Latest News
Mar 11, 2022
INDONESIA’S MERAPI VOLCANO UNLEASHES LAVA, HUNDREDS EVACUATE
Recently, Indonesia’s Merapi volcano unleashes lava, hundreds evacuate.
Indonesia's Mount Merapi
What Does the Ban Entail?
Renewable natural gas
National Land Monetization Corporation
About Captive Employment
MSME Innovative Scheme
Establishment of Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
Indonesia's Mount Merapi
- Mount Merapi, Gunung Merapi, is an active stratovolcano located on the border between the province of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
- It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. It is located approximately 28 kilometers (17 mi) north of Yogyakarta city which has a population of 2.4 million, and thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1,700 meters (5,577 ft) above sea level.
- Merapi is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in southern Java. It is situated at a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian Plate is subducting under the Sunda Plate.
- It is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the volcano is located in the South-eastern part of the Pacific Ring of Fire—a section of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia.
- Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about 400,000 years ago, and from then until about 10,000 years ago, eruptions were typically effusive, and the out flowing lava emitted was basaltic.
- Since then, eruptions have become more explosive, with viscous andesitic lavas often generating lava domes. Dome collapse has often generated pyroclastic flows, and larger explosions, which have resulted in eruption columns, have also generated pyroclastic flows through column collapse.
- A volcano on Earth is a vent or fissure in the planet's crust through which lava, ash, rock and gases erupt. A volcano is also a mountain formed by the accumulation of these eruptive products.
- Volcanoes can and have existed on other worlds as well: although volcanoes on the moon and Mars have long been dormant, volcanoes are still very active on Jupiter's moon Io and have been identified on Mercury, Venus and another of Jupiter's moons, Europa, according to Arizona State University.
- Researchers are currently striving to find ways to predict when volcanic eruptions might happen on Earth by analyzing clues such as crystals and gases linked with volcanoes.
- Earth's crust is 3 to 37 miles (5 to 60 kilometers) thick, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. It is broken up into seven major and 152 smaller minor and micro pieces called tectonic plates. The largest of these is the Pacific Plate at 39,768,522 square miles.
- These plates float on a layer of magma — semi-liquid rock and dissolved gases. At the boundaries of these plates — where they move past, are pushed under, or move away from each other — magma, which is lighter than the surrounding solid rock, is often able to force its way up through cracks and fissures. Magma can explode from the vent, or it can flow out of the volcano like an overflowing cup. Magma that has erupted is called lava.
- Cinder cone volcanoes (also called scoria cones) are the most common type of volcano, and are the symmetrical cone-shaped volcanoes we typically think of. They may occur as single volcanoes or as secondary volcanoes known as "parasitic cones" on the sides of stratovolcanoes or shield volcanoes. Airborne fragments of lava, called tephra, are ejected from a single vent.
- The lava cools rapidly and fall as cinders that build up around the vent, forming a crater at the summit. Cinder cone volcanoes are fairly small, generally only about 300 feet (91 meters) tall and not rising more than 1,200 feet (366 m). They can build up over short periods of a few months or years.
- Stratovolcanoes are also called composite volcanoes because they are built of layers of alternating lava flow, ash and blocks of unmelted stone. They are larger than cinder cones, rising up to 8,000 feet (2,438 m).
- Strato Volcanoes comprise the largest percentage (~60%) of the Earth's individual volcanoes and most are characterized by eruptions of andesite and dacite - lavas that are cooler and more viscous than basalt.
- These more viscous lavas allow gas pressures to build up to high levels; therefore, these volcanoes often suffer explosive eruptions.
- Stratovolcanoes can erupt with great violence. Pressure builds in the magma chamber as gases, under immense heat and pressure, are dissolved in the liquid rock.
- When the magma reaches the conduits, the pressure is released and the gases explode. Because they form in a system of underground conduits, stratovolcanoes may blow out the sides of the cone as well as the summit crater.
- Stratovolcanoes are considered the most violent. Mount St. Helens, in Washington state, is a stratovolcano that erupted on May 18, 1980.Approximately 230 square miles (596 square km) of forest was completely obliterated and 57 people were killed.
- Over the course of the day, winds blew 520 million tons of ash eastward across the United States and caused complete darkness in Spokane, Washington, 250 miles (402 km) from the volcano.
- Shield volcanoes are huge, gently sloping volcanoes built of very thin lava spreading out in all directions from a central vent. They have wide based several miles in diameter with steeper middle slopes and a flatter summit.
- The gentle convex slopes give them an outline like a medieval knight’s shield. Eruptions of these volcanoes are not generally explosive, but are more like liquid overflowing around the edges of a container.
- The world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa in Hawaii, is a shield volcano. Mauna Loa is about 55,770 feet (17,000 m) from its base beneath the ocean to the summit, which is 13,681 feet (4,170 m) above sea level.
- It is also one of the Earth's most active volcanoes and is carefully monitored with regular updates posted by the National Park Service. The most recent eruption was in 1984.
- Lava domes are built up when the lava is too viscous to flow. A bubble or plug of cooling rock forms over a fissure. This cooler, thick lava usually rises near the end of an explosive eruption and lava domes often form within the craters of stratovolcanoes. Mount St. Helens has several well-defined lava domes inside the crater, according to NASA.
- The Ring of Fire, also referred to as the Circum-Pacific Belt, is a path along the Pacific Ocean characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes. Its length is approximately 40,000 kilo meters (24,900 miles).
- It traces boundaries between several tectonic plates—including the Pacific, Juan de Fuca, Cocos, Indian-Australian, Nazca, North American, and Philippine Plates.
- Seventy-five percent of Earth’s volcanoes—more than 450 volcanoes—are located along the Ring of Fire. Ninety percent of Earth’s earthquakes occur along its path, including the planet’s most violent and dramatic seismic events.
- The abundance of volcanoes and earthquakes along the Ring of Fire is caused by the amount of movement of tectonic plates in the area.
- Along much of the Ring of Fire, plates overlap at convergent boundaries called subduction zones. That is, the plate that is underneath is pushed down, or subducted, by the plate above. As rock is subducted, it melts and becomes magma.
- The abundance of magma so near to Earth’s surface gives rise to conditions ripe for volcanic activity. A significant exception is the border between the Pacific and North American Plates.
- This stretch of the Ring of Fire is a transform boundary, where plates move sideways past one another. This type of boundary generates a large number of earthquakes as tension in Earth’s crust builds up and is released.
What Does the Ban Entail?
- The ban blocks any new purchases of Russian crude oil, certain petroleum products, liquefied natural gas, and coal, and winds down the deliveries of existing purchases that have already been contracted for. New investments from the US in Russia’s energy sector are also prohibited under the ban.
- The ban does not, however, impact the ability of other countries to import Russian crude oil or natural gas. During his announcement of the import ban, US President clarified that while the import ban was decided in consultation with European allies, the US did not expect them or ask them to join in the import ban.
- The US is the world’s largest producer and a net exporter of crude oil. In 2021, Russian crude oil accounted for about 10 per cent of US oil imports but about 30 per cent of the oil imports of Europe.
- European countries are particularly reliant on Russia for natural gas imports. In 2021, the European Union imported 155 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia, accounting for about 45% of EU gas imports and nearly 40% of the EU’s total gas consumption.
- Experts noted that as long as Russian crude oil supplies continue, there would not be a major impact on crude oil prices which are already near 14-year highs. Brent crude was trading at $130.8 per barrel, up 34 per cent since Putin announced military operations in Ukraine.
- Oil is a very sensitive and finely balanced global commodity. Any supply side disruption has a disproportionate impact on prices. As long as Russian crude supplies are continuing, this is more of a symbolic step coming from the US.
- Economic sanctions imposed by the US and Europe have already had some impact on exports of Russian crude oil. Analysts have noted that cargoes of Russian crude oil are struggling to find buyers with many concerned about the reputational damage from buying Russian crude which is now being offered at steep discounts due to sanctions.
- No significant impact is likely, at least directly and in the short term. In 2021, America got only about 8% of its oil and petroleum products imports from Russia. That worked out to about 245 million barrels for the year, or around 672,000 barrels a day.
- This is a fairly modest amount, and Moscow can conceivably make up the loss of American business by selling to China or even India. Because of the smaller pool of potential customers though, it might have to offer significant discounts.
- In fact, even before the announcement of sanctions, some American refiners had started to cut off Russian supplies. An Associated Press (AP) report said imports of Russian crude had dropped to zero, quoting preliminary data from the US Department of Energy.
- Russia does not sell any natural gas to the US. Overall, the impact of the ban on Russia would be “minimal”.
- The immediate impact will be seen in the higher price of auto fuels for Americans. The national average price for a gallon (about 3.8 litres) of regular gasoline (petrol), was $4.173, up from $4.06 on, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA) which tracks prices daily.
- The price was itself 45 cents more than the price a week ago, 62 cents more than a month ago, and $1.30 more than a year ago. The US national average has not been this high since July 2008, the AAA said.
- Not only have Russian oil, LNG, and coal imports been stopped, all new American investments in Russia’s energy sector are also banned. Nor can Americans put money in any foreign companies that make investments in Russian energy production.
- The ban, and higher pump prices, are widely expected to increase overall inflation in the US. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, inflation in January was at a 40-year high, and prices were up 7.5 per cent from a year ago.
- The sharp uptick in crude oil prices comes as Indian consumers have been enjoying a four-month reprieve from rising fuel prices with oil marketing companies (OMCs) having kept the price of petrol and diesel constant since early November.
- With elections in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Manipur, and Goa, consumers are expected to see a consistent increase in fuel prices starting as OMCs look to bring prices in line with international benchmarks and recoup losses.
- The price of petrol and diesel have to be hiked by about 52 paise for every dollar increase in the price of crude oil for OMC marketing margins to remain constant. The price of crude oil has risen by about $50 per barrel since the price of petrol and diesel was last revised in November.
- Petrol is currently retailing at Rs 95.41 per litre in the national capital while diesel is retailing at Rs 86.67 per litre.
- Some Republicans have been urging that the US should increase the domestic production of oil. That, however, is a long-term idea, and will not address the immediate problem.
- In the short term, countries such as Iran and Venezuela, long condemned by the US and other Western governments as “rogue” regimes, are likely to be “welcomed back” into the oil market.
- A team of American officials travelled to Caracas over last weekend to discuss energy and “other issues”, the White House said. Venezuela, one of the world’s leading producers of oil, and a classic petro-state, is Russia’s closest ally in South America.
- Following the talks, Venezuela released two jailed US citizens, including an oil executive who was arrested in 2017 on allegations of corruption. Analysts were reading this as a peace signal by President, who had earlier indicated that he was amenable to accepting US demands that he re-open talks with political opponents of his regime, which the US considers illegitimate.
- The US has also been in negotiations with Tehran to revive the 2015 nuclear deal that President Donald Trump’s administration had abandoned, in return for easing Western sanctions. A Reuters report quoted the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson as saying that a deal can be reached in “the shortest time” if the US accepts some conditions put by Tehran.
Renewable natural gas
- Renewable natural gas, or biogas, per the U.S. Department of Energy, refers to fuel that is acquired through burning organic matter, such as plants, manure, and food waste, and processed to meet purity standards.
- It can be used as transportation fuel when compressed or liquified, and cleaned up to be used for electricity and heating. RNG is listed as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard, so many are hoping to turn to it as not only a renewable energy source, but as a way to clean up landfills.
- Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a pipeline-quality gas that is fully interchangeable with conventional natural gas and thus can be used in natural gas vehicles. RNG is essentially biogas (the gaseous product of the decomposition of organic matter) that has been processed to purity standards.
- Like conventional natural gas, RNG can be used as a transportation fuel in the form of compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquefied natural gas (LNG). RNG qualifies as an advanced biofuel under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
- Biogas typically consists of methane and carbon dioxide, with traces of other elements. Biogas is cleaned and conditioned to remove or reduce non-methane elements in order to produce RNG.
- The RNG is processed so it’s interchangeable with traditional pipeline-quality natural gas to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the pipeline network and customer equipment.
- This RNG is extremely versatile, and can be delivered by the nation’s extensive pipeline infrastructure.
- Fuel diversity benefits
- Use of RNG increases and diversifies domestic energy production. RNG can be used as a baseload fuel source with high availability rates.
- It leverages existing infrastructure such as pipelines and heavy-duty vehicles. Biogas feedstocks for RNG are generated continuously from a variety of sources.
- Economic benefits
- The development of RNG projects can benefit the local economy through the construction of RNG processing and fueling station infrastructure and sale of natural gas-powered vehicles.
- National, state and local incentives may be available depending on the end use, such as credits for production of RNG used for vehicle fuel. These financial incentives can provide additional economic drivers for project development.
- Local air quality benefits
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- Replacing traditional diesel or gasoline with RNG can significantly reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, resulting in local air quality benefits.
- RNG is comprised primarily of methane; compared to fossil natural gas, RNG contains zero to very low levels of constituents, such as ethane, propane, butane, pentane or other trace hydrocarbons.
- Greenhouse gas emission reductions
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- RNG projects capture and recover methane produced at a landfill or anaerobic digestion (AD) facility. Methane has a global warming potential more than 25 times greater than CO2 and a relatively short (12-year) atmospheric life, so reducing these emissions can achieve near-term beneficial impacts in mitigating global climate change.
- For facilities that are not already required to mitigate such emissions, an RNG project can reduce methane emissions significantly.
- According to Vox, some hope it's a valid option to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. But the reason why gas companies are promoting RNG is because many plan to mix it with regular natural gas in pipelines, for a "sustainable mix" — even though it's really to keep gas as a viable energy source. That said, it doesn't fully eliminate greenhouse gas emissions when it's being used, unlike other energy alternatives.
- Additionally, much of the "organic matter" will be taken from agricultural communities that pollute the air and water with methane that comes from raising livestock, agricultural runoff, and more. Unfortunately, many of these farms are based in vulnerable communities.
- RNG sounds great in theory, but it's just another way for gas companies to keep thriving amidst an environmental revolution — it's definitely best to stick to our guns, and advocate for clean energy.
- Natural gas is a fossil energy source that formed deep beneath the earth's surface. Natural gas contains many different compounds.
- The largest component of natural gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
- Natural gas also contains smaller amounts of natural gas liquids (NGLs, which are also hydrocarbon gas liquids), and nonhydrocarbon gases, such as carbon dioxide and water vapor. We use natural gas as a fuel and to make materials and chemicals.
- Millions to hundreds of millions of years ago and over long periods of time, the remains of plants and animals (such as diatoms) built up in thick layers on the earth’s surface and ocean floors, sometimes mixed with sand, silt, and calcium carbonate.
- Over time, these layers were buried under sand, silt, and rock. Pressure and heat changed some of this carbon and hydrogen-rich material into coal, some into oil (petroleum), and some into natural gas.
- In some places, natural gas moved into large cracks and spaces between layers of overlying rock. The natural gas found in these types of formations is sometimes called conventional natural gas.
- In other places, natural gas occurs in the tiny pores (spaces) within some formations of shale, sandstone, and other types of sedimentary rock. This natural gas is referred to as shale gas or tight gas, and it is sometimes called unconventional natural gas.
- Natural gas also occurs with deposits of crude oil, and this natural gas is called associated natural gas. Natural gas deposits are found on land, and some are offshore and deep under the ocean floor. A type of natural gas found in coal deposits is called coalbed methane.
National Land Monetization Corporation
- National Land Monetization Corporation (NLMC) is a wholly owned Government of India company with an initial authorized share capital of Rs 5000 crore and paid-up share capital of Rs 150 crore.
- The Department of Public Enterprise, Ministry of Finance, will set up the company and act as its administrative ministry.
- The corporation will also develop concession agreements for land development and sale, legal management of litigation/encumbrances, development planning, design and bid process management.
- It aims to monetise under utilised or unused government non-core assets under a programme announced by the finance minister.
- NLMC will undertake monetization of surplus land and building assets of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other Government agencies. The proposal is in pursuance of the Budget Announcement for 2021-22.
- At present, CPSEs hold considerable surplus, unused and under used non-core assets in the nature of land and buildings. For CPSEs undergoing strategic disinvestment or closure, monetization of these surplus land and non-core assets is important to unlock their value.
- NLMC will support and undertake monetization of these assets. NLMC is also expected to own, hold, manage and monetize surplus land and building assets of CPSEs under closure and the surplus non-core land assets of Government owned CPSEs under strategic disinvestment. These assets may be transferred to NLMC to hold, manage and monetize these assets.
- NLMC will also advise and support other Government entities (including CPSEs) in identifying their surplus non-core assets and monetizing them in a professional and efficient manner to generate maximum value realization.
- In these cases (e.g., on-going CPSEs and listed CPSEs under strategic disinvestment), NLMC will undertake surplus land asset monetization as an agency function. It is expected that NLMC will act as a repository of best practices in land monetization, assist and provide technical advice to Government in implementation of asset monetization programme.
- NLMC will have necessary technical expertise to professionally manage and monetize land assets on behalf of CPSEs and other Government agencies.
- The Board of Directors of NLMC will comprise senior Central Government officers and eminent experts to enable professional operations and management of the company. The Chairman, non-Government Directors of the NLMC will be appointed through a merit-based selection process.
- Recognizing the wide range of specialized skills and expertise required for asset monetization in real estate market research, legal due diligence, valuation, master planning, investment banking, land management etc.
- It has been decided to hire professionals from the private sector, similar to other specialized Government companies like National investment and infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Invest India.
- NLMC will be a lean organization with minimal full-time staff, hired directly from the market on contract basis. Flexibility will be provided to the Board of NLMC to hire, pay and retain experienced professionals from the private sector.
- This will also enable productive utilization of these under-utilized assets to trigger private sector investments, new economic activities, boost local economy and generate financial resources for economic and social infrastructure.
- It will help in boosting infrastructure.
- This would help in monetising state-owned surplus land assets in a systematic way.
- The SPV is likely to operate on the fee-based model and may become a permanent entity to monetise land on regular basis.
- With monetization of non-core assets, Government would be able to generate substantial revenues by monetizing unused and under-used assets.
- It will speed up the closure process of CPSEs and smoothen the strategic disinvestment process of Government owned CPSEs.
- Non-core assets are assets that are either not essential or simply no longer used in a company's business operations. Non-core assets are often sold when a company needs to raise cash. Some businesses sell their non-core assets in order to pay down debt. Although non-core assets are not critical to a company's core operations, they do have value and can generate a return on investment.
- A non-core business asset can be any kind of non-essential asset with respect to generating revenue and the core business operations of the company. A non-core asset could be a factory or property that is no longer being used. Non-core assets might also be an entire subsidiary or a holding in another company. Typically, non-core assets can include the following:
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- Real estate
- Commodities
- Idle equipment
- Natural resources
- Investment securities
- Land that's not being used
- Non-core assets can also be referred to as non-operating assets because they may generate income or provide a return on their investment but are not essential to the ongoing operation of the company. Apple Inc. might own marketable securities, for example, that generate investment income. However, the securities are not essential to generating revenue for the company's core operation of selling iPhones.
- Whether an asset is considered, non-core is entirely relative to the company. An asset that is non-core for one company might be a core asset for another. An oil company might sell off some real estate that's considered a non-core asset. The real estate company that purchases it with the goal of developing it into an office park would consider the property a core asset.
- Core assets include the assets that are critical to a company and its business operations. In other words, core business assets are needed for the company to generate revenue and remain profitable. Core assets can include equipment, machinery, factories, and distribution channels, such as vehicles. Core assets can also include a trademark or a patent.
- Conversely, non-core assets are the assets that are not critical to the production of a company's goods, nor are they critical to generating revenue. Although non-core assets have value and can be important to a company, they're typically not viewed as core or central to the overall profitability of a company.
- National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) is India’s first infrastructure specific investment fund or a sovereign wealth fund that was set up by the Government of India in February 2015.
- The objective behind creating this fund was to maximize economic impact mainly through infrastructure investment in commercially viable projects, both greenfield and brownfield.
- In Union Budget 2015-16, India’s Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley announced the creation of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund. It was proposed to be established as an Alternative Investment Fund to provide long tenor capital for infrastructure projects with an inflow of Rs. 20,000 crores from the Government of India.
- NIIF was approved in August 2015 by the Department of Economic Affairs. First meeting of its governing council was held in December 2015 further to which it was registered with SEBI as Category II Alternative Investment Fund.
- In June 2016, Finance Ministry announced that they appointed Mr. Sujoy Bose as Chief Executive Office of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) who was then the director at Infrastructure and Natural Resources, International Finance Corporation (IFC).
- As of September 2020, the NIIF manages funds of over US$4.4 billion. On 22 November 2020, the Union Cabinet has approved Rs. 6000 crore investment as a part of Atma Nirbar Bharat Abhiyan.
- The NIIF invests with a long-term horizon. The following objective guides the investment philosophy of the NIIF:
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- Commercial
- Collaborative
- Sustainable
- Master Fund:
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- This fund primarily invests in infra-related projects such as roads, ports, airports, and power. Also, the master fund invests in well-established enterprises that are into a long-term agreement and are operating in a regulated environment with a good history.
- This kind of businesses are believed to act as a hedge at tines of inflation and offers stable cash inflow.
- The master fund follows the strategy of establishing sector-specific companies in association with prominent companies to build a diversified portfolio.
- Fund of Funds:
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- Fund of funds looks to invest in funds managed by the renowned fund managers having an excellent track record.
- The fund of funds invests as anchor investors, and this enables the fund managers to accumulate more fund from the institutional investors.
- Fund of funds may also enter into joint ventures with the fund managers. The fund managers are selected based on their track record, investment strategies, and risk management.
- Strategic Fund:
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- This fund is registered as an Alternative Fund II under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) in India. Strategic funds invest primarily in equity and equity-linked instruments.
About Captive Employment
- ‘Captive Employer’, is a first of its kind initiative aimed at addressing the vision of a dynamic and demand-based skilling ecosystem catering to the requirements of industry partners assuring sustainable placements for rural poor youth.
- The initiative is a shot in the arm for the DDU-GKY programme, assuring post-training placement of candidates for a minimum of six months with a minimum CTC of Rs 10,000/-.
- The model will allow the industry to source trainees as per their requirement with active support from States/UTs and train them as per the requirement of their own organizational/industry/ subsidiaries /operational need and provide candidates with assured placement.
- It will also allow employers to select rural youth and skills & deploy them in one of their establishment/subsidiaries.
- An REoI has been floated to empanel such ‘Captive Employers’ and the first Pre-proposal meeting regarding the same was organised under the Chairpersonship of Joint Secretary (Rural Skills), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in order to provide the information on queries of Prospective Captive Employers. More than 125 prospective employers attended the pre-proposal meeting.
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) launched on the 25th September, 2014, is a nationwide placement-linked skill training program funded by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India (GoI).
- DDU-GKY is a part of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), tasked with the dual objectives of adding diversity to the incomes of rural poor families and cater to the career aspirations of rural youth.
- DDU-GKY is uniquely focused on rural youth between the ages of 15 and 35 years from poor families. As a part of the Skill India campaign, it plays an instrumental role in supporting the social and economic programs of the government like the Make in India, Digital India, Smart Cities and Start-Up India, Stand-Up India campaigns.
- DDUGKY seeks to build the placement linked skills of the poor rural youth and place them in wage employment across various sectors of the economy.
- Over 180 million or 69% of the country’s youth population between the ages of 18 and 34 years, live in its rural areas. Of these, the bottom of the pyramid youth from poor families with no or marginal employment number about 55 million.
- The programme has an outcome led design with guaranteed placements for at least 70% trained candidates and is moving towards minimum mandatory certification.
- The DDU-GKY programme is being implemented in 27 states and 3 UTs for rural poor youth with an emphasis on placements.
- More than 871 Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs) are training rural poor youth in close to 611- job roles through more than 2381 training centres. Cumulatively 11.44 lakh youth have been trained and 7.15 lakh youth have been placed till 31st Jan, 2022.
- Enable Poor and Marginalized to Access Benefits via demand led skill training at no cost to the rural poor.
- Inclusive Program Design with mandatory coverage of socially disadvantaged groups (SC/ST 50%; Minority 15%; Women 33%)
- Shifting Emphasis from Training to Career Progression who are pioneers in providing incentives for job retention, career progression and foreign placements
- Greater Post-placement support, migration support and alumni network for Placed Candidates Proactive Approach to Build Placement Partnerships
- Guaranteed Placement for at least 75% trained candidates, Enhancing the Capacity of Implementation Partners
- Nurturing new training service providers and developing their skills with Regional Focus
- Greater emphasis on projects for poor rural youth in Jammu and Kashmir (HIMAYAT), The North-East region and 27 Left-Wing Extremist (LWE) districts (ROSHINI)
- All program activities are subject to Standard Operating Procedures that are not open to interpretation by local inspectors. All inspections are supported by geo-tagged, time stamped videos/photographs.
- Rural Youth:15 - 35 Yrs.
- SC/ST/Women/PVTG/PWD: up to 45 Yrs.
- DDU-GKY funds a variety of skill training programs covering over 250 trades across a range of sectors such as Retail, Hospitality, Health, Construction, Automotive, Leather, Electrical, Plumbing, Gems and Jewellery, to name a few.
- The only mandate is that skill training should be demand based and lead to placement of at least 75% of the trainees.
- The trade specific skills are required to follow the curriculum and norms prescribed by specified national agencies: the National Council for Vocational Training and Sector Skills Councils.
- In addition to the trade specific skills, training must be provided in employability and soft skills, functional English and functional Informational technology literacy so that the training can build cross cutting essential skills.
MSME Innovative Scheme
- MSME Innovative is a holistic approach to unify, synergize and converge 3 sub-components and interventions with a single purpose.
- MSME Innovative is a new concept for MSMEs with a combination of innovation in incubation, design intervention and by protecting IPR in a single mode approach to create awareness amongst MSMEs about India’s innovation and motivate them to become MSME Champions.
- This will act as a hub for innovation activities facilitating and guiding development of ideas into viable business proposition that can benefit society directly and can be marketed successfully.
- The primary objective of the scheme is to promote and support untapped creativity and to promote adoption of latest technologies in MSMEs that seek the validation of their ideas at the proof-of-concept level.
- Financial assistance up to Rs. 15 lakh per idea and up to Rs. 1.00 crore for relevant plant and machines will be provided.
- The objective of this component is to bring Indian manufacturing sector and Design expertise/ Design fraternity on to a common platform.
- It aims to provide expert advice and cost-effective solution on real time design problems for new product development, its continuous improvement and value addition in existing/new products.
- Financial assistance up to Rs. 40 lakhs for design project and up to Rs. 2.5 lakh for student project will be provided.
- The objective of the scheme is to improve the IP culture in India with a view to enhance the awareness of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) amongst the MSMEs and to encourage creative intellectual endeavour in Indian economy.
- It also aims to take suitable measures for the protection of ideas, technological innovation and knowledge-driven business strategies developed by the MSMEs for their commercialization and effective utilization of IPR tools through IP Facilitation Centre.
- Financial assistance up to Rs. 5 lakhs for Foreign Patent, Rs. 1.00 lakh Domestic Patent, Rs. 2.00 lakh for GI Registration, Rs. 15,000/- for Design Registration, Rs.10,000/- for Trademark in the form of reimbursement.
- The MSME Ministry announced the launch of an MSME Idea Hackathon to invite ideas from MSMEs, innovators and students through host institutes from March 10 to March 24, 2022.
- MSME Idea Hackathon is a part of MSME Innovative Scheme.
- The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched CHAMPIONS - Creation and Harmonious Application of Modern Processes for Increasing the Output and National Strength portal.
- It is a Technology driven Control Room-Cum-Management Information System. The system utilising modern ICT tools is aimed at assisting Indian MSMEs march into big league as National and Global CHAMPIONS.
- To help the MSMEs in this difficult situation (of COVID -19) in terms of finance, raw materials, labour, permissions, etc.
- To help them capture new opportunities like manufacturing of medical accessories and products like PPEs, masks, etc.
- To identify the sparks, i.e., the bright MSMEs who can not only withstand but can also become national and international champions.
- Access information - related to government policies and schemes for MSMEs, including the COVID-19 related relief measures and special packages
- Register grievance/suggestions / seek information - It is also fully integrated on real time basis with GOI’s main grievances portal CPGRAMS and MSME Ministry’s own other web-based mechanisms.
- Give / seek ideas - You need to login for accessing this service.
- Locate Champions Control Rooms across the country
- The Micro; Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act was notified in 2006 provides the first-ever legal framework for recognition of the concept of "enterprise" which comprises both manufacturing and service entities.
- It defines medium enterprises for the first time and seeks to integrate the three tiers of these enterprises, namely, micro, small and medium.
- The primary responsibility of promotion and development of MSMEs is of the State Governments. However, the Government of India, supplements the efforts of the State Governments through various initiatives.
- The role of the M/o MSME and its organizations is to assist the States in their efforts to encourage entrepreneurship, employment and livelihood opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in the changed economic scenario.
- On 9 May 2007, subsequent to an amendment of the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, erstwhile Ministry of Small-Scale Industries and the Ministry of Agro and Rural Industries were merged to form the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (M/o MSME).
- This Ministry now designs policies and promotes/ facilitates programmes, projects and schemes and monitors their implementation with a view to assisting MSMEs and help them to scale up.
Establishment of Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
- The WHO GCTM will be established in Jamnagar under the Ministry of AYUSH. This would be the first and only global outposted Centre (office) for traditional medicine across the globe.
- A Joint Task Force (JTF) is constituted for coordination, execution and monitoring of activities for the establishment of this Centre. JTF comprises representatives from the Government of India, Permanent Mission of India, Geneva and the World Health Organization.
- Under the ambit of this, an interim office is being established at the ITRA, Jamnagar, Gujarat to execute the identified technical activities and planning of fully functional WHO GCTM.
- The interim office is intended to deliver broadly on generation of evidence and innovation, artificial intelligence based solutions for traditional medicine, systematic reviews in collaboration with Cochrane, Global survey on traditional medicine data across WHO GPW 13 (Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019-2023) and sustainable development goals, traditional medicine socio-cultural and biodiversity heritage with a forward looking approach to sustainable development and management and cross-cutting functions, business operations and administrative processes for the establishment of main office of WHO GCTM.
- The Ministry of AYUSH has collaborated with WHO on many fronts including developing benchmarks documents on training and practice of Ayurveda and Unani System, introducing a second module in the Traditional Medicine Chapter of the International classification of Diseases-11, developing apps like M-yoga, supporting the work of International Pharmacopeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM) and other research studies etc.
- It will help to position AYUSH systems across the globe
- It will help to provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine.
- To ensure quality, safety and efficacy, accessibility and rational use of traditional medicine.
- To develop norms, standards, and guidelines in relevant technical areas, tools and methodologies, for collecting data undertaking analytics, and assess impact. Envisage WHO TM Informatics centre creating a collaborative of existing TM Data banks, virtual libraries, and academic and research institutes.
- To develop specific capacity building and training programmes in the areas of relevance to the objectives and conduct training programmes in campus, residential, or web-based, and through partnerships with the WHO Academy and other strategic partners.
- The move will help to position AYUSH systems across the globe, provide leadership on global health matters pertaining to traditional medicine, ensure quality, safety and efficacy, accessibility and rational use of traditional medicine while developing specific capacity building and training programmes in the areas of relevance to the objectives and conduct training programmes in campus, residential, or web-based, and through partnerships with the WHO Academy and other strategic partners.
- The move would help develop norms, standards, and guidelines in relevant technical areas, tools and methodologies for collecting data undertaking analytics, and assess impact.
- The WHO GCTM would provide leadership on all global health matters related to traditional medicine as well as extend support to member countries in shaping various policies related to traditional medicine research, practices and public health.
- Insufficient Knowledge of Traditional Medicine due to lack of data quality.
- Discriminatory Approach Towards Traditional Medicine and over-reliance on allopathic medicines.
- Quality issues: Adulteration, misidentification of plant, faulty collection and preparation, incorrect formulation process are the main problems that reduces the effectiveness of herbal preparation and can be considered as key factors affecting quality and purity of herbal medicines.
- Administrative issues: Lack of regulation and controlling authority in herbal sector, lack of proper monitoring and controlling are absolute need for the quality of drugs.
- Infrastructure related issue: Lack of processing technique, trained personal, sophisticated instrument, utilization of modern techniques, facility to fabricate instrument locally are the major problems.
- IPR and biopiracy: Biopiracy is the major difficulty in promotion of herbal traditional medicine. Documentation of folk knowledge thus important for our future.
- The other major challenges on traditional medicine and MPs were constraints and include lack of data on seriously threatened and endangered medicinal plant species.
- Others include inadequate and conflicting guidelines on management and utilization of natural resources, especially medicinal plants.
- Traditional medicine is a key pillar of health care delivery systems and plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and well-being.
- Safe and effective traditional medicine will play a significant role in ensuring all people have access to quality essential health care services and safe, effective and affordable essential medicines as the world approach the ten-year milestone for Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.
- Traditional medicine refers to health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises, applied singularly or in combination to treat, diagnose and prevent illnesses or maintain well-being.
- They are-Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga, Naturopathy and Homoeopathy. Though Homoeopathy came to India in 18th Century, it completely assimilated in to the Indian culture and got enriched like any other traditional system hence it is considered as part of Indian Systems of Medicine.
- Ayurveda
- The basic foundation is the fundamental doctrine according to which whatever present in the Universe (macrocosm) should be present in the body (the microcosm).
- It has been conceptualized that the universe is composed of five basic elements named Prithvi (Earth), Jala (Water), Teja (Fire), Vayu (Air) and Akash (Space/Ether).
- The human body is derived from them in which these basic elements join together to form what are known as ‘Tridoshas’ (humors) named as Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
- Most of the traditional systems of India including Ayurveda have their roots in folk medicine. Ayurveda literally means the Science of life. It is presumed that the fundamental and applied principles of Ayurveda got organized and enunciated around 1500 BC.
- Till the medieval period it was perhaps the only system available in the Indian sub-continent at that time to cater to the healthcare requirement of the people. It enjoyed the unquestioned patronage and support of the people and their rulers.
- After India gained Independence from the British rule in 1947, the movement for revival of Traditional Systems of Medicine gained momentum. The systems got official recognition and became part of the National Health care network to provide health care to the country's citizen.
- Government of India initiated a series of measures to improve the position of Ayurveda as one of the major health care systems vital for catering to the primary health care needs of the country.
- Globalization of Ayurvedic practice has gained momentum in the past two decades. Ayurvedic drugs are used as food supplements in USA, European Union and Japan. Many physicians practice Ayurveda in many parts of the world.
- Siddha system of medicine
- Siddha system of medicine is practiced in some parts of South India especially in the state of Tamilnadu. It has close affinity to Ayurveda yet it maintains a distinctive identity of its own. This system has come to be closely identified with Tamil civilization.
- The term ‘Siddha’ has come from ‘Siddhi’- which means achievement. Siddhars were the men who achieved supreme knowledge in the field of medicine, yoga or tapa (meditation).
- According to the tradition eighteen Siddhars were supposed to have contributed to the development of Siddha medicine, yoga and philosophy.
- However, literature generated by them is not available in entirety. In accordance with the well-known self-effacing nature of ancient Indian Acharyas (preceptors) authorship of many literary works of great merit remains to be determined.
- According to the Siddha concepts matter and energy are the two dominant entities, which have great influence in shaping the nature of the Universe. They are called Siva and Sakthi in Siddha system.
- Matter cannot exist without energy and vice-versa. Thus, both are inseparable. The universe is made up of five proto-elements. The concept of five proto-elements and three doshas in this system of medicine is quite similar to Ayurvedic concept pertaining to them.
- Similar to Ayurveda, Siddha system also follows ashtanga concept with regards to treatment procedures. However, the main emphasis is on the three branches - Bala vahatam (pediatrics), Nanjunool (toxicology) and Nayana vidhi (ophthalmology).
- Unani system of medicine
- Unani medicine has its origin in Greece. It is believed to have been established by the great physician and philosopher- Hippocrates (460–377 BC). Galen (130–201 AD) contributed for its further development. Aristotle (384–322 BC) laid down foundation of Anatomy & physiology.
- The Arabian scholars and physicians under the patronage of Islamic rulers of many Arabian countries have played great role in the development of this system. Many disciplines like chemistry, pharmaceutical procedures like distillation, sublimation, calcinations and fermentation were developed and refined by them.
- After Independence Unani received boost in the form of Government support through various agencies involved in the development of ISM.
- According to the basic principles of Unani the body is made up of four basic elements i.e., Earth, Air, Water, Fire which have different Temperaments i.e., Cold, Hot, Wet, Dry. They give raise, through mixing and interaction, to new entities.
- The body is made up of simple and complex organs. They obtain their nourishment from four humors namely- blood, phlegm, black bile and yellow bile. These humors also have their specific temperament.
- The human body is considered to be made up of seven components, which have direct bearing on the health status of a person. They are 1. Elements (Arkan) 2. Temperament (Mijaz). 3. Humors (Aklat) 4. Organs (Aaza) 5. Faculties (Quwa) 6. Spirits (Arwah). These components are taken in to consideration by the physician for diagnosis and also for deciding the line of treatment.
- Examination of the pulse occupies a very important place in the disease diagnosis in Unani. In addition, examination of the urine and stool is also undertaken.
- Ayurveda
- The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy (abbreviated as AYUSH) is purposed with developing education, research and propagation of indigenous alternative medicine systems in India.
- The Ministry of Ayush includes the seven traditional systems of healthcare.
POSTED ON 11-03-2022 BY ADMIN
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