PIB Summary- 10th December, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

New National Manuscripts Mission

Context

The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was launched in 2003 to document, conserve, and digitize India’s manuscript heritage.

It operates under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, ensuring preservation through advanced technology and regional initiatives.

About New National Manuscripts Mission

• The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) was established in 2003 by the Ministry of Culture during the 10th Five Year Plan.
• Its primary goals include documenting, conserving, and promoting access to India’s vast manuscript heritage.
• The mission functions under the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, with funding provided to the organization.
• NMM leverages technology, supported by IGNCA, for the preservation and digitization of manuscripts.
• Digitized manuscripts are made accessible through the website https://www.pandulipipatala.nic.in.
• Preservation methods such as lamination, restoration, and deacidification are employed to address manuscript deterioration.
• Training programs are offered to enhance skills in preventive conservation techniques.
• Manuscript Resource Centres and Manuscript Conservation Centres are established to address regional and thematic gaps in collection and conservation efforts.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana

Context

The Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana to promote financial inclusion and empower rural women through microinsurance services.

The initiative focuses on training women Self-Help Group (SHG) members as insurance agents to bridge the gap in rural financial services.

Bima Sakhi Yojana

• Launched to empower women as facilitators of financial services in rural areas.
• Aims to train rural women as insurance facilitators under the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI).
• Women act as intermediaries, creating awareness and assisting with documentation for life insurance policies.
• Provides income opportunities for women while ensuring the penetration of insurance in underserved regions.
• Encourages financial literacy and security for rural households.
• Focused on boosting women’s confidence and promoting their participation in financial decision-making.

Eligibility:

• Eligibility: Women aged 18–70 years with at least a Class 10 education.
• Support: Monthly stipends of ₹7,000 (Year 1) and ₹6,000 (Year 2).

Other Initiatives for Financial Inclusion of Women

• Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Over 55% of accounts under PMJDY are held by women, ensuring access to basic banking services.
• Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Programs like NRLM (National Rural Livelihoods Mission) promote women-led SHGs for microcredit access.
• Mudra Yojana for Women: Offers collateral-free loans to women entrepreneurs.
• Stand-Up India Scheme: Provides loans for women setting up greenfield enterprises.
• Mahila E-Haat: A digital platform to support women entrepreneurs.
• Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana: Focused on empowering women in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Financial Literacy Camps: Conducted by banks and NGOs to educate women on savings, credit, and insurance.

Achievements

• Financial inclusion has increased from 35% in 2011 to over 80% in 2023.
• Women-owned 56% of Jan Dhan accounts, ensuring their integration into formal banking.
• SHGs have mobilized over ₹75,000 crore in credit, empowering women entrepreneurs.
• Mudra loans supported over 60% women beneficiaries.
• Financial literacy efforts led to increased awareness and use of digital banking tools by women.

Steps to Encourage Natural Gas Production

Context

The Indian Government is accelerating efforts to increase domestic natural gas production through policies like HELP, infrastructural expansions, and fiscal incentives.

This aligns with the target to enhance natural gas’s share in the energy mix to 15% by 2030.

Steps Taken to Increase Natural Gas Production in India

• National Gas Grid Pipeline: Expansion of the gas pipeline network to improve connectivity.
• City Gas Distribution (CGD): Increased focus on CGD networks for better urban and rural access.
• Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminals: Setting up LNG terminals to enhance gas import capabilities.

Policy Initiatives

• Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP):
  • Shifted from Production Sharing Contracts to Revenue Sharing mechanisms.
  • Streamlined processes and approvals for ease of doing business.
• Policy Reforms (2019):
  • Fiscal incentives such as 7-year royalty holidays for deep and ultra-deep blocks.
  • Concessional royalty rates for specific blocks.

Pricing and Marketing Freedom

• Freedom for Producers:
  • Marketing and pricing freedom for gas from high-pressure, deep-water, and ultra-deep-water areas.
  • A 20% premium over Administered Price Mechanism (APM) prices for gas from new wells or interventions by ONGC and Oil India Limited.

Sustainable Energy Promotion

• SATAT Initiative: Promotion of Bio-CNG for alternative and cleaner transportation solutions.

These steps aim to boost natural gas production and promote India’s shift toward a cleaner energy future.