Railway Protection Force(RPF)<\/a><\/p>\nAim<\/strong>: To curb human trafficking.<\/p>\nMode of operation<\/strong>:<\/p>\nAs part of the operation, special teams will be deployed on all long-distance trains\/routes with focus on rescuing victims, particularly women and children, from the clutches of traffickers.<\/p>\n
The infrastructure and intelligence network of the RPF will be utilized to collect, collate and analyze clues on victims, source, route, destination, popular trains used by suspects, kingpins and shared with other law-enforcing agencies.<\/p>\n
Hence, the RPF could act as a bridge cutting across States to assist the local police in the mission to curb the menace of human trafficking.<\/p>\n
\nNano Mission Project<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Indian scientists have developed a self-disinfecting antiviral mask to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The mask has been developed by Indian Scientists under the Nano Mission Project of the Department of Science and technology.<\/p>\n
About Nano Mission Project<\/h5>\n
Launched in<\/strong>: 2007<\/p>\nImplemented by<\/strong>: Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.<\/p>\nObjectives<\/strong>:<\/p>\n– Basic research promotion<\/p>\n
– Infrastructure development<\/p>\n
– Nano applications and technology development<\/p>\n
– Human Resource development<\/p>\n
– International collaborations<\/p>\n
The Nano Mission has established national dialogues to promote R&D in the development of standards for nanotechnology and for laying down a National Regulatory Framework Road-Map for Nanotechnology (NRFR-Nanotech).<\/p>\n
\nSAMPANN project<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
Over one lakh people have received pensions directly in their bank accounts through the SAMPANN (System for Accounting and Management of Pension) project.<\/p>\n
About SAMPANN project<\/h5>\n
The SAMPANN Initiative <\/strong>was launched in 2018.<\/p>\nLaunched by<\/strong>: The Controller General of Communication Accounts (CGCA), Department of Telecommunications.<\/p>\nPurpose:<\/strong> It is a seamless online pension processing and payment system for Department of Telecommunications pensioners. It provides direct credit of pension into the bank accounts of pensioners.<\/p>\nKey Features of SAMPANN<\/h5>\n
Direct disbursement of pension on a timely basis without intermediaries,<\/p>\n
Single window system for complete pension process,<\/p>\n
Every pensioner gets access to key information like payment history along with a login option,<\/p>\n
Tracking of pension status from home encourages transparency and accountability,<\/p>\n
Online submission of grievances and timely SMS alerts.<\/p>\n
Significance of SAMPANN Initiative<\/h5>\n
The system has helped the Department in the faster settlement of pension cases, improved reconciliation\/auditing and ease of accounting.<\/p>\n
It has also ensured recurring monthly savings to the Government of India on account of the Commission being paid to Banks\/Post Offices for payment of Pension.<\/p>\n
\nArtificial Groundwater Recharge Project<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The government is planning to implement the Pilot Artificial Groundwater Recharge Project in Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\n
About Artificial Groundwater Recharge Project in Tamil Nadu<\/h5>\n
Launched by:<\/strong>\u00a0Ministry of Jal Shakti in collaboration with the Netherlands.<\/p>\nLocation<\/strong>: The project is being implemented in the doab of Araniyar and Korattailaiyar River in Tamil Nadu.<\/p>\nNote<\/strong>: Doab refers to the alluvial land between two converging rivers.<\/p>\nProcess<\/strong>: Under the project, the groundwater is being recharged using the treated water.<\/p>\nSignificance:<\/strong>\u00a0In India or in any other country, direct recharge using treated water has not been taken up considering that groundwater is used for all purposes including drinking.<\/p>\nHence, if this pilot project proves to be successful, the method is likely to be replicated in other parts of the country as well.<\/p>\n
About the water situation in India<\/h5>\n
According to a 2018 estimate by Niti Aayog, 600 million people in India face high to extreme water stress and about 200,000 people die every year owing to inadequate access to safe water.<\/p>\n
This water crisis is going to get worse as Niti Aayog has projected that by 2030, India\u2019s water demand will be twice the available supply.<\/p>\n
\nOperations launched by the Railway Protection Force(RPF)<\/span><\/h3>\nOperation Upalabdh<\/strong>: It is a pan India drive against activities of touts who use\u00a0virtual tools to buy railway tickets before genuine passengers do. These tickets are then used by touts for business, such as selling tickets at a premium.<\/p>\nThe operation\u00a0has been able to curb the activities of touts substantially and make railway tickets available to the common man.<\/p>\n
Operation Nanhe Farishte:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF undertakes the noble cause of identifying and rescuing children in need of care and protection who are lost\/separated from their families for various reasons.<\/p>\nOperation Jeevan Raksha:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF personnel saves passengers\u00a0a)<\/strong> who are in a hurry try to board\/de-board a moving train, slip and fall with the risk of coming under the wheels of the train or\u00a0b)<\/strong>\u00a0people under distress try to commit suicide by deliberately coming in front of a running train.<\/p>\nOperation Matrishakti:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF personnel especially mahila RPF personnel go out of the way to help pregnant women, who go into labour during their train journey.<\/p>\nOperation Amanat:\u00a0<\/strong>Many passengers forget to take all their belongings in a rush to board the train or leave the train\/station. Under this operation,<\/strong>\u00a0RPF personnel help in securing such belongings and restore them to their rightful owners.<\/p>\nOperation NARCOS<\/strong>: Under this, RPF takes action to curb narcotics smuggling through rail.<\/p>\nOperation WILEP:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF takes action against the smuggling of wildlife, animal parts and forest products through rail.<\/p>\nOperation Rail Prahari:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF acts as sentinels on rail and helps state police\/Law Enforcement Agencies(LEAs) in the detention of serious cases reported from their respective areas of operation.<\/p>\nOperation Dignity:\u00a0<\/strong>Under this, RPF rescues destitute, helpless, mentally unsound, trafficked adults in need of care and protection and helps them reunite with their families or get them relocated to shelter homes in collaboration with NGOs.<\/p>\n
\nModernisation of Prisons Project<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Ministry of Home Affairs has released guidelines for the implementation of the Modernisation of Prisons Project.<\/p>\n
Note:\u00a0<\/strong>\u2018Prisons\u2019 is a State subject under the State List of the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Hence, the management and administration of Prisons falls exclusively in the domain of the State Governments.<\/p>\nAbout the Modernisation of Prisons Project<\/h5>\n
Launched by:<\/strong>\u00a0Ministry of Home Affairs<\/p>\nObjectives of the Project:<\/strong><\/p>\n\u2013 Filling the existing gaps in the security infrastructure of jails.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Providing new security equipments to jails in line with modern-day technologies,<\/p>\n
\u2013 Strengthening the jail security system through security equipment like Door frames\/ Metal Detectors\/ Security Poles, Baggage Scanners\/Search\/Jamming Solutions.<\/p>\n
\u2013 Focus on correctional administration: This includes bringing attitudinal change in the mindset of prison officials handling inmates through extensive training and by introducing appropriate programs for inmates for their skill development and rehabilitation.<\/p>\n
Duration of the Project:<\/strong>\u00a05 Years (2021-22 to 2025-26).<\/p>\nImplementation of the Project<\/h5>\n
Under the project, the Ministry of Home Affairs will\u00a0offer grants in aid to the states for a period of five years<\/p>\n
These grants can be used for upgrading\u00a0Video Conference Infrastructure, buying body-worn cameras, Door frames\/ Metal Detectors\/ Security Poles and developing correctional programmes including counselling\/ therapies\/ vocational training etc.<\/p>\n
The grants may also be utilized for setting up small industrial units in jails, which will provide an opportunity for labour to the inmates and generate revenue for jails.<\/p>\n
However, the release of grants under the project in subsequent years will be based on utilization certificates furnished by the states in respect of funds released during the previous years.<\/p>\n
\nSeema Darshan Project<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Union Home Minister has inaugurated the Seema Darshan Project at Nadabet in the border district of Banaskantha in Gujarat.<\/p>\n
About Seema Darshan Project<\/h5>\n
Launched by<\/strong>: It is a joint initiative of the Tourism Department of the state government and the BSF Gujarat Frontier.<\/p>\nAim:<\/strong>\u00a0To develop border tourism in the\u00a0Nadabet\u00a0region of Gujarat, which has a sparse population and even sparser vegetation.<\/p>\nUnder the project,<\/strong>\u00a0access will be provided to citizens to view the fenced Indo-Pakistan border from the Nadabet region in Gujarat. This area is guarded round the clock by the Border Security Force(BSF).<\/p>\nThe BSF will also conduct a parade here similar<\/strong>\u00a0to the one held at Attari-Wagah border in Punjab every evening during sunset. But here there won\u2019t be anyone present across the border on the Pakistani side.<\/p>\nSignificance:<\/strong>\u00a0The project would not only boost tourism but also restrict migration from the villages across the border to the Indian side.<\/p>\nSignificance of Nadabet District<\/h5>\n
Nadabet is located in the Rann of Kutch region in Gujarat. It is also known as the \u2018Wagah of Gujrat\u2019. Pakistan is around just 150 meters from the border pillar at Nadabet.<\/p>\n
Role of Nadabet during the 1971 War:\u00a0<\/strong>Nadabet played a key role in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War. It was in this region that the BSF not only stalled the enemy trying to invade from the west but also captured enemy posts.<\/p>\nDuring the war, the BSF had captured 1,038 square km of Pakistan territory in the Nagarparkar and Diplo areas. The area was returned to Pakistan after the Shimla Agreement was signed.<\/p>\n
\nProject Fulwari<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The\u00a0Northern Coalfields Ltd(NCL)<\/strong>, a Singrauli based Coal India arm\u00a0under<\/strong>\u00a0the\u00a0Ministry of Coal<\/strong>, has launched \u201cProject Fulwari<\/strong>\u201d in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh.<\/p>\nAbout Project Fulwari<\/h5>\n
Aim:<\/strong>\u00a0To address the problem of malnutrition and associated physical and mental development issues of infants.<\/p>\nAs part of the project,\u00a0<\/strong>Fulwari Centres are being established where identified malnourished children are getting special attention to ensure that their weight, physical and mental progress meets the normal standards.<\/p>\nApart from this<\/strong>, timely vaccination and age-appropriate safe toys are also being arranged for the kids at these centres.<\/p>\nSignificance of the Project<\/h5>\n
This initiative will give a major impetus to the Centre\u2019s fight against malnutrition and its commitment towards Sustainable Social Development.<\/p>\n
\nMissions<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nNational Supercomputing Mission(NSM)<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
A Supercomputer named \u2018PARAM Ganga\u2019 has been established at IIT Roorkee under National Supercomputing Mission(NSM).<\/p>\n
About National Supercomputing Mission(NSM)<\/h5>\n
Launched in: <\/strong>2015<\/p>\nAim<\/strong>: To empower national academic and R&D institutions spread over the country by installing a vast supercomputing grid comprising more than 70 high-performance computing facilities.<\/p>\nNodal Ministries:<\/strong> The mission is being steered jointly by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeiTY) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST).<\/p>\nImplemented by: <\/strong>Department of Science and Technology and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.<\/p>\nPillars of the mission: <\/strong>\u00a0The four major pillars of the mission are: Infrastructure, Applications, R&D, HRD. These pillars have been functioning efficiently to realise the goal of developing indigenous supercomputing ecosystem of the nation.<\/p>\nUnder the mission, <\/strong>C-DAC has designed and developed a computer server \u201cRudra\u201d and high-speed interconnect \u201cTrinetra\u201d which are the major sub-assemblies required for supercomputers.<\/p>\nPhases under the mission<\/h5>\n
Phase 1<\/strong><\/p>\nUnder this phase, 30% of the value addition of Supercomputers<\/strong> is done in India.<\/p>\n\n- Param Shivay was the first supercomputer assembled indigenously, installed in IIT(BHU).<\/li>\n
- Param Shakti and Param Brahma supercomputer installed at IIT-Kharagpur and IISER, Pune respectively.<\/li>\n
- Thereafter, supercomputing facilities were set up in two more institutions and one more is being set up with a computing speed to 6.6 Petaflops (PF).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Phase II<\/strong><\/p>\nUnder this phase, 40% of the value addition of Supercomputers is done in India.<\/p>\n
\n- 8 institutions are being equipped with supercomputing facilities by April 2021 with a total of 10 PF compute capacity.<\/li>\n
- MoUs have also been signed with a total of 14 premier institutions of India for establishing Supercomputing Infrastructure with Assembly and Manufacturing in India.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Phase III<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- This phase will take the computing speed to around 45 Petaflops. This will include three systems of 3 PF each and one system of 20PF as a national facility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nAyushman Bharat Digital Mission<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Union Cabinet has approved the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).<\/p>\n
About Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission(ABDM)<\/h5>\n
Nodal Ministry:<\/strong> Ministry of Health and Family Welfare<\/p>\nType:<\/strong> Central Sector Scheme<\/p>\nAim: <\/strong>To create a seamless online platform through the provision of a wide range of data, information and infrastructure services. It will also ensure the security, confidentiality and privacy of health-related personal information.<\/p>\nImplementing Agency: <\/strong>National Health Authority (NHA)<\/p>\nKey Feature of the Mission: <\/strong>Under the mission, citizens will be able to create their ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) numbers<\/strong>, to which their digital health records can be linked. This will enable the creation of longitudinal health records for individuals across various healthcare providers, and improve clinical decision making by healthcare providers.<\/p>\nBenefits of the Mission<\/h5>\n
Firstly,<\/strong> it will improve equitable access to quality healthcare by encouraging the use of technologies such as telemedicine and enabling national portability of health services.<\/p>\nSecondly,<\/strong> it will facilitate evidence-based decision making for effective public health interventions.<\/p>\nLastly,<\/strong> it will also help catalyze innovation and generate employment across the healthcare ecosystem.<\/p>\n
\nNational Technical Textiles Mission<\/span><\/h3>\nNews<\/h5>\n
The Ministry of Textiles has cleared 20 strategic research projects in the areas of Specialty fibres and Geotextiles. These strategic research projects fall under the Flagship Programme \u2018National Technical Textiles Mission\u2019<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAbout Technical Textiles<\/h5>\n
Technical textiles are textiles materials and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties rather than aesthetic characteristics.<\/p>\n
Technical Textiles products are divided into 12 broad categories (Agrotech, Buildtech, Clothtech, Geotech, Hometech, Indutech, Mobiltech, Meditech, Protech, Sportstech, Oekotech, Packtech) depending upon their application areas.<\/p>\n
India shares nearly 6% of the world market size of 250 Billion USD. However, the annual average growth of the segment is 12%, as compared to 4% world average growth. The penetration level of technical textiles is low in India at 5-10%, against 30-70% in advanced countries.<\/p>\n
About National Technical Textiles Mission<\/h5>\n
Aim:<\/strong> To position the country as a global leader in Technical Textiles and improve the penetration level of technical textiles in the country. <\/strong><\/p>\nImplementation Period:\u00a0 <\/strong>FY 2020-21 to 2023-24.<\/p>\nComponents of the mission: <\/strong>The mission has four components:<\/p>\n\u2013 Research, Innovation and Development: <\/strong>Focus on research, innovation and indigenous development of speciality fibres from Carbon, Nylon-66, Glass, Aramid and other high technology polymers; increase the application of geotextiles, agro-textiles, medical textiles, protective textiles and other segments of technical textiles in various application areas.<\/p>\n\u2013 Promotion and Market Development: <\/strong>Promote awareness amongst users, bring in large scale investments and encourage high-end technical textiles products.<\/p>\n\u2013 Export Promotion: <\/strong>Enhance India\u2019s exports of technical textiles by 2024 through focused attention on the highest traded products.<\/p>\n\u2013 Education, Training, Skill Development: <\/strong>Create robust human resources in the country both through specialised higher education and skill development of technical manpower of the country.<\/p>\nImplementation Mechanism: <\/strong>The mission will get implemented through a 3-tier institutional mechanism constituting as follows;<\/p>\nMission Steering Group:<\/strong> It is chaired by the Union Minister of Textiles<\/strong>. It is fully empowered to approve all financial norms in respect of all Schemes, Components and programmes of the NTTM. In addition, all scientific\/technological research projects under the NTTM shall require the approval of this Group.<\/p>\nEmpowered Programme Committee:<\/strong> It is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles<\/strong>. It will approve all projects within the financial limit of each programme as approved by the Mission Steering Group, except Research Projects. The EPC will also monitor the implementations of various components of the Mission and guide the Mission Directorate on implementation matters.<\/p>\nCommittee on Technical Textiles on Research, Development & Innovation<\/strong>: It is chaired by Member(S&T), Niti Aayog. It will identify and recommend all research projects related to strategic sectors such as defence, paramilitary, security, space, and atomic energy to the Mission Steering Group for approval.<\/p>\n