PIB Summary- 23th January, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

India emerges as the largest exporter of cucumber and gherkins in the world

Context

India has exported cucumber and gherkins to the tune of 1,23,846 Metric Tonnes with a value of USD 114 million during April-October, 2021.

Details

• India exported USD 200 million worth of agricultural processed product, – pickling cucumber, which is globally referred to as gherkins.
• In 2020-21, India exported 2,23,515 Metric Tonnes of cucumber and gherkins with a value of USD 223 million.
• Following directions of the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) undertook a series of initiatives in infrastructure development, product promotion in the global market and adherence to food safety management systems in processing units.

Gherkins

• Gherkin cultivation, processing and exports started in India during the early 1990s in Karnataka and later extended to the neighbouring states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• About 15% of the world’s gherkin requirement is grown in India. 
• Cucumbers and gherkins are prepared and preserved by vinegar or acetic acid.
• Gherkins are currently exported to countries in North America, Europe and Oceania.
• The gherkin industry plays a key role in rural employment.
  (i) In India, the cultivation of gherkins is carried out under contract farming by around 90,000 small and marginal farmers with an annual production area of 65,000 acres.

APEDA has played a major role in the promotion of export of processed vegetables and has been providing financial assistance for the development of infrastructure and enhancing the quality of processed gherkins.

NERCORM Phase-III Project

Context

Recently a carpenter from Manipur who had endured a lot of suffering was chosen as a carpentry beneficiary and received financial support of Rs. 18000/- under the NERCORM Phase-III Project.

North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project (NERCORMP)

• NERCORMP is a livelihood and rural development project aimed to transform the lives of the poor and marginalized tribal families in North East(NE) India.
• NERCORMP is a joint developmental initiative of the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). 
• The project is being implemented in four states: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya, running under the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS).

North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Society (NERCRMS)

(i) NERCRMS is a registered society under the aegis of the North Eastern Council, Ministry of DoNER.
(ii) The society is dedicated towards the transformation of far flung rural areas of the North Eastern Region of India through different livelihood initiatives.

• Objective:
  (i) To improve the livelihoods of vulnerable groups in a sustainable manner through improved management of their resource base in a way that contributes to preservation and restoration of the environment.
• The society, since 1999, has formed 8,403 SHGs (Self Help Groups) and 2,889 NaRMGs (Natural Resource Management Groups) in 2,532 villages benefiting 1,18,843 households through its project NERCORMP.
• Key strategies:
  (i) Promoting an inclusive development approach with women, the weaker and the poorest participate on equal footing.
  (ii) Formation of viable and robust community-based organizations like SHGs and NaRMGs.
  (iii) A deliberate approach to trust communities and entrust them with corresponding responsibilities.
  (iv) Ensure transparency and accountability at all levels.
  (v) All village development funds are managed by the communities themselves through bank accounts in a transparent manner.
  (vi) Capacity building and training covering diverse areas.

Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar

Context

Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (in the Institutional category) and Professor Vinod Sharma (in the Individual category) have been selected for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar, 2022.

Details

• Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar has been instituted by GOI, to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management.
• The award is announced every year on 23rd January, on account of the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
• The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.

Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP)

Context

The Prime Minister will interact with Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP) awardees on 24th January, 2022 via video conferencing.

Details

• The Government of India has been conferring the PMRBP award to children for their exceptional achievement in six categories namely,
  (i) Innovation
  (ii) Social Service
  (iii) Scholastic
  (iv) Sports
  (v) Art & Culture
  (vi) Bravery
• Digital certificates will be conferred to the PMRBP awardees for the years 2022 and 2021 using Blockchain Technology.
• This technology is being used for the first time to give certificates to awardees.

Umang Rangoli Utsav

Context

Ministry of Culture to organize Rangoli Utsav ‘Umang’ on National Girl Child Day.

Umang Rangoli Utsav

• As part of the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, the Ministry of Culture is organizing a rangoli-making event ‘Umang Rangoli Utsav’ on 24th January 2022.
• 24th January is celebrated as ‘National Girl Child Day’ every year.
• In the event, it is proposed that the participating teams will make Rangoli decorations for about one kilometer of length on the roads and squares that have been named after the female freedom fighters or the female role models of the country.

Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav

Context:

PM to inaugurate activities related to ‘Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav’ in March 2021.

About Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav:

• Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is a series of events to be organised by the Government of India to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence.
• According to the government, the Mahotsav will be celebrated as a Jan-Utsav in the spirit of Jan-Bhagidari.
• A National Implementation Committee headed by the Home Minister has been constituted to chalk out policies and planning of various events to be undertaken under the Commemoration.
• The 75^th anniversary of India’s independence falls on 15th August 2022.