UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 4th January 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

• Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep (smallest Union Territory of India) and its most developed island.
• It lies 360 km of the coast of the State of Kerala.
• It is located in the centre of the Lakshadweep archipelago. It is located between Agatti Island on the west and Andrott Island on the east.
• It has an area of 4.22 sq km. The maximum length of the island is 5.8 km, and width is 1.6 km. 
• The island is 2 to 5 m above the mean sea level on the western side and 2 to 3 m on the eastern side.
• There is a shallow lagoon on the western side of the island, and coconut palms grow on the northern side. 
• The island is home to 12 atolls, five submerged banks, and three coral reefs. 
• Strangely, Kavaratti has a small inland lake at its northern end.
• Kavaratti town is noted for the carved wooden pillars and roofs of its mosques and the carved stones of its graveyards. 
• It has the maximum percentage of non–islanders as residents.
• Languages Spoken: Malayalam and Mahl
• Karavatti has been selected as one of the hundred Indian cities to be developed as a smart city under the flagship Smart Cities Mission.

• It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country. 
• It is 100% centrally funded scheme.
• Under the scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides financial assistance to State governments, Union Territory Administrations or Central Agencies for development of tourism infrastructure in the country.
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) of the projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan Scheme is the responsibility of the respective State Government/UT Administration.
• Swadesh Darshan 2.0:
  • The Ministry of Tourism has revamped its Swadesh Darshan scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) for development of sustainable and responsible tourist destinations covering tourism and allied infrastructure, tourism services, human capital development, destination management and promotion backed by policy and institutional reforms. 
  • The objective for the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme envisage increase in private sector investment in tourism & hospitality.
  • It may help in increasing Public Private Partnerships (PPP) in the field of tourism and operation and maintenance of the created assets under the scheme.

• Location: It is situated in the Bargarh district of Odisha near the Hirakud dam (Mahanadi River).
• It finds a special mention because of noted freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai. During his rebellion against the British, his base at ‘Barapathara” was located within the sanctuary.
• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1985.
• Vegetation: Dry deciduous mixed forests.
• Flora: Major trees found here are Sal, Asana, Bija, Aanla, Dhaura etc.
• Fauna: A huge variety of wild animals reside in the dense forest of the sanctuary, such as Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hyena, Spotted Deer, Antelopes, Sambar, Gaur, Nilgai, Bison, Langur Monkeys etc.

Source: Times of India

SMART 2.0 program

Subject: Government Schemes

• Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching professionals (SMART) program promotes robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country through mutual collaboration.
• The objective of ‘SMART 2.0’ is to generate a tangible evidence to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods and translating it into public health care.
• The study aims at safety, tolerability and adherence to Ayurveda formulations in the priority research areas of Bal Kasa, malnutrition, insufficient lactation, Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Osteoporosis in post-menopausal women and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) II.

• It is an autonomous body of the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy), Government of India.
• It is an apex body in India for the formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine.

• It is the statutory body constituted under NCISM Act, 2020.
• An Act to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine in all parts of the country.
• Composition: It consists of 29 members, appointed by the central government. A Search Committee will recommend names to the central government for the post of Chairperson, part time members, and presidents of the four autonomous boards set up under the NCISM. 

• Framing policies for regulating medical institutions and medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine
• Assessing the requirements of healthcare related human resources and infrastructure.
• Ensuring compliance by the State Medical Councils of Indian System of Medicine of the regulations made under the Bill
• Ensuring coordination among the autonomous boards.

Source: PIB

Project ‘Devika’: North India’s First River Rejuvenation nears completion

Subject: Government Schemes

Why in News?

North India’s first river rejuvenation project, ‘Devika’, is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister.

About Project ‘Devika’

• Initiation: Launched in February 2019 by the PM, the project is modelled after the ‘Namami Ganga’ initiative.
• Demand: The project, long demanded for renovation and rejuvenation, gained momentum after 2014, marking a significant development in river rejuvenation efforts in North India.
• Project Execution: The Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) of J&K is responsible for the LWM project’s construction.
• Cultural Importance: The Devika River, revered as the sister of the sacred Ganges, holds great religious significance, particularly in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.

• Liquid Waste Management (LWM): A separate LWM project is being implemented to maintain the river’s sanctity, involving a network of pipes and manholes connecting households.
• Solid Waste Management (SWM): Alongside LWM, an SWM project is integral to preserving the river’s sanctity.
• Infrastructure Development: The project includes three sewage treatment plants, a 129.27 km sewerage network, the development of cremation ghats, protection fencing, landscaping, and the establishment of small hydropower and solar power plants.

Source: The Hindu

Why is Upskilling necessary for the Rural Youth?

Subject: Governance

Why in News?

Despite the UN’s projection that nearly 50% of India’s population will reside in urban areas by 2047, many rural youths express a preference to stay in their villages.

A group discussion revealed that rural youth aspire to remain in their villages, highlighting the need to focus on those who choose not to migrate to urban areas.

• Primary Livelihood: Farming is the predominant source of income in rural areas, often supplemented by children working on family farms.
• Agrarian Crisis Indicators: A significant shift from agriculture to non-farming jobs is occurring, with National Sample Survey Office data showing 34 million farmers moving to other sectors between 2004-05 and 2011-12.

• Vocational Training: Providing vocational training in rural areas is key to controlling migration. This training should focus on skills relevant to rural life, allowing youth to secure livelihoods within their communities.
• Educational Aspirations: Most rural students’ aspirations are limited to opportunities within their village vicinity. Upskilling initiatives like Delhi’s ‘Skills On Wheel’ should be made accessible in rural areas.

• Industrial Training Institutes: While these institutes aim to upskill rural populations, they often lack placement opportunities.
• Lack of Skill Development Focus: Rural education currently does not emphasize skill development, which is crucial for the majority of youth who depend on schools for life skills.
• LSC Voices 2023 Survey Findings: The survey revealed that two-thirds of youth aged 19-22 had never taken any vocational training, with only 5% enrolled in such courses.

• Tailored Education: Rural education should integrate technical and life skills, making them accessible through formal education.
• International Examples: Mexico’s tele-schools and Bhutan’s well-being-infused curriculum offer valuable models. Tele-schools provide value-based education, improving attitudes and aspirations, which can benefit the local economy.
• Indian Initiatives: Organizations like NIIT Foundation and Pratham Institute are providing upskilling opportunities in rural areas. Hybrid life skilling programs are offered, focusing on industry-specific skills and life skills.

• Empowering Rural Youth: By offering skills in areas like agricultural mechanisation, pollution monitoring, nursing, and digital technologies, rural India can enhance employability in both traditional and non-traditional trades.
• Creating a Dynamic Economy: Effective vocational training and education reforms can lead to a vibrant rural economy, where the aspirations of staying in villages are supported by sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Source: DTE

Indian Science Congress Postponement: Significance and Implications

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The Indian Science Congress, a significant annual event for scientists and science students in India, has been postponed from its usual start date of January 3.

About Indian Science Congress

• Consistent Occurrence: Held every year since 1914, except for 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 108th edition took place in Nagpur from January 3-7, 2023.
• Prime Minister’s Involvement: Traditionally inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the congress is a key event in the PM’s calendar and is often their first public engagement of the New Year.

• Funding Dispute: The postponement is a result of a disagreement between the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) over alleged “financial irregularities” and funding withdrawal.
• Venue Change and Withdrawal: The ISCA’s decision to move the event from Lucknow University to Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, which later withdrew its offer to host, contributed to the crisis.

• Loss of Prestige: In recent years, the Congress has been criticized for promoting pseudoscience and failing to reflect advancements in science, leading to a decline in participation from top scientists and institutions.
• Calls for Discontinuation: Some scientists have suggested discontinuing the event or withdrawing government support due to its diminishing scientific credibility.

• Limited Influence: While the government funds the ISCA and the Congress, it has no direct role in the event’s organization, leading to challenges in addressing controversies.
• Scaling Down Involvement: The government has reduced its involvement, such as no longer presenting awards at the inaugural session and limiting stage sharing with the PM.

• Potential for Resumption: ISCA general secretary Ranjit Kumar Verma expressed hope for organizing the congress before March 31, with possible attendance by the Prime Minister.
• Continued Government Support: A government official indicated that financial support for future events might resume, despite disagreements over this year’s funding.

• Alternative Scientific Forums: Scientists suggest creating alternative forums to discuss the latest scientific developments and foster scientific temper, similar to events in other countries.
• Enhancing Indian Science: Such forums could increase the competitiveness of Indian science and encourage collaborative research with leading global institutions.

• Assessing the Impact: The postponement of the Indian Science Congress reflects broader issues in India’s scientific community and the need for reform.
• Opportunity for Revitalization: This situation presents an opportunity to revitalize scientific discourse in India, potentially leading to more impactful and globally recognized scientific forums.

[Intext Question]