come forward to showcase their creative potential leveraging digital platforms.
• It will enhance their market linkages and further serve the purpose to make Indian economy Atma Nirbhar by promoting local products and ensure participation of tribal youth in nation building.

Pilot Run –

• A pilot run of the program was done in 2019 to mentor 100 tribal girls through the support of 25 women leaders. It was spread across five Indian states i.e. Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and Maharashtra and received an enthusiastic response and has many success stories to its credit.
• The program has, in 2020, reached and engaged with more than 46 MPs, 250+ NGOs & COEs, top-tier educational institutes and members of the state and central bureaucracy by means of webinars, video endorsements, social media support etc. thus creating a strong pan-India reach.
• The program has also ensured that a structured governing committee be made to monitor and guide the program using its varied experience. It contains people from the government, academia and industry along with the presence of stalwarts from social organisations such as UNDP, FICCI, Niti Ayog, Art of Living, AIIMS Jodhpur etc.
• The program, through its wide network of partners aims to ensure optimal reach of the initiative, thereby creating a holistic environment for the growth and development of the tribal community.

“NASHE SE AZADI” Programme

Paper 2 – Social Issues

Why Should You Know?

Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment is going to organize ‘NASHE SE AZADI’ – National Youth and Students Interaction Program on 4th August 2022.

In details –

• Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.Virendra Kumar will chair ‘Nashe se Azadi’ – National Youth and Students Interaction Program, a part of a flagship campaign NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA),on 4th August 2022, in online mode.
• Being organised in the wake of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (75 years of independence), the program will witness an interaction with the faculty members and students of 75 identified Universities/institutions.
• In the day-long event, these identified institutions will also organize various activities related to awareness (online and offline mode).
• The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is running a flagship campaign of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA)in 272 districts of India.
• This NMBA, launched on 15th August 2020, is scheduled to organise ‘Nashe se Azadi’ – National Youth and Students Interaction Program on 4th August 2022 as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav wherein 75 identified Universities/institutions by the Ministry will showcase various activities being done/to be done by them under the Abhiyaan.
• A short film on the activities undertaken in the NMBA will also be screened during the online event. Pr. Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Madhya Pradesh will also make a presentation on “How the Administration engaged with the Education Institutions under NMBA”.

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) –

• A nation-wide anti-drug campaign named ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan’ is being run in the country by the Ministry.
• The Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15th August 2020, in 272 identified districts, with an aim to create awareness about ill effects of substance abuse among the youth, with special focus on higher education institutions, university campuses, schools and reaching out into the community to garner community involvement and ownership of the Abhiyaan.

Activities –

The following activities have been organized so far:

• As part of the Abhiyaan, special emphasis is laid on the participation of stakeholders such as women, children, educational institutions, civil society organizations etc. who may be directly or indirectly affected by substance use.
• More than 8,000 Master Volunteers have been selected and trained to lead the Abhiyaan activities in the 272 identified districts.
• Till now through the various activities undertaken on-ground 11.99+ Crore people reached out so far.
• More than 3.54 Crore youth have actively participated in the activities of the Abhiyaan and spreading on-ground the message against substance use. Around 4,000+ Yuva Mandals, NYKS & NSS Volunteers, Youth Clubs have also been associated with the Abhiyaan.
• The contribution of 2.01 Crore women have also been vital in reaching out to a larger community through the Anganwadi & ASHA Workers, ANMs, Mahila Mandals & Women SHGs.
• Across the country till now, 13+ lakh students have been reached with events, competitions and sessions organized in 6000+ schools.
• Social media has effectively been utilized to spread the message of the Abhiyaan online by creating handles on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and sharing daily updates on them.
• An Android based mobile Application has been developed to capture the data of activities happening on ground on a real-time basis by the districts and master volunteers. This App has been placed on the Google Play Store.
• A short film on the Abhiyaan, its objectives and the efforts of the districts has been made and released on social media.

Welfare Initiatives for Senior Citizens

Paper 2 – Social Issues

Why Should You Know?

Recently the Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima  Bhoumik gave information about Welfare Initiatives for Senior Citizens, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

In details –

• As per the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections-July 2020, population of senior citizens has been projected to be 193.4 million by 2031.

National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly –

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a Centrally sponsored programme, namely ‘National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly’ to provide accessible, affordable and high-quality long-term, comprehensive and dedicated care services to the senior citizens.
• The Programme is implemented both at Primary and Tertiary care service levels.

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana –

• Ministry of Finance’s scheme, namely, ‘Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana’ provides social security during old age and protects senior citizens against future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market condition.
• The scheme enables old age income security for senior citizens through provision of assured pension/return linked to the subscription amount based on Government guarantee to Life Insurance Corporation of India.

National Helpline –

• Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has set up a toll-free (no. 14567) National Helpline, namely, Elderline, for senior citizen to provide guidance, emotional support, free information about Government Schemes and programmes, field intervention in cases of abuse and rescues in order to improve the quality of life of senior citizens.
• It also provides a grievance redressal platform for senior citizens. Further, ‘National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly’ has provision for domiciliary visits by rehabilitation workers for bedridden elderly and counseling to family members for care of such senior citizens.

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme –

• Ministry of Rural Development, under its National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP)’s Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), provides old age pension to senior citizens belonging to below poverty line (BPL) households.
• Under IGNOAPS, central assistance of Rs. 200/- per month is provided to senior citizens of 60-79 years of age and Rs. 500/- per month to senior citizens of 80 years or above.
• There is no proposal in regard to revision in pension amount under the NSAP, including IGNOAPS, under consideration at present. The States/UTs are, however, encouraged to provide top-ups over and above the central assistance under the NSAP.
• Presently, these amounts range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 3000 per month per beneficiary under IGNOAPS.

Awareness about Skill Development

Paper 3 – Economy

Why Should You Know?

Recently the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar gave information about various programmes about Skill Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

In details –

• The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has undertaken various awareness campaigns, workshops, and digital seminars from time to time at national, regional, state, district, and block levels with the support of more than 25,000 skill centers and institutes for promotion of various skill development initiatives of the Government.
• Besides, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), State Governments, State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) and District Skill Committees also undertake awareness campaigns through Press Information Bureau (PIB), and Print and Electronic media including social media under the aegis of Skill India Mission.
• All these initiatives aim to make skills aspirational for the youth. These activities are to ensure skilling aspirational and a continuous process of reskilling, upskilling and multiple skilling.
• The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisages curriculum integration of essential subjects and skills in all schools and higher education institutions in a phased manner to provide necessary vocational skills for a variety of occupations along with awareness about the benefits of vocational education.
• The Department of School Education and Literacy (Ministry of Education) is implementing the scheme of vocationalization of school education under the umbrella of “Samagra Shiksha” – an integrated scheme for school education, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
• The scheme aims at integrating vocational education with general academic education in all Secondary/Senior Secondary schools, enhancing Employability and Entrepreneurial abilities of the students, providing exposure to work environment; and generating awareness amongst students about various career options so as to enable them to make choice in accordance with their aptitude, competence and aspirations.
• The scheme covers Government and Government aided schools. Under the scheme, 14,435 schools have been approved till AY 2021-22 across the country for integrating vocational education with general education from Class 9th to 12th.

Skill Hubs Initiative (SHI) –

• MSDE in co-ordination with the Ministry of Education has launched the Skill Hubs Initiative (SHI) as a pilot project on 01.01.2022 under central component of PMKVY 3.0 which focuses on introduction of skill training programme in education ecosystem as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
• Skill Hubs are nodal skill centres identified to provide skill development and vocational training opportunities to target population segments of school dropouts and out-of-education candidates aged between 15 to 45 years age. As on 30th June 2022, a total of 2,28,302 candidates have been enrolled so far.

Foreign Cordination –

• The National Skill Development Corporation under the Ministry has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with 8 countries viz; Japan, UAE, Sweden, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Russia, Finland and Morocco for cooperation in the field of vocational education and training.
• NSDC has partnered with the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI), Finland to promote and facilitate the exchange of knowledge of new innovations and connect the providers within the vocational education and training sector between the two countries.

India-Japan Mou –

• The Government of India and the Government of Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in January, 2021 on a basic framework for partnership for proper operation of the system pertaining to “Specified Skilled Worker”.
• Under this MoC, skilled Indian workers from fourteen sectors viz;

(1) Nursing care (Caregiving),

(2) Building cleaning management,

(3) Machine parts & tooling industries,

(4) Industrial machinery industry,

(5) Electric, electronics and information industries,

(6) Construction industry,

(7) Shipbuilding and ship machinery industry,

(8) Automobile repair and maintenance,

(9) Aviation industry,

(10) Accommodation industry,

(11) Agriculture,

(12) Fishery & aquaculture,

(13) Manufacture of food and beverages, and

(14) Foodservice industry have been identified for enhanced job opportunities for skilled Indian workers in Japan.

• Further, MSDE and the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan (Government of Japan) have also signed an MoC inviting candidates from India to Japan under the Technical Intern Training Program (TITP).
• It aims to transform India’s skill ecosystem by sending and accepting technical interns from India to Japan, thereby enabling Indian industries to imbibe the best practices of Japanese industries.

Swatch Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign

Paper 3- Environment

Why Should You Know?

Recently Swatch Sagar, Surakshit Sagar Campaign started

In details –

• The “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar/Clean Coast Safe Sea “campaign is a 75-day citizen-led campaign for improving ocean health through collective action. The campaign started on July 5th, 2022 and has 3 strategic underlying goals that target transformation and environmental conservation through behavior change.
• The three underlying goals of the campaign are to

1. Consume Responsibly

2. Segregate waste at home and

3. Dispose Responsibly.

• This event also coincides with the celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in 75th year of the country’s independence; The coastal cleanup drive will be carried out at 75 beaches across the country with 75 volunteers for every kilometre of the coastline.
• The campaign will culminate with the largest beach cleaning event on Sept 17, 2022 (International Coastal Cleanup Day) covering 75 beaches across India’s 7500+km coastline.
• This campaign will include Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Fisheries and Animal Husbandry, National Service Scheme (NSS), Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi (PSG), along with other government departments, social organizations and educational institutions.
• An estimated expenditure of about Rs 10 crores is envisaged for this programme. 75 beaches have been identified all over India and from Tamil Nadu about 8 beaches have been identified.
• The major beach cleaning activities will be carried out on 17 September 2022. The pre campaign activities have started on 05 July 2022.
• Key audiences for the campaign include local communities that rely on oceans and beaches for livelihood, school and college students, youth and citizens in-general.
• The campaign will combine both virtual and physical formats for delivering key messages and engaging the target audience in adopting lifestyle and behavioral changes that promote environmental sustainability.
• Examples of virtual activities include quizzes, pledges and challenges. Physical activities will include the actual beach clean-up along with rallies, skits and contests etc.
• It is the first-of-its-kind and longest running coastal cleanup campaign in the world with highest number of people participating in it. Through this campaign, a mass behavioural change among the masses is intended by raising awareness about how plastic usage is destroying our marine life.
• A mobile app “Eco Mitram” has been launched to spread awareness about the campaign and also for the common people for voluntary registration for the beach cleaning activity on the 17th September 2022.
• The target of the programme is to remove 1,500 tonnes of marine litter from the sea-coasts which will be a huge relief to marine life and the people staying in coastal areas.