PIB Summary- 11th July, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

National Internet Exchange of India

Why in News?
Two new Internet Exchange points (IXP) of NIXI were inaugurated at Durgapur and Bardhman.

About NIXI

• The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is a non-profit company incorporated under Section 25 of the India Companies Act, 1956 (now section 8 under Companies Act 2013) with an objective of facilitating improved internet services in the country.
• It was registered on 19 June 2003.
• Its Primary purpose is to facilitate exchange of domestic Internet traffic between the peering Internet service provider (ISP), Content players and any other organizations with their own Autonomous system (AS) number.
• This enables more efficient use of international bandwidth, saving foreign exchange and also improves the Quality of Services (QoS) for Internet users by avoiding multiple international hops and thus reducing latency.
• NIXI is managed and operated on a neutral basis and currently has eight operational NOC located in Delhi (Noida), Mumbai (Vashi), Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Guwahati .
• NIXI is India’s First and Only Neutral Internet Exchange
• Since 2005, NIXI has also created INRegistry (.in domain) as its autonomous body for maintenance of .IN domain.
• Since December 2012, NIXI also manages the National Internet Registry of the country delegation Internet Protocol addresses (IPv4 and IPv6) and Autonomous System numbers to its Affiliates.

Mission of NIXI

• To Promote Internet.
• To set up, when needed, in select location(s)/parts/regions of India Internet Exchanges/Peering Points.
• To enable effective and efficient routing, peering, transit and exchange of the Internet traffic within India.
• To continuously work for enhancing and improving the quality of Internet and Broadband services.
• Set up Internet Domain Name Operations and related activities.

Benefits

• The launch of these new NIXI internet exchanges will contribute to the enhancement and improvement of Internet and Broadband services at local level and in neighbouring regions.
• The internet service providers connecting at these points will benefit as their broadband services to their end users will improve, bringing about a change in the lives of the people of the region.
• It will benefit every sector of the state ranging from health, education, agriculture, startup, and ecosystem to MSMEs & other business verticals.
• Accessibility and convenience will increase for citizens in terms of availing government benefits and improving quality of life.

Kisan Credit Card

Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying reviewed the progress in issuance of Kisan Credit Cards to poor farmers from the Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries Sector with Banks & Regional Rural Banks.

About Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

• The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme is a credit scheme introduced in August 1998 by Indian banks.
• This model scheme was prepared by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on the recommendations of R. V. Gupta committee to provide term loans for agricultural needs.
• Its objective is to meet the comprehensive credit requirements of the agriculture sector and by 2019 for fisheries and animal husbandry by giving financial support to farmers.
• Participating institutions include all commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks, and state co-operative banks.

Provision of the KCC Scheme

• KCC covers post-harvest expenses, produce marketing loan, consumption requirements of farmer household, working capital for maintenance of farm assets and activities allied to agriculture, investment credit requirement for agriculture and allied activities.
• The scheme comes with an ATM-enabled RuPay debit card with facilities for one-time documentation, built-in cost escalation in the limit, and any number of withdrawals within the limit.
• The scheme has short term credit limits for crops, and term loans.
• Individuals involved in farming and agricultural activities can apply for the KCC. Farmers who cultivate on the land of other people are also eligible to apply for the Card.
• Farmers get the loan of up to Rs 3 Lakh at reduced Interest Rate of 7%. If a farmer manages to repay the loan amount on due date then another 3% rebate can be availed, making the effective Interest Rate as just 4%.
• Farmers can use the KCC card for purchasing seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, for doing payment to labourers, for withdrawal of cash and for purchasing agriculture related products and equipment.
• KCC credit holders are covered under personal accident insurance up to ₹50,000 for death and permanent disability, and up to ₹25,000 for other risk.

National Fish Farmers Day

Why in News?
National Fisheries Development Board, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, celebrated the 22ndNational Fish Farmers Day in a hybrid mode at NFDB Hyderabad.

Key details:

• The National Fish Farmers day is observed every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the Country.
• This annual event is celebrated to commemorate Professor Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury and his colleague Dr. Alikunhi for their contribution in achieving the successful induced breeding of major carps on 10th July,1957 at Angul in Odisha for the first time in the country.
• This pioneering work of induced breeding over the years has transformed the growth of aquaculture sector from traditional to intensive aquaculture practices and led to success of modern aquaculture industry.
• The day was also celebrated as NFDB Foundation Day.

About National Fisheries Development Board

• The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was established in 2006.
• It is an autonomous organization under the administrative control of the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India to enhance fish production and productivity in the country and to coordinate fishery development in an integrated and holistic manner.

Mission
Holistic development of the fisheries sector through enhancement of fish production and productivity; to supplement nutritious protein for the growing population; to accelerate the overall economy of the country, besides improving health, economy, exports, employment and tourism in the country.

Objectives

• To bring activities relating to fisheries and aquaculture for focused attention and professional management.
• To coordinate activities pertaining to fisheries undertaken by different Ministries/Departments in the Central Government and also coordinate with the State/Union Territory Governments.
• To improve production, processing, storage, transport and marketing of the products of capture and culture fisheries.
• To achieve sustainable management and conservation of natural aquatic resources including the fish stocks.
• To Apply modern tools of research and development including biotechnology for optimizing production and productivity from fisheries.
• To provide modern infrastructure mechanisms for fisheries and ensure their effective management and optimum utilization.
• To generate substantial employment.
• To train and empower women in the fisheries sector.
• To enhance contribute of fish towards food and nutritional security.

National Apprenticeship Mela 2022

Why in News?
Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela to be conducted in 200 locations across India.

About Apprenticeship Mela

• Under the initiative, the aim is to support hiring of more than one lakh apprentices and assist employers in tapping the right talent and develop it further with training and providing practical skillsets.
• The event will witness participation from more than 4000 organisations across the country, operating in more than 30 sectors such as Power, Retail, Telecom, IT/ITeS, Electronics, Automotive and more.
• In addition, the aspiring youth will have the opportunity to engage and select from more than 500+ trades including Welder, Electrician, Housekeeper, Beautician, Mechanic etc.
• The National Policy of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, 2015 launched by the Prime Minister on July 15, 2015, recognises apprenticeship as a means to provide gainful employment to skilled workforce with adequate compensation.
• Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has also taken several efforts to increase the number of apprentices hired by enterprises in the country.
• The aim is to fill the gap in supply and demand for skilled workforce and meet the aspirations of the Indian youth through gaining on-the-job training and securing better opportunities for employment.
• Students who have cleared at least Class 5 to those who graduated Class 12, skill training certificate holders, ITI students, diploma holders and graduates are eligible to apply at the Apprenticeship Mela.