PIB Summary- 19th March, 2021 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Exercise DUSTLIK II

Context: The second edition of the Indo-Uzbekistan Joint Field Training Exercise, EXERCISE DUSTLIK-II culminated.

About Ex DUSTLIK

• This is the Second Edition of the annual bilateral joint exercise of both armies. The first edition was held in Uzbekistan in 2019.
• Both contingents will be sharing their expertise and skills in the field of counter-terrorist operations in mountainous/rural/urban scenario under UN mandate. The exercise will culminate into a 36 hour-joint validation exercise.
• This joint exercise will provide impetus to the growing military and diplomatic ties between the two nations and also reflects the strong resolve of both nations to counter-terrorism.

National Monsoon Mission

Context: Forecast regarding Monsoon changes.

Details

• Under the National Monsoon Mission initiative, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), NOIDA have built a state-of-the-art coupled ocean atmospheric model for:
  • Improved prediction of monsoon rainfall on extended range to seasonal time scale (16 days to one season)
  • Improved prediction of temperature, rainfall and extreme weather events on short to medium range time scale (up to 15 days)
• Forecasts, early warning of severe weather events and advisories are issued by the IMD at national, regional and state levels.
• The information regarding the onset of monsoons along with crop advisories are disseminated to farmers through different print/visual/Radio/IT based media including short message service (SMS) and Interactive Voice Response Service (IVRS) facilitating for appropriate field level actions.

National Monsoon Mission is recently in the news after the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) released a report on ‘Estimating the economic benefits of Investment in Monsoon Mission and High-Performance Computing Facilities.’

Objectives of Monsoon Mission of India

• Improvement of monsoon forecast skills with the help of partnerships between academic and research and development organizations nationally and internationally. 
• Improvement of prediction skill of:
  • Seasonal and Extended range predictions and
  • Short and Medium range (up to two weeks) prediction. 

Need for National Monsoon Mission

• Need for improved weather advisories – In India, 82 percent of rural poor live in rain-fed areas and rain-fed agriculture is a significant contributor to agricultural production. 
• Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) amounts to more than 80 percent of the annual rainfall in the country playing a pivotal role in food production. Hence, a mission like NMM was needed to improve assimilation and forecasting systems to predict monsoon.

Evaluation of National Monsoon Mission – NCAER Report
It was launched in 2012 with an aim to develop state-of-the-art monsoon prediction systems for short, medium and long-range forecasts.
As per the NCAER report, National Monsoon Mission will benefit 1.07 crores below poverty line (BPL) agricultural households and 523 lakh BPL fisherfolk households in the country. The other important details are:

• The monsoon mission of India will give 50 times more benefit on the investment made under it and on the high-performance Computing programs over a period of 5 years (till 2025.)
•  A more accurate weather forecast led to a structural change in the production level of food grains in the last 4-5 years. 
• In the irrigated districts, the production level of food grains increased in the post-monsoon-mission period.
• Rain-fed districts witnessed the increase in the production level of food grains in both pre-monsoon mission and post-monsoon mission with a significant increase in the latter. 

Impact of National Monsoon Mission on Farmers

The total annual economic benefits to agricultural households, farmers and livestock owners taken together, has been calculated at Rs. 13,331 crore and the incremental benefits over the next five years are estimated to be about Rs. 48,056 crore.
The report by NCAER mentions the following  impact of weather advisories on farmers:

• Change in the agricultural practises: With the usage of weather advisories, 98 per cent of the farmers made changes to at least one of the nine critical practises and 34 per cent farmers made changes to all nine critical practises:
  • Changed variety/breed
  • Arranged for storage of harvest
  • Early/delayed harvesting
  • Changed crop
  • Early/delayed sowing
  • Changed schedule of ploughing/land preparation
  • Changed pesticide application schedule
  • Changed fertilizer application schedule
  • Changed scheduled irrigation
• Increase in income: 94 per cent of farmers who took to modifications in farm practises in the account of weather forecasts saw a decline in income losses and an increase in income. 
• Income directly proportional to the modifications in agricultural practices: The NCAER report mentions that farmers who adopted farm practises based on weather forecasts and modified the nine critical practises continuously, saw an increase in their average annual income.
• Drastic increase in the use of weather advisories: 59 per cent farmers are reported to make use of weather forecasts twice a week.
• Information on calamities: 55 percent of farmers received information on calamities almost every time whereas 36 percent received correct information occasionally.

Impact of National Monsoon Mission on Livestock Owners
Livestock owners undertake three practises:

• Modification of shed/shelter
• Vaccination against seasonal disease
• Fodder management

Also, Note:

• The NCAER report mentions that 76 percent of livestock owners use weather advisories and modify their practises mentioned above.
• Almost 96 percent of livestock owners were benefited using the weather advisories for the improvement of vaccination practises against seasonal diseases.

Impact of National Monsoon Mission on Fishermen

• Substantial reduction in the operational cost is a result of using Ocean State Forecast (OSF): 82 percent fishermen are reported to have used weather forecasts before venturing into the sea for fishing. 
• Empty trips avoided: 9606 empty trips have been avoided and Rs. 18.25 crores saved due to OSF advisories.
• Generation of additional fish catch: Fishermen benefitted from Potential Fishing Zone advisories (PFZ).
• 97 percent of those fishermen who were surveyed by the NCAER is reported to receive timely information on floods and cyclones, which helped them minimize their losses. (For information on cyclones, check the linked article.)

Achievements of National Monsoon Mission

• Seasonal prediction model is developed for monsoon at a very high resolution of 38 kms.
• Extended range prediction systems are developed for dry/wet spells, heat/cold waves etc.
• Very high resolution ensemble prediction system is developed at 12 kms in the short and medium range (up to 8 to 10 days) useful for extreme weather prediction.
• The mission used high performance computing (HPC) capability from 1 Petaflops to 10 Petaflops. Two HPC facilities are established at MoES institutes:
  • Pratyush (4 Petaflops) at IITM
  • Mihir (2.8 Petaflops) at NCMRWF, Noida
• “Unified Model” that is inspired by the UK Met Office has been developed for high resolution short range and medium range forecasts. 
• Global Ocean Data Assimilation System (GODAS) observations used to develop data assimilation systems.

PMFME Scheme

Context: The PMFME (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) Scheme was approved by the Cabinet in May 2020.

Details of the PM-FME scheme

• Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), in partnership with the State/ UT Governments, has launched an all India Centrally Sponsored PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises Scheme (PM FME Scheme)
• The scheme aims for providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation of existing micro food processing enterprises

Objectives

• Increase access to finance
• Increase in revenues of target enterprises
• Enhanced compliance with food quality and safety standards
• Strengthening capacities of support systems
• Special focus on Women entrepreneurs and Aspirational Districts
• Encourage Waste to Wealth activities
• Focus on minor forest produce in Tribal Districts
• Transition from the unorganized sector to the formal sector

TRIFED

• The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) was established in 1987, under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 1984.
• This body works for the social and economic development of the tribal people of the country.
• It is administered by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

TRIFED initiative

• TRIFED under Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been looking to identify prospective convergences and partnerships with organisations which are like-minded.
• This will help in forging cooperation with the central goal of tribal empowerment and improving their livelihoods.
• In this regard, TRIFED has started tying up with government departments and other like-minded organisations.
• TRIFED has aligned with is Minister of Food Processing (MoFPI). MoFPI is implementing the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PM-FME) Scheme.
• The FME scheme is a landmark initiative under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to support micro-level food entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs and co-operatives. An important component of this scheme is the tribal sub-plan.

World Leprosy Day

Context: In India, Anti Leprosy Day is observed on 30th January every year, i.e., Mahatma Gandhiji’s martyrdom day, as Gandhiji was deeply committed to the cause of leprosy.

Details: To commemorate the anti-leprosy day, Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaigns (SLAC) are being organized since 2017 in order to reduce stigma and discrimination against persons suffering from leprosy.

About the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy

• This award was instituted by the Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation in 1986.
• The Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation is a pioneering organisation established in 1951 in the field of leprosy in India.
• The award is presented once in two years and consists of Rs. 2 lakhs as cash award, a medallion and a citation.
• Two awards are presented either to individuals or institutions.
• The award is given to a Leprosy Worker or Institution who/which has undertaken work in the field of leprosy for a period of not less than 10 years and made a significant contribution in any aspect of leprosy work, resulting in the amelioration of the suffering of leprosy patients and enabling them to lead a normal life.

About Leprosy

• Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a bacterial disease that affects the skin and nerves leading to physical deformity and disability if left untreated.
• Despite a centuries-long stigma, it is not hereditary, it is completely curable, and is only mildly infectious – more than 85% of cases are non-infectious and over 95% of the population has a natural immunity to the disease.
• Initially, infections are without symptoms and typically remain this way for 5 to 20 years.
• Symptoms that develop include granulomas of the nerves, respiratory tract, skin and eyes.
• This may result in a lack of ability to feel pain, which can lead to the loss of parts of extremities due to repeated injuries or infection due to unnoticed wounds. Weakness and poor eyesight may also be present.
• Leprosy is one of the world’s oldest diseases with India accounting for 60% of annual new cases.
• In 2005, it was officially declared eliminated as a public health concern in India. This was when the new cases fell to less than 1 per 10,000. Yet, India accounts for the largest number of leprosy-affected people in the world.

GRAM UJALA Programme

Context: Union Minister launched the GRAM UJALA programme.

About GRAM UJALA Scheme

• The scheme aims to offer LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs in rural areas at Rs 10 per piece, without any government support or subsidy.
• Around 1.5 crore LED bulbs will be sold in rural areas at a price of Rs 10 as part of the first phase of the Gram Ujala programme launched by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd.
• The first phase will cover some villages in Bihar, UP, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and western Gujarat.
• The bulbs will carry a warranty of three years and will be given to rural consumers against the submission of working incandescent bulbs.
  • Consumers can exchange a maximum of five bulbs.
  • Participating rural households will also have metres installed in their houses to account for usage.
• Further, carbon credit documentation will be sent to UN-accredited validators for inclusion into the Shine Program.
• Carbon credits will be prepared under the Shine Program with an option for verifying under the Voluntary Carbon Standard, depending on the needs of carbon credit buyers.
• Buyers of carbon credits will also be sought through an open process based on initial discussions with the market.
• The balance cost and margin on the LED cost will be recouped through the carbon credits earned.
• Gram Ujala will not only give a fillip to our fight against climate change by increasing energy efficiency, but also usher in a better standard of life, financial savings, and better safety for the citizens in rural areas.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

Context: 82nd Raising Day of CRPF.

Details

• The CRPF was raised in 1939 as the Crown Representative’s Police.
• In 1950, its name was changed to the present one.
• Its primary mission is to engage in counter-insurgency operations.
• It is one of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

Armed Forces of India – Basic Facts

The various armed forces of the Union of India have separate mandates and are handled by different ministries. The majority of the external security threats in India are managed by the Ministry of Defence with the help of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Most of the internal security challenges and their management in border areas are also handled by both the Defence Ministry and the Home Ministry. Internal security threats such as insurgencies, separatism and riots etc are the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The security forces which handle different threats in India are classified into:

• Indian Armed Forces
• Paramilitary Forces of India and
• Central Armed Police Forces.

Indian Armed Forces – Introduction

The Indian Armed Forces are the military forces of India. The defence services in India consist of three uniformed services:

• The Indian Army
• The Indian Navy
• The Indian Air Force

The Indian Armed Forces are supported by the Indian Coast Guard, paramilitary forces, and various other organizations.
The supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces is the President of India. All three services report to the Ministry of Defence.

The Indian Army

Indian Army or Bhartiya Thal Sena is the land-based component of the armed forces. It is evolved from the armed forces of the East India Company, ultimately turned into the British Indian Army and the Indian Army after independence.
It is commanded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). It is considered the second-largest active army in the world. The mission of the Indian Army is to guarantee the national security and defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and harmony of India from external aggression and intimidation. It also includes providing humanitarian support and aid to the common people during natural disasters and unexpected time.
Who is the Chief of Army Staff (2021)? – General Manoj Mukund Naravane. He is the 28th COAS and took over the 27th COAS General Bipin Rawat.
Special Forces of Indian Army – Para Commandos

• The Para Commandos are the most well known of the Indian Army’s special forces.
• It undertakes operations behind enemy lines, anti-terrorist and counterinsurgency missions as well as rescue operations during natural disasters.

The Indian Navy
India has a coastline of 7516.6 km. The Indian Navy secures India’s maritime borders and interests. It also safeguards Indian trading vessels by combating piracy on the high seas. Along with this, it assists the common people during disasters.

It is commanded by the Chief of the Naval Staff – an Admiral. The Indian Navy is deployed under three Commands:

• The Eastern Naval command – Vishakhapatnam is the headquarter.
• Western Naval command – Mumbai is the headquarter
• Southern Naval Command – Kochi is the headquarter.

The Naval forces are used to support the foreign policy objectives, to build ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthen international cooperation.

Who is the Chief of Naval Staff (2021)? Admiral Karambir Singh is the 24th Chief of Naval Staff. He took over Admiral Sunil Lanba who was the 23rd Chief of Naval Staff.

Special Forces of Indian Navy – MARCOS
The Marine Commando Force (MCF), also known as MARCOS is a Special Forces unit of the Indian Navy. It is involved in anti-terrorism, anti-piracy and special operations.

The Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932. It was known as the Royal Indian Air Force in recognition of its services during the Second World War. After Independence, the term ‘Royal’ was omitted.
It is considered the 4th largest Air force in the world. The primary responsibility of the Indian Air Force is to secure the Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during a conflict. Apart from the wars of independent India and humanitarian work, it has participated in many United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Chief of Air Staff (An Air Marshal) is the commander of the air forces in India.
The Air Force Network (AFNet) launched on 14th September 2010, is a digital information grid that enabled quick and accurate threat responses. It is a fibre optic-based network.

Who is the current Chief of Air Staff (2021)? Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria is the 26th Chief of Air Staff. He took over Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa who was the 25th Chief of Air Staff.

Special Forces of Indian Air Force – Garud Commando Force
The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force, engaged in tasks such as airfield protection during conflicts, suppression of enemy air defence, search and rescue of downed aircrew and humanitarian aid during disasters.

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)

Paramilitary Forces in India
Central Armed Police Forces were formerly referred to as Paramilitary Forces. From March 2011, the Ministry of Home Affairs adopted a uniform nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces to avoid confusion. There are seven central armed police forces. Each of these forces performs a separate function. They operate under the Ministry of Home affairs. Each of the forces is led by an IPS officer with the notable exception of the Assam Rifles which is headed by an Army officer of the rank of Lieutenant General.
The term “paramilitary forces” in India has not been defined in any act of parliament or by the authorities. Since 2011, the Government of India uses an unofficial definition that the Paramilitary forces are the ones that assist the military forces and are headed by Military officers, not by IPS officers.

The list of Paramilitary Forces of India is given below, followed by the description of each:

• Assam Rifles
• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBF)
• National Security Guard (NSG)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Assam Rifles – Important Facts

• The Assam Rifles was established in 1835.
• It is considered the oldest of all paramilitary forces and one of the six Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
• This force plays a crucial role in North East India, handling counterinsurgency and border security operations.
• They are also guarding the 1,643 km long Indo-Myanmar border since 2002.
• It is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure
• It is often referred to as the“Friends of the Hill People”, “Friends of the North East People” and the “Sentinels of the North East”.
• It is headed by an Army officer of the rank of Lieutenant General. It currently reports to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The administrative control of Assam Rifles is with MHA while the operational control is with the Ministry of Defence.
• It remains the most awarded paramilitary force in both pre-and post-independent India – Since independence, it has been awarded 120 Shaurya Chakras, 31 Kirti Chakras, five Vir Chakras and four Ashok Chakras, apart from 188 Sena Medals.

Border Security Force (BSF) – Important Facts

• The BSF is the border guards of the country and is called the ‘India’s First Line of Defence’.
• This Union Government Agency under the administrative control of Ministry of Home Affairs came into being in the wake of the 1965 Indo-Pakistan war. It was established on 1st December 1965.
• It ensures the security of the borders of India and headed by an officer from the Indian Police Service.
• It also undertakes defensive actions during wartime to free up Indian Army troops for offensive operations.
• Of late, the BSF has also been tasked with assisting the CRPF and army in counter-insurgency operations.
• The current Director-General of BSF (2021) – Shri Rakesh Asthana, IPS.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) – Important Facts

• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was established in 1969, under an Act of Parliament, “Central Industrial Security Force Act, 1968.”
• It provides integrated security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings, airports and SEZs on a case to case basis.
• It is currently providing security cover to nuclear installations, space establishments, airports, seaports, power plants, sensitive Government buildings, heritage monuments and large special economic zones.
• CISF is also responsible to provide protection to the persons classified as Z Plus, Z, X, Y.
• CISF is the only force with a customized and dedicated fire wing.
• CISF is a compensatory cost force.
• The current Director-General of CISF (2021) is S.K. Jaiswal.

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

• The Central Reserve Police Force was established by the enactment of the CRPF Act in 1949.
• Initially, it came into existence as Crown Representative’s Police in 1939 for internal security.
• The primary mission of the Central Reserve Police Force is counter-insurgency operations.
• It also assists the State and Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order.
• Apart from this, the force participates as a police force in the UN peace-keeping missions.
• The CRPF maintains a special operation unit known as Commando Battalion for Resolute Action(COBRA) to combat Maoist insurgents.
• The current Director-General of CRPF (2021) is Dr. A P Maheshwari, IPS.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)

• The Indo-Tibetan Border Police was established on 24th October 1962 after the 1962 Sino-Indian conflict.
• It was created under the CRPF Act.
• It guards the Indo-Tibetan border and the mountainous regions of the India-China border and monitors the northern borders.
• ITBP replaced Assam Rifles in Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh in 2004. The Indi-China border covering the following state is guarded by the ITBP (From the Karakoram pass in Jammu & Kashmir to Jechap La in Arunachal Pradesh):
  • Jammu & Kashmir
  • Himachal Pradesh
  • Uttarakhand
  • Sikkim
  • Arunachal Pradesh
• It detects and prevents border violations.
• The force also keeps a check on illegal immigration and trans-border smuggling.
• It has been deployed in UN peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Haiti, Western Sahara, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Afghanistan and Sudan.
• The current Director-General of ITBP (2021) is S.S Deswal.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

• The Sashastra Seema Bal was set up in March 1963.
• They guard Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan Borders.
• They are also deployed during elections as polling booth security.
• Its area of coverage included 15 states
• Previously, it was known as the Special Service Bureau and they are deployed to control anti-national activities and inculcate feelings of national belonging in the border population among others. It also acts against smuggling and other illegal activities.
• The current SSB chief (2021) is Kumar Rajendra Chandra, IPS.

Special Forces of India
Apart from the special forces operating under army, navy and air force in the country, the special forces of India also have the following units reporting directly to the Home Ministry for counter-terrorism and VIP protection activities:

National Security Guards (NSG)

• It was established on 22nd September 1986.
• The National Security Guards is a special forces unit under the Ministry of Home affairs.
• It is established to counter the surge of militancy in the country.
• It has a highly trained force which deals with exceptional situations when local police and special forces need assistance.
• It was raised to combat terrorist activities and to guarantee the states do not experience any internal disturbances.
• They played a crucial role in countering the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks.

Special Protection Group (SPG)

• It was raised in 1985.
• The Special Protection Group is the most elite, nodal protection agency in the country.
• It is an armed force of the Union for providing immediate security to the Prime Minister of India, the former Prime Minister and members of their close family members.
• The Special Protection Group (SPG) under the Cabinet Secretariat commences under Special Protection Group Act, 1988.

Other Important Security Agencies In India

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Railway Protection Force is a security force of India entrusted with protecting railway passengers, passenger area and property of the Indian Railways. This is the only armed force of the Union which has the power to arrest, investigate and prosecute criminals.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was set up under The Disaster Management Act, 2005. It was constituted for the function of specialist response to natural and man-made disasters. The aim of the National Disaster Management Authority is to construct a safer and disaster resilient India by rising a holistic, proactive, multi-disaster and technology-driven strategy for disaster management. It is a force composed of 12 battalions. It is manned by persons on deputation from various CAPFs and also re-employs physically fit members of the armed forces who have retired but are still under reserve liability.

Prelims Facts

• Ventilation Index
• It is a measure of the volume rate of horizontal transport of air within the mixing layer, per unit distance, normal to the wind. Units are measured in square meters per second or knot-feet.
• In simple words, it is a metric that indicates how efficiently pollutants are dispersed in the atmosphere.
• The ventilation index is the product of windspeed and mixing height.
• Risks to air quality occur when ventilation index values are low and harmful pollutants are held close to the ground.
• Risks to visibility also occur when ventilation index values are low.
• It is a useful tool for air pollution management.

Japan-India Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)

• India and Japan commenced a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programme between the two countries in November 2019.
• As per the bilateral agreement between the Indian Patent Office (IPO) and the Japan Patent Office (JPO), Indian Patent Office will receive patent applications related to certain specific technical fields only, which includes, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Physics, Civil, Mechanical, Textiles, Automobiles and Metallurgy while JPO may receive applications in all fields of technology.
• The Patent Prosecution Highway comprises a set of initiative actions, for accelerating the process of patent prosecution, through sharing of information among patent offices of participating countries.
• It can serve an advantageous purpose for each participating patent office by benefitting it from the work previously done by the patent offices of the other participating countries, and hence, examination workload can be reduced and patent quality can be improved through simultaneous working.