PIB Summary- 24th December, 2022 | PIB (Press Information Bureau) Summary - UPSC PDF Download

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

Why in News?
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) implemented with effect from 2020-21 inter-alia provides insurance coverage to fishers which includes fish workers, fish farmers and any other categories of persons directly involved in fishing and fisheries related allied activities.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was launched in 2020 to bring about Blue Revolution through the sustainable development of the fisheries sector over a period of five years (2020-2025).
• It is an umbrella scheme to develop the fisheries sector with a total outlay of Rs. 20050 crores.

It has two components

• The Central Sector Scheme (CS) component with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and a Beneficiary oriented scheme (Central Assistance for General Category – 40%; SC/ST/Women – 60%).
• A Central Sponsored Scheme (CSS) component also with a non-beneficiary-oriented scheme and Beneficiary oriented scheme. The different break-ups of funding are: Central Assistance for Northeastern States – 90%, Other States – 60%; and UTs – 100%.

The areas expected to be covered by the PMMSY are:

• Fish production
• Fisheries productivity
• Quality of fisheries and aquaculture sectors
• Post-harvest infrastructure and management
• Modernization of value chain
• Welfare of the fishers and fish farmers
• Fisheries management framework

Insurance coverage
The insurance coverage provided under the PMMSY includes

• Rs.5,00,000/- against accidental death or permanent total disability,
• Rs.2,50,000/- for permanent partial disability
• Hospitalization expenses in the event of accident for a sum of Rs. 25,000/-.

The objectives of the PMMSY are

• Develop fisheries and aquaculture sectors.
• Harness the potential of fisheries sector in a sustainable, responsible, inclusive and equitable manner
• Efficient use of land and water resources to enhance fish production and productivity.
• Modernize value chain considering post-harvest management and quality improvement.
• Double fishers and fish farmers’ incomes
• Generate employment in the fisheries sector.
• Enhance fisheries sector’s contribution to overall agricultural Gross Value Added (GVA) and exports.
• Provide social, economic and physical security to fish farmers and fishermen.
• Develop a robust fisheries management and regulatory framework.

Vainu Bappu Observatory

Why in News?
The several stellar discoveries of the 40-inch telescope at the Vainu Bappu Observatory in Kavalur, Tamil Nadu, were highlighted at the celebration of its 50 years of its operation.

Vainu Bappu Observatory

• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is the owner and operator of the Vainu Bappu Observatory, a scientific observatory.
• It is located at Kavalur in the Javadi Hills, near Vaniyambadi in Tirupathur district in Tamil Nadu.
• Installed in 1972, the 40-inch telescope rapidly began to yield significant astronomical discoveries.
• This telescope also served as a training ground for more than a generation of astronomers.

Major discoveries

• Presence of rings around the planet Uranus,
• New satellite of Uranus,
• Presence of an atmosphere around Ganymede which is a satellite of Jupiter
• Discovery and study of many ‘Be stars’, Lithium depletion in giant stars, optical variability in Blazars, the dynamics of the famous supernova SN 1987A and so on.

iDEX Initiative

Why in News?
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), the flagship initiative of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, has reached a milestone with the signing of its 150th contract.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) is an initiative taken by the government, launched in 2018, to contribute towards modernization of the Defence Industry.
• iDEX aims to promote innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Industries (which includes MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia).
• iDEX will provide the engaging industries with funding and other support to carry out Research & Development.
• iDEX will be funded and managed by Defence Innovation Organization (DIO), and will function as the executive arm of DIO.
• iDEX has partnered with leading incubators in the country to provide hand holding, technical support and guidance to the winners of iDEX challenges.

• To frame ‘corporate Venture Capital’ models for Indian Defence needs thereby identifying emerging technologies, connecting innovators with military units, facilitating co-creation of new and appropriate technologies and so forth into weapon systems used by Indian Armed Services. 
• To deliver military-grade products thereby solving the critical needs of the Indian defence set-up by developing or applying advanced technologies.
• To devise a culture of innovation in the Indian Defence and Aerospace by engaging startups and innovators for co-creation and co-innovation.