Test: Current Affairs Polity December 2020 - UPSC MCQ

Nikshay is used by health functionaries at various levels across the country both in the public and private sector, to register cases under their care, order various types of tests from Labs across the country, record treatment details, monitor treatment adherence and to transfer cases between care providers. It also functions as the National TB Surveillance System and enables reporting various surveillance data to India's Government.

The programme seeks to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. Launched in 2018 with specific targets to be achieved by 2022.

It aims to reduce:

Stunting and wasting by 2% a year (total 6% until 2022) among children.

Anaemia by 3% a year (total 9%) among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The mission's target is to bring down stunting among children in the age group 0-6 years from 38.4% to 25% by 2022.

NITI Aayog has played a critical role in shaping the POSHAN Abhiyaan. NITI Aayog has been entrusted with the task of closely monitoring the POSHAN Abhiyaan and undertaking periodic evaluations.

The Central Government notified on 17 September 2015 the rates of contribution payable by miners to the DMFs. In case of all mining leases executed before 12th January, 2015 (the date on which Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act (MMDR Amendment Act) came into force) miners will have to contribute an amount equal to 30% of the royalty payable by them to the DMFs. Where mining leases are granted after 12.01.2015, the rate of contribution would be 10% of the royalty payable. (Subsequent to the enactment of MMDR Amendment Act, mining leases are given out after auctions; hence, a lower levy).

DMF funds are treated as extra-budgetary resources for the States.

Pradhan Mantri KhanijKshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) is meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining-related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).

NDRF amount can be spent only towards meeting the expenses for emergency response, relief and rehabilitation. For projects exclusively for the purpose of mitigation, i.e, measures aimed at reducing the risk, impact or effect of a disaster or threatening disaster situation a separate fund called National Disaster Mitigation Fund has to be constituted.

The NDRF is financed through the levy of a cess on certain items, chargeable to excise and customs duty, and approved annually through the Finance Bill. The requirement for funds beyond what is available under the NDRF is met through general budgetary resources.

Currently, a National Calamity Contingency Duty (NCCD) is levied to finance the NDRF and additional budgetary support is provided as and when necessary. A provision also exists in the DM Act to encourage any person or institution to make a contribution to the NDRF.

NDRF is located in the "Public Accounts" of Government of India under "Reserve Funds not bearing interest".

Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) monitors relief activities for calamities associated with drought, hailstorms, pest attacks and cold wave /frost while rest of the natural calamities are monitored by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

a sovereign wealth fund set up by India's Government in February 2015. The objective behind creating this fund was to maximise economic impact mainly through infrastructure investment in commercially viable projects, both Greenfield and Brownfield.

NIIF currently manages three funds, each with its distinctive investment mandate. The funds are registered as Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

The three funds are:

Master Fund: Is an infrastructure fund to primarily invest in operating assets in the core infrastructure sectors such as roads, ports, airports, power etc.

Fund of Funds: Managed by fund managers who have good track records in India's infrastructure and associated sectors. Some of the focus sectors include Green Infrastructure, Mid-Income & Affordable Housing, Infrastructure services and allied sectors.

Strategic Investment Fund: Is registered as an Alternative Investment Fund II under SEBI in India. The objective is to invest largely in equity and equity-linked instruments. It will focus on greenfield and brownfield investments in the core infrastructure sectors.

Maharashtra to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh and the 1,856 kms long Eastern DFC is from Sahnewal near Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in the state of West Bengal.

The procurement system decentralisation was started in 1997, where states play a very important role in the supply chain. Not all procurements are done by FCI. State cooperative agencies and other state-level distribution agencies also play a crucial role.

• Facilitating a contract farming model.

• Special market for perishables

• Allowing farmers and private persons to set up their own market.

• Relaxation of licensing norms.

• Single market fee

• APMC revenue to be used for improving market infrastructure.

However, not all states have passed the bill. Some states have passed, but neither framed rules nor notified it. Thus, inter-state barriers continue.

CACP recommends MSP for 4 commercial crops (copra, sugarcane, cotton and raw jute).

The Major Promotional Functions of BEE include:

Create awareness and disseminate information on energy efficiency and conservation

Arrange and organise training of personnel and specialists in the techniques for efficient use of energy and its conservation

Strengthen consultancy services in the field of energy conservation Promote research and development

Develop testing and certification procedures and promote testing facilities

Formulate and facilitate implementation of pilot projects and demonstration projects

Promote use of energy-efficient processes, equipment, devices and systems

Take steps to encourage preferential treatment for use of energy-efficient equipment or appliances

Promote innovative financing of energy efficiency projects

Give financial assistance to institutions for promoting efficient use of energy and its conservation

Prepare educational curriculum on efficient use of energy and its conservation

Implement international co-operation programmes relating to efficient use of energy and its conservation

In a step further towards its vision of building an energy-efficient India, the government-backed Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has extended its list of items covered under the 'Star Labeling Programme' by adding Deep Freezers and Light Commercial Air Conditioners (LCAC).

Standards &Labeling Program: The scheme was launched by the Minister of Power in May 2006 and is currently invoked for equipments/appliances Room Air Conditioner (Fixed Speed), Ceiling Fan, Colour Television, Computer, Direct Cool Refrigerator, Distribution Transformer, Domestic Gas Stove, Frost Free Refrigerator, General Purpose Industrial Motor, Monoset Pump, Openwell Submersible Pump Set, Stationary Type Water Heater, Submersible Pump Set, Tfl, Washing Machine (Semi/Top Load/Front Load), Ballast, Solid State Inverter, Office Automation Products, Diesel Engine Driven Monosetpumps For Agricultural Purposes, Diesel Generator Set, Led Lamps, Room Air Conditioner (Variable Speed), Chillers, Agricultural Pumpset, Microwave Oven, Deep Freezers, Light Commercial Ac Fixed Speed, Light Commercial Ac Variable Speed.