PIB Summary- 29th June, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

UTPRERAK

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister of State for Power inaugurated UTPRERAK, a dedicated Centre of Excellence, to accelerate industry adoption of clean technologies in New Delhi.

About UTPRERAK

• Reference and Resource Institution: UTPRERAK is mandated to become a key reference and resource institution on industrial energy-efficient technologies. It will provide comprehensive information, guidance, and expertise related to energy efficiency in the industrial sector.
• Demonstration and Showcasing: UTPRERAK will demonstrate and showcase energy-efficient technologies in key industry sectors. It will serve as a platform to exhibit and promote innovative technologies, solutions, and practices that can improve energy efficiency in industries.
• Exhibition cum Information Centre: UTPRERAK will function as an exhibition cum information centre, providing access to relevant information, case studies, success stories, and best practices in energy efficiency. It will create awareness among industry professionals about the potential benefits and opportunities associated with energy-efficient technologies.
• Knowledge Repository: UTPRERAK will serve as a repository of knowledge, collating and organizing information related to energy-efficient technologies, industry-specific energy conservation measures, and successful implementation models. This knowledge repository will be accessible to industry stakeholders, researchers, policymakers, and other interested parties.
• Knowledge Exchange Platform: UTPRERAK will facilitate knowledge exchange and dissemination of best practices among industry professionals. It will organize workshops, seminars, and training programs to promote the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and share experiences from various sectors.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency

• The BEE was established on 1st March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
• Objective: To reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
• It coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies, and other organizations.
• It recognizes, identifies, and utilizes existing resources and infrastructure to perform the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.

PV Narasimha Rao

Why in News?
The Prime Minister has paid tribute to former Prime Minister, Shri PV Narasimha Rao Ji on his birth anniversary.

PV Narasimha Rao

• PV Narasimha Rao, born on 28th June 1921, was a prominent figure in Indian politics and served as the Prime Minister of India from 1991 to 1996. Here are some key details and highlights of his life and tenure:

Early Life and Background

• PV Narasimha Rao was born in the erstwhile Nizam’s Hyderabad state, now in Telangana, India.
• He hailed from a farmer’s family in Lanepalli, Warangal District, Telangana.

Contributions to Rural Development

• PV Narasimha Rao was known for his initiatives to bring development and welfare to rural areas.
• He focused on sectors such as clean water, women and children’s development, primary healthcare, primary education, empowerment of artisans, animal husbandry, poultry, small industries, khadi and village industries, textiles, and more.
• His efforts aimed at inclusive growth and upliftment of rural economies.

Tenure as Prime Minister

• PV Narasimha Rao’s tenure witnessed significant economic reforms and policy changes.
• He played a key role in dismantling the restrictions of the license raj, reducing red tape, and promoting economic liberalization.
• The economic liberalization policies introduced during his tenure aimed at making the Indian economy more market-oriented, encouraging private and foreign investment, and increasing competitiveness.
• The GDP growth rate during his tenure hovered around 7-7.5%.
• He increased the allocation of funds for rural development schemes to Rs. 30,000 crores in the 8th Five Year Plan, up from Rs. 7,000 crores in the previous plan.
• Under his leadership, foreign exchange reserves increased significantly, from Rs. 3,000 crores in 1991 to 15 times that amount by 1996.

Other Notable Achievements

• PV Narasimha Rao published ‘SahasraPhan,’ a Hindi translation of the famous Telugu novel ‘Veyi Padagalu.’
• He played a role in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel.
• He initiated the Look East Policy, which aimed to strengthen India’s ties with countries in East and Southeast Asia.
• He worked towards improving India’s relations with the United States, reversing decades of strained relations and bringing the two countries closer.
• The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Act, empowering local bodies and promoting decentralization, were enacted during his tenure.

PRAGATI

Why in News?
Prime Minister earlier chaired the meeting of the 42nd edition of PRAGATI, the ICT-based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments.

About PRAGATI

• PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation), as the name suggests, is aimed at starting a culture of Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation.
• It is also a robust system for bringing e-transparency and e-accountability with real-time presence and exchange among the key stakeholders.
• The platform was launched in 2015 is a multi-purpose and multi-modal platform that is aimed at addressing common man’s grievances, and simultaneously monitoring and reviewing important programmes and projects of the Government of India as well as projects flagged by State Governments.
• It is a three-tier system (PMO, Union Government Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries of the States)
• The PRAGATI platform uniquely bundles three latest technologies, digital data management, video-conferencing and geo-spatial technology. It also offers a unique combination in the direction of cooperative federalism since it brings on one stage the Secretaries of Government of India and the Chief Secretaries of the States.
• The Prime Minister will hold a monthly programme where he will interact with the Government of India Secretaries, and Chief Secretaries through Video-conferencing enabled by data and geo-informatics visuals.