IASbhai DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS(THE HINDU+LIVEMINT+PIB)
Opportunities do not happen, you create them.-Chris Grosser
ORANGE COLOUR: Important for Prelims.
RED COLOUR: Important for Mains.
BLACK COLOUR: Must Read !
BLUE COLOUR : Important Links/Survey.
PINK COLOUR: Reports/Themes/Summits.
Page Contents:
Conservation of Sanskrit language
HEADLINES:
Government of India has taken several measures for the promotion, publicity and conservation of Sanskrit language-HRD Minister
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB!
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 2:3: Institutions : Education
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS we have covered this portion completely with respect to Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan.
For MAINS you have to coin some more ideas to propagate Sanskrit language such that more research and development can be expected in coming years.
ISSUE:
RASHTRIYA SANSKRIT SANSTHAN:
The Sansthan was established in 15th October, 1970 as an autonomous organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 (Act XXI of 1860) for the development and promotion of Sanskrit all over the country.
MEASURES TAKEN BY THE RASHTRIYA SANSKRIT SANSTHAN:
- Providing financial assistance to Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalayas / Shodha Sansthans.
- Award of merit scholarships to student of Sanskrit Pathasala to College level.
- Financial assistance to NGOs / Higher Educational Institutions of Sanskrit for various Research Projects / Programmes.
- Retired eminent Sanskrit scholars are engaged under the Shastra Chudamani scheme for teaching.
- Sanskrit is also taught through Non-formal Sanskrit Education (NFSE) programme, by setting up Non-Formal Sanskrit learning centres, in reputed institutions like Indian Institutes Technology, Ayurveda institutions, Modern Colleges and Universities.
- Presidential awards for Sanskrit Language are awarded annually to 16 senior scholars and to 5 young scholars.
- Financial Assistance for Publication, Reprint of rare Sanskrit books.
- Ashtaadashi containing eighteen Projects for sustaining the growth of Sanskrit has been implemented.
- Development of Sanskrit Dictionary to school students.
- Development of E-content in Sanskrit language for online professional development programme for teachers at secondary stage.
- 21-day refresher course for Sanskrit teachers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Upper primary stage.
- Development of Sanskrit workbook “Abhyasavan Bhava” at Secondary stage.
- Development of various e-contents for teachers and students
- Ongoing project: Development of compendium of ancient Indian education thoughts in Sanskrit.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan are to propagate, develop and encourage Sanskrit learning and research.
This also serves as central, administrative and coordinating machinery for the management of all Campuses.
The Government of India has formulated various schemes and programmes for the development of Sanskrit education and is implementing these through Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan and other agencies.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Aquifer Mapping
HEADLINES:
Aquifer Mapping
WHY IN NEWS:
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) is implementing National Aquifer Mapping and Management program (NAQUIM)
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Ground Water
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS this article will tell you how and why Aquifer Mapping are important.This is a important method to preserve ground water resources.
For MAINS go through the result or outcome of such initiatives.This is very important!
ISSUE:
INTRODUCTION
Aquifer mapping is a process wherein a combination of geologic, geophysical, hydrologic and chemical field and laboratory analyses are applied to characterize the quantity, quality and sustainability of ground water in aquifers.
India has the world’s largest groundwater well equipped irrigation system (China with 19 mha is second, USA with 17 mha is third).
There has been a paradigm shift from “groundwater development” to “groundwater management”.
An accurate and comprehensive micro-level picture of groundwater in India through aquifer mapping in different hydrogeological settings will enable robust groundwater management plans at the appropriate scale to be devised and implemented for this common-pool resource.
The aquifer mapping program is important for planning suitable adaptation strategies to meet climate change also. Thus the crux of NAQUIM is not merely mapping, but reaching the goal – that of ground water management through community participation.
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of the Aquifer Mapping Exercise can be summed up as “Know your Aquifer, Manage your Aquifer”.
Demystification of Science and thereby involvement of stake holders is the essence of the entire project.
The involvement and participation of the community will infuse a sense of ownership amongst the stakeholders.
This is an activity where the Government and the Community work in tandem.
The aquifer mapping approach can help integrate ground water availability with ground water accessibility and quality aspects.
RESULT
The Outputs and of Aquifer mapping will be both scientific and social.
I. DISPOSITION OF WATER BEARING FORMATIONS
- Surface outcrop
- Subsurface continuity in vertical and horizontal disposition
- Overlay of different litho units to form a group & aquifer system, E.g. – Alluvium – Gravel, sand, silt & clay in different percentage underlain by compact Sandstone,/shale, hard rock etc.
II. WATER BEARING CAPACITY
- Variation with depth
- Changes in space & time
- Run off zone
- Recharge zone
- Discharge zone
- Abstraction status
III. AQUIFER (FORMATION WATER) QUALITY
- In-situ (depositional)
- Anthropogenic
- Vertical zonation
- Blending/Migration of pollutants in aquifers with time
IV. STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT
- Quantification of water within different layers (Aquifers- 1,2 3 etc)
- Quality in each aquifer (group)
- Demand-Supply analysis
- Estimation of prevailing Development Status
- Precise assessment of functional wells for agriculture, industries, drinking water purposes (modified well census as village wise by public participation to be translated into aquifer wise & then administrative unit)
IASbhai WINDUP:
Since water is a State subject, execution of such a Project cannot be successful without taking the States on board.
The involvement of State machinery including various departments, PRIs etc. is essential if the Aquifer Management Plans are to be implemented.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Atal Bhujal Yojana (Atal Jal)
HEADLINES:
Scheme for Improvement of Ground Water
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB!
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Scheme
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS it is important to understand such scheme relevant which is harnessing ground water through community participation.
For MAINS we have highlighted key take away points here ! Go through them .
ISSUE:
FUNDING
The funding pattern is 50:50 between Government of India and World Bank.
THE SCHEME HAS TWO COMPONENTS:
i) Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building Component, aimed at strengthening the ground water governance mechanism in the participating States and
ii) Incentive Component, aimed at incentivizing the States for various measures for ensuring the long-term sustainability of ground water resources.
FEATURES
The scheme envisages active participation of the communities, including women, in various activities such as formation of Water User Associations, monitoring and disseminating ground water data, water budgeting, preparation and implementation of Gram-Panchayat wise water security plans and IEC activities related to sustainable ground water management.
Water being a State subject, it is the prerogative of the State Governments to frame various Acts for sustainable management of water for any purpose.
Ministry of Jal Shakti is adopting a mix of ‘top down’ and ‘bottom up’ approaches in identified ground water stressed blocks
IMPACT
- Institutional strengthening for improving ground water monitoring networks and capacity building of stakeholders at different levels which will enhance ground water data storage, exchange, analysis and dissemination.
- Improved and realistic water budgeting based on an improved database and preparation of community-led Water Security Plans at Panchayat level
- Implementation of Water Security Plans through convergence of various ongoing/new schemes of the Government of India and State Governments to facilitate judicious and effective utilization of funds for sustainable ground water management.
- Efficient use of available ground water resources with emphasis on demand side measures such as micro-irrigation, crop diversification, electricity feeder separation.
So far, 15 States/UTs have adopted and implemented the ground water legislation on the lines of Model Bill.
IASbhai WINDUP:
This is a step which is likely to help facilitate participation of village communities in ground water resource management including adequate awareness generation, ensuring a sustainable water future.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
National River Conservation Plan (NRCP)
HEADLINES:
Cleaning of Rivers
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB!
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 1:3:River:Conservation
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS you have to understand how the rivers are cleaned in India . What are the other key programmes to treat the polluted river.
This article also mentions key points from NRCP which is important!
For MAINS find the measures which have been outdated and are just mere words will less power to clean mighty rivers.
ISSUE:
Non-point sources of pollution like agricultural runoff, open defecation, runoff from solid waste dump sites, etc. also contribute to pollution of rivers.
Cleaning of river is a continuous process and Government of India is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments in addressing the challenges of pollution of rivers by providing financial and technical assistance.
NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN (NRCP)
Assistance is provided to State Governments for abatement of pollution in identified stretches of various rivers (excluding river Ganga and its tributaries) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) on cost sharing basis between the Central & State Governments .
THE POLLUTION ABATEMENT WORKS TAKEN UP UNDER THE NRCP INCLUDE:
- Interception and diversion works/ laying of sewerage systems to capture raw sewage flowing into the rivers through open drains and diverting them for treatment.
- Setting up of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) for treating the diverted sewage
- Construction of Low Cost Sanitation Toilets to prevent open defecation on river banks;
- Construction of Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria to conserve the use of wood;
- River Front Development works, such as improvement of bathing ghats;
- Public participation & awareness and capacity building, etc.
OTHER INITIATIVES:
IASbhai WINDUP:
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)/Pollution Control Committees (PCCs) monitor industries with respect to effluent discharge standards and take action for non-compliance under provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Draft National Water Policy
HEADLINES:
Draft National Water Policy
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB!
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Water:National Water Policy
LEARNING:
For PRELIMS understand the key points and that should suffice the whole preparation around this issue.
For MAINS there are some bills ands acts relevant to it .Keep an eye !
ISSUE:
The National Water Policy has been sent to all States/ UTs for appropriate action.
16 States/UT have formulated and adopted their State Water Policies.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM NATIONAL WATER POLICY (2012) ARE :
- The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha on 25.07.2019 and was subsequently passed by Lok Sabha.
- Ministry of Jal Shakti has prepared a draft National Water Framework Bill and draft River Basin Management Bill, 2018, which have been circulated to States / UTs for comments.
- Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was prepared and introduced in Lok Sabha on 29th July, 2019. The bill was subsequently passed by Lok Sabha.
- National Water Informatics Centre has been established under National Hydrology Project.
- Central Water Commission has completed a study titled “Reassessment of Water Availability in India using Space Inputs”.
- Central Ground Water Board has prepared a conceptual document titled “Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Ground Water in India” during the year 2013, which envisages construction of different types of artificial recharge and rainwater harvesting structures in the country.
- A web based Water Resources Information System (India WRIS) has been set up and all unclassified data of Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board have been uploaded on the website.
IASbhai WINDUP:
Since the adoption of National Water Policy 2012, many challenges including water scarcity have emerged significantly in water sector.
With a goal to address the present challenges in water sector, revision of National Water Policy 2012 has been envisaged by the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti and a drafting committee has been constituted on 5th November, 2019 to revise the National Water Policy.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP)
HEADLINES:
Revival of Khadi and Village Industries
WHY IN NEWS:
Hot from PIB!
SYLLABUS COVERED: GS 3:Scheme
ISSUE:
Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP)
FEATURES
In order to revitalize and reform the activities of Khadi and Village Industries (KVI) Sector, in terms of employment generation, enhancement in earning of artisans and ensure positioning of Khadi in consonance with the current market trend, a comprehensive reform programme namely Khadi Reform and Development Programme (KRDP), approved by Government of India is being implemented with the assistance from Asian Development Bank (ADB).
AIM
KRDP aims to revitalize the Khadi and Village Industries through Policy and Institutional Reforms.
OBJECTIVE
- Repositioning Khadi and aligning it to market demand and trends.
- Enhancing artisan welfare and empowerment.
- Undertaking extensive capacity building of Khadi Institutions (KIs).
- Strengthening institutional mechanisms.
- Implementation of MIS at Khadi Institution level and e-Governance at KVIC.
- Strategic development of traditional village industries.
FUNDING
A total of 22 Khadi Institutions were given assistance under KRDP with a financial outlay of Rs.1484.93 lakhs for refurbishment of Khadi programme in the State of Bihar.
ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED UNDER FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:
- Modified Market Development Assistance (MMDA): KVIC provides Market Development Assistance to the registered Khadi Institutions and 40% of total MMDA to the Khadi artisans engaged in production activity.
- Interest Subsidy Eligibility Certificate (ISEC) Scheme: KVIC provides interest subsidy on the working capital loan availed by Khadi Institutions for undertaking production and sales activities under Khadi programme.
- Workshed Scheme for Khadi Artisans: Khadi artisans are provided worksheds for better work atmosphere and storing the materials, under which financial assistance up to Rs. 60000/- is provided per workshed.
- For the renovation and modernization of sales outlets run by KVIC, Khadi Institutions and KVIBs financial assistance are being provided under ‘Assistance for Marketing Infrastructure’ scheme.
- Rozgar Yukt Gaon (RYG): a new component under Khadi Vikas Yojana has been introduced with objective of introducing enterprise led model replacing subsidy-led model and create an additional 12,500 direct employment opportunities in 50 villages, which are deprived of opportunities and sustainable livelihood support systems, in addition to spinning out secondary and ancillary opportunities of employment in a wider sense.
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IASbhai WINDUP:
For revival of sick Khadi Institutions, assistance upto Rs. 9.90 lakh is provided to weak and problematic Khadi Institutions to bring them back to normalcy.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
Let us ‘Discuss’
IASbhai WINDUP:
Let us know what you think about this in the comment section.
SOURCES:THE HINDU/DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS for UPSC CSE Prelims & Mains
