PIB Summary- 20th September, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan

Context

The Union cabinet recently extended the PM-AASHA price support scheme in agriculture till 2025-26.

PM-AASHA

• PM-AASHA is designed to ensure that farmers receive fair prices for their crops.
• Components: The program consists of three distinct parts, with states given the flexibility to implement any of them based on their preference.

Price Support Scheme (PSS)

• Implementation: Central Nodal Agencies are tasked with the physical procurement of pulses, oilseeds, and copra, actively supported by state governments.
• Additional Support: Organizations such as the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and Food Cooperation of India (FCI) are involved in carrying out operations across various regions.
• Funding: The Central Government is responsible for covering all procurement expenses and losses as per established norms.

Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS)

• Coverage: This scheme is applicable to all oilseeds listed under the MSP.
• Payment Process: Farmers who sell their produce at notified markets will receive direct payments representing the difference between the MSP and the market selling price, facilitated through transparent auction processes.
• Payment Method: Funds are directly transferred to farmers’ registered bank accounts, without any need for physical crop procurement.
• Government Support: The scheme receives backing from the central government according to specific guidelines.

Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Schemes (PPSS)

• Scope: Alongside PDPS, this scheme allows for a pilot implementation in selected districts or APMCs, focusing on oilseeds.
• Participation: Private entities are permitted to engage in the procurement process under this scheme.
• Operational Details: Each selected district or APMC may target one or more specified oilseed crops under the MSP for this pilot.

Operational Guidelines

• Restriction: Only one of the schemes, either PSS or PDPS, can be activated per state for any given commodity at a time.

Venus Orbiter Mission

Context

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM).

Venus Orbiter Mission

• The mission is designed to place a scientific spacecraft in orbit around Venus.
• Objectives:
  • Scientific Exploration: To deepen understanding of Venus’ surface, subsurface, atmospheric dynamics, and the Sun’s influence on its atmosphere.
  • Historical Analysis: Investigating the historical changes on Venus, which is believed to have been potentially habitable and similar to Earth, to enhance our understanding of planetary evolution.
  • Research Outcomes: The mission aims to address significant scientific inquiries, contributing to a broad spectrum of scientific results.
• Agency Involvement: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is tasked with the spacecraft’s development and launch.
• Timeline: Targeted for realization in March 2028, leveraging various industrial contributions for the spacecraft and launch vehicle.

Funding and Resources

• Budget: The mission has been allocated a total of Rs. 1236 Crore, with Rs. 824 Crore specifically earmarked for the spacecraft.
• Expenditure Breakdown: Includes the development of the spacecraft, its specialized payloads, global ground station support for navigation and networking, and the launch vehicle costs.

Significance

• Comparative Planetology: Venus is the nearest planet to Earth and is thought to have originated under similar conditions. This mission provides a critical opportunity to explore how planetary environments can develop distinctively.