eShram achieved over 30 crore registrations in the span of just 3 years

Key Highlights:

• In the short span of three years since its launch, eShram has registered more than 30 crore unorganised workers,showcasing its rapid and widespread adoption among the unorganised workers. 
  

Integration with Other Schemes:

• The portal is being integrated with major schemes such as:

1. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
2. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
3. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
4. Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi)
5. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
6. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G)
7. Ration Card scheme

• Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH): The eShram portal is also integrating with SIDH to streamline registration and service access for users on both platforms.
• Grassroots Engagement: The MoLE is focusing on including all unorganised workers, including health workers, construction workers, and rural workers.

eShram Portal

• eShram is a groundbreaking national database launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
• It is to empower India''s vast unorganized workforce exceeding 40 crore individuals.
• This central platform allows construction workers, street vendors, domestic workers, and others to register seamlessly using their Aadhaar cards.
• It grants them access to social security schemes, skill development programs, and financial inclusion opportunities. 

Features of the eShram Portal

• It aims to build a comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) in the country.
• It facilitates the online registration of workers in the unorganized sectors. Any worker can self-register through Common Service Centres (CSCs), State Seva Kendras, NRLM community cadres, etc.
• The registration is free of cost and simple. Workers need not go through any documents for registration. They just need to provide basic details such as name, occupation, mobile number, Aadhar, etc.
• Aadhar based authentication is used to ensure no duplication. After registration, an eShram card is issued having a unique Universal Account Number (UAN).
• The card serves the purpose of proof of registration. It helps workers avail different social security schemes of the government whenever needed.
• Convergence with other platforms, such as PM-SYM, PMJJBY, PMSBY, AAWAS, etc., is planned for extending the benefits of various welfare schemes to workers.
• The portal is helpful in the assessment of the demands of the unorganized workforce and planning for the development of schemes for their welfare.

Cabinet approves the Digital Agriculture Mission with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore, including the central share of Rs. 1940 Crore

Digital Agriculture Mission

• Historical Context: Originally planned for the financial year 2021-22 but delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.Announced in the Union Budgets of 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Objectives of the Mission:

1. Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Agriculture:

• Create a comprehensive digital framework for agriculture, which includes a database of farmer demographics, land holdings, and crop details.
• Enhance integration with existing digital infrastructure from Central and State Governments.

2. Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES):

• Implement scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments to provide accurate yield estimates.

3. IT Initiatives:

• Facilitate digital transformation in agriculture through various IT projects and collaborations.

Key Components:

1. AgriStack:

• Farmer ID: A unique digital identity for each farmer, akin to Aadhaar, to streamline access to services and benefits.
• Farmers'' Registry: Maintained by State Governments, capturing detailed farmer information.
• Geo-referenced Village Maps: Detailed maps indicating land use and geographical features.
• Crop Sown Registry: Record of crops sown by farmers, updated through mobile-based surveys.

          Pilots and Targets:

• Pilots for Farmer ID creation have been conducted in six districts across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.
• Target: Create digital identities for 11 crore farmers: 6 crore by FY 2024-25, 3 crore by FY 2025-26, and 2 crore by FY 2026-27.
• Digital Crop Survey: Initial pilots in 11 states; nationwide rollout planned with 400 districts covered in FY 2024-25 and all districts by FY 2025-26.

2. Krishi Decision Support System (DSS):

• Develop a geospatial system integrating remote sensing data related to crops, soil, weather, and water resources.
• Functionality: Supports crop map generation, drought/flood monitoring, and yield assessments.

3. Soil Profile Mapping:

• Scope: Detailed mapping of soil profiles at a 1:10,000 scale for approximately 142 million hectares.
• Current Status: Soil profile inventory completed for 29 million hectares.

Impact and Employment:

Employment Creation:

• The mission is expected to generate direct and indirect employment, notably for about 2.5 lakh trained local youth and Krishi Sakhis.

Efficiency and Transparency:

• Farmer Services: Simplified access to benefits and services such as government schemes, crop loans, and advisories.
• Government Efficiency: Enhanced efficiency in MSP-based procurement, crop insurance, and balanced fertilizer use through accurate data and streamlined processes.

Data Utilization:

• Crop Production Estimates: Accurate yield estimates through the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey and remote sensing data.
• Crop Diversification: Better decision-making on crop selection and irrigation needs based on detailed data.
• Advisory Services: Personalized and timely guidance on crop planning, pest management, and irrigation.

Cabinet Committee on Security approves proposal for buying 240 aero engines for Su 30 MKI aircraft of Indian Air Force

• The engines will have an indigenous content of over 54 percent, enhanced due to indigenisation of some key components or aero-engines.
• These engines will be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput division.

Su 30 MKI aircraft

• The Su-30MKI is a multi-role, twin-engine, air superiority fighter developed by the Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi. The ''MKI'' stands for "Multirole, Kamov (a Russian name), and Indian."

Design: 

• It was designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Corporation beginning in 1995 and built under licence by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The first squadronwas inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2002.

Features:

• Engines: The aircraft is powered by two AL-31FP engines, which provide thrust vectoring capability.
• Avionics: It is equipped with advanced avionics, including a Phazotron Zhuk-ME radar, which enhances its ability to detect and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
• Weapons: The Su-30MKI can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which is a unique feature for the Indian variant.
• Stealth and Maneuverability: Although not a stealth aircraft, its design allows for superior maneuverability, and its thrust vectoring capability enhances its combat effectiveness in dogfights.

Role and Capabilities:

• Air Superiority: The Su-30MKI is primarily designed for air superiority missions but also has multi-role capabilities, including ground attack and maritime strike.
• Range: It has a considerable operational range, allowing it to conduct long-range missions without the need for frequent refueling.

Cabinet approves seven major schemes for improving farmers’ lives and livelihoods with total outlay of Rs 14,235.30 Crore

Detailed overview of the seven schemes:

1. Digital Agriculture Mission (Rs 2,817 crore):

• Objective: Leverage technology to improve agricultural practices and farmer outcomes.

          Components:

• Agri Stack: Includes farmers'' registry, village land maps registry, and crop sown registry.
• Krishi Decision Support System: Utilizes geospatial data, drought/flood monitoring, weather/satellite data, groundwater availability, and crop yield/insurance modeling.
• Additional Provisions: Soil profile, digital crop estimation, yield modeling, crop loan connectivity, and integration of AI and Big Data. Provides farmers with new knowledge through mobile technology and connects them with buyers.

2. Crop Science for Food and Nutritional Security (Rs 3,979 crore):

• Objective: Enhance climate resilience and ensure food security by 2047.

Pillars:

1. Research and education
2. Plant genetic resource management
3. Genetic improvement for food and fodder crops
4. Pulse and oilseed crop improvement
5. Commercial crop enhancement
6. Research on insects, microbes, and pollinators

3. Strengthening Agricultural Education, Management, and Social Sciences (Rs 2,291 crore):

• Objective: Equip agriculture students and researchers with the skills to tackle contemporary challenges.

Components:

1. Modernizing research and education under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
2. Alignment with the New Education Policy 2020
3. Incorporation of digital technologies like AI, big data, and remote sensing
4. Focus on natural farming and climate resilience

4. Sustainable Livestock Health and Production (Rs 1,702 crore):

• Objective: Enhance income from livestock and dairy farming.

Components:

1. Animal health management and veterinary education
2. Dairy production and technology development
3. Animal genetic resource management and improvement
4. Nutrition and development for small ruminants

5. Sustainable Development of Horticulture (Rs 1,129.30 crore):

• Objective: Boost income from horticultural activities.

Components:

1. Development of tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate horticulture crops
2. Cultivation of root, tuber, bulbous, and arid crops
3. Enhancement of vegetable, floriculture, and mushroom crops
4. Improvement of plantation, spices, medicinal, and aromatic plants.

6. Strengthening of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Rs 1,202 crore):

• Objective: Support and improve agricultural extension services through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

7. Natural Resource Management (Rs 1,115 crore):

• Objective: Promote sustainable management of natural resources to support agricultural productivity and environmental health.

Cabinet approves one more semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat under India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• The capacity of this unit will be 60 Lakh chips per day.
• The chips produced in this unit will cater to a wide variety of applications which include segments such as industrial, automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, mobile phones, etc.

India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• The ISM was launched in 2021 with a total financial outlay of Rs76,000 crore under the aegis of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY).
• It is part of the comprehensive program for the development of sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystems in the country.
• The programme aims to provide financial support to companies investing in semiconductors, display manufacturing and design ecosystem.
• Envisioned to be led by global experts in the Semiconductor and Display industry, ISM will serve as the nodal agency for efficient, coherent and smooth implementation of the schemes.

Components:

• Scheme for setting up of Semiconductor Fabs in India: aimed at attracting large investments for setting up semiconductor wafer fabrication facilities in the country.
• Scheme for setting up of Display Fabs in India: aimed at attracting large investments for setting up TFT LCD / AMOLED based display fabrication facilities in the country.
• Scheme for setting up of Compound Semiconductors / Silicon Photonics / Sensors Fab and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging (ATMP) / OSAT facilities in India.
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.

Key Objectives of ISM:

• Develop long-term semiconductor and display manufacturing strategies.
• Build a secure and trusted semiconductor supply chain.
• Support Indian semiconductor design growth.
• Promote intellectual property creation, technology transfer, and economies of scale.
• Fund cutting-edge semiconductor research and collaborations.