Five Successful Years of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)

• Under the scheme, Bihar leads with over 3.4 lakh registrations while Jharkhand ranks second with over 2.5 lakh registrations.
• As of August 6, 2024, a total of 23.38 lakh farmers have joined the scheme

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana

• The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PMKMY), introduced by the central government in 2019, aims to provide old age protection and social security for Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF).
• Under this scheme, farmers aged 60 and above are guaranteed a minimum pension of Rs 3000 per month. 
• This voluntary and contributory pension scheme is open to individuals aged 18 to 40.

Key Benefits Under PM-KMY

• Minimum Assured Pension: Each subscriber to the scheme is guaranteed a minimum pension of Rs. 3000 per month upon reaching the age of 60 years
• Family Pension: If a subscriber passes away while receiving their pension, their spouse will be entitled to a family pension equal to 50% of the amount the subscriber was receiving i.e. Rs.1500 per month as Family Pension. This is only applicable if the spouse is not already a beneficiary of the scheme. The family pension benefit is exclusively for the spouse.
• PM-KISAN Benefit: SMFs can choose to use their PM-KISAN benefits to make voluntary contributions to the scheme. For this, eligible SMFs must sign and submit an enrolment-cum-auto-debit-mandate form. This will authorize automatic debit of their contributions from the bank account where their PM-KISAN benefits are credited.
• Equal Contribution by Government: The Central Government, through the Department of Agriculture Cooperation and Farmers Welfare, also contributes an equal amount as contributed by the eligible subscriber, to the pension Fund
• Monthly Contributions: Monthly contributions are in the range from Rs. 55 to Rs. 200, based on the farmer''s age at the time of entry into the Scheme.

Enrolment Process 

• To enroll in the scheme, eligible farmers need to visit the nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or contact the Nodal Officer (PM-Kisan) appointed by the State or UT Governments. Registration can also be completed through the scheme''s official web portal at www.pmkmy.gov.in.

The beneficiary will provide the following information at the time of registration:

• Farmer’s / Spouse’s name and date of birth
• Bank account number
• IFSC/ MICR Code
• Mobile Number
• Aadhaar Number

The following farmers’ categories are eligible for the PM-KMY

• Small and medium-sized farmers are covered under other official social security schemes such as the Employees ’State Insurance Corporation, the National Pension Scheme (NPS), the Employees’ Fund Organisation Scheme, etc.
• Farmers elected Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) and headed the Department of Labour and Employment.
• Farmers elected Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Man-Dhan Yojana (PM-LVM) headed by the Department of Labour and Employment.

The following high-income economic beneficiaries are not eligible for benefits under the scheme:

• All institutional landowners, Present and former constitutional positions, Former and former Ministers, Panchayats Regional Chairpersons, Mayors of Municipal Companies, Provincial Ministers and Members of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Provincial Legislative Councils, and Regional Legislative Meetings.
• People who have not paid income tax in the last year of testing. Professionals such as Engineers, Doctors, Chartered Accountants, Attorneys and Architects are registered in various professional and practice fields.
• All retired and current employees and officials of the Central or Provincial Government, Departments and units of the camp, Services, PSE Central or Provincial and affiliated offices, private government agencies and regular employees of Local Organisations (Excluding Class IV / Frequent Working Staff / D.)

INDIA- USA JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE YUDH ABHYAS -2024 COMMENCES IN RAJASTHAN

• The exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 9^thto 22^nd September 2024.
• Exercise YUDH ABHYAS has been held annually since 2004, alternating between India and the USA.

Purpose and Objectives:

• Primary Aim: To enhance joint military capabilities for counter-terrorism operations in a sub-conventional scenario under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Focus: Operations in semi-desert environments.

Tactical Drills and Training:

• Joint Response to Terrorist Actions: Exercises will simulate real-world scenarios involving terrorist threats, requiring coordinated responses from both Indian and US forces.
• Joint Planning: Collaborative planning sessions will be conducted to develop strategies and procedures for counter-terrorism missions.
• Combined Field Training Exercises (FTX): These will simulate actual counter-terrorism operations, allowing both contingents to practice and refine their tactics and techniques in a controlled environment.

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced Interoperability: The exercise aims to improve the ability of both armies to operate seamlessly together, sharing communication systems, operational procedures, and tactical approaches.
• Best Practices Exchange: Both forces will benefit from each other’s expertise, adopting effective techniques and procedures for counter-terrorism and joint operations.
• Strengthened Defense Cooperation: The exercise serves to reinforce the strategic partnership between India and the USA, enhancing overall defense cooperation and mutual trust.
• Increased Camaraderie: Building relationships and understanding between soldiers from both nations, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.

Exercise Yudh Abhyas

• It is the largest running joint military training and defence cooperation endeavor between India and the US.
• The exercise was started in 2004 under the US Army Pacific Partnership Program. The exercise is hosted alternately between both countries.
• The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between two Armies.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation to address First foundation day celebration of I4C and launch key initiatives for prevention of cybercrime in New Delhi

Key Initiatives and Programs:

Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC):

• Purpose: To address online financial crimes through immediate action and seamless cooperation.
• Establishment: Located at the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), New Delhi.
• Participants: Includes major banks, financial intermediaries, payment aggregators, telecom service providers, IT intermediaries, and state/UT law enforcement agencies.
• Significance: Demonstrates "Cooperative Federalism" in law enforcement.

Samanvaya Platform:

• Function: A web-based module serving as a One Stop Portal for cybercrime data repository, data sharing, crime mapping, data analytics, and coordination.
• Objective: Facilitate cooperation and coordination among law enforcement agencies across India.

Cyber Commandos Program:

• Objective: Establish a special wing of trained ''Cyber Commandos'' in States/UTs and Central Police Organizations (CPOs).
• Role: Assist in securing the digital space and counter cyber threats.

Suspect Registry:

• Purpose: Create a registry of suspects based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
• Collaboration: Involves banks and financial intermediaries.
• Goal: Enhance fraud risk management capabilities in the financial ecosystem.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C):

• I4C has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. 
• The I4C focuses on tackling issues related to cybercrime for citizens, including improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and stakeholders.
• The centre is located in New Delhi.

Components of I4C: 

• National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (TAU): For reporting threats pertaining to cybercrimes at regular intervals.
• National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP): To report various cybercrime complaints by citizens at all India level on a common platform on a 24x7 basis from “anywhere, anytime”.
• National Cybercrime Training Centre (NCTC): To impart training to government officials, especially state law enforcement agencies.
• National Cybercrime Research and Innovation Centre: To carry out research for the development of indigenous tools for the prevention of cybercrimes.
• Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team: For coordination, sharing of modus operandi of cybercrimes, data/information among states/UTs LEAs.
• Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit: For creating mass awareness in cyber hygiene for prevention of cybercrimes.
• National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) Ecosystem: For helping LEAs in cyber forensics investigation.

Objectives:

• To act as a nodal point in the fight against cybercrime
• Identify the research problems/needs of LEAs and take up R&D activities in developing new technologies and forensic tools in collaboration with academia / research institutes within India and abroad
• To prevent misuse of cyber space for furthering the cause of extremist and terrorist groups
• Suggest amendments, if required, in cyber laws to keep pace with fast changing technologies and International cooperation
• To coordinate all activities related to implementation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) with other countries related to cybercrimes in consultation with the concerned nodal authority in MHA.

Over 70% child deaths in India are linked to malnutrition

Key Highlights on Child Malnutrition and Mortality:

Child Mortality Statistics (2021):

• India: 0.7 million children under five died; 0.5 million deaths were linked to child and maternal malnutrition (over 70%).
• Global: 4.7 million children under five died; 2.4 million deaths were linked to malnutrition (about 50%).

Progress Over Time:

Global Decline:

• 1990: 6.6 million child deaths related to malnutrition.
• 2021: Reduced to 2.4 million, a 63% decrease.

India’s Improvement:

• 1990: 2.4 million deaths related to malnutrition.
• 2021: Reduced to 0.5 million, an 80% decrease.

Malnutrition

• As per World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and nutrients.
• It is a condition that arises from inadequate intake of vital nutrients essential for optimal health, growth, and development within an individual’s diet.

Status of Malnutrition in India

• Stunting: 5% of children under five years of age are stunted (National Family Health Survey - NFHS 5, 2019-21).
• Wasting: 3% of children under five years of age are wasted (NFHS 5).
• Underweight: 1% of children under five years of age are underweight (NFHS 5).
• Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023: India ranks 107th out of 121 countries, with a score categorized as "serious" hunger. India has the highest child wasting rate according to the GHI 2023 (18.7%).

Causes of malnutrition in India

• Poverty: Poverty is a significant factor contributing to malnutrition. Poor families often can’t afford nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. A 2021 report by the World Bank found that 21.9% of the Indian population lives below the poverty line.
• Poor Maternal Health: Malnutrition in mothers leads to low birth-weight babies, starting a cycle of malnutrition. The same NFHS data reveals that 22% of Indian children are born underweight.
• Inadequate Breastfeeding Practices: Many infants aren’t exclusively breastfed for the first six months, which is crucial for obtaining essential nutrients. The NFHS states that only 58% of children under 6 months are exclusively breastfed.
• Limited Dietary Diversity: Many Indian diets lack diversity and heavily depend on cereals, contributing to deficiencies in essential nutrients. The Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey found that only 6% of children aged 6-23 months receive a minimum acceptable diet.

Steps Taken by the Government of India Against Malnutrition

1. Mission Poshan 2.0
2. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme
3. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY
4. Mid-Day Meal Scheme
5. Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG)
6. Mother’s Absolute Affection (MAA)
7. Poshan Vatikas

Challenges in Handling Malnutrition in India

• Poverty and Inequality: Widespread poverty and income inequalities contribute to limited access to nutritious food. This makes it challenging to combat malnutrition effectively.
• Inadequate Dietary Intake: Many individuals, especially in rural areas, have limited access to a diverse and nutritious diet. This is due to factors like low agricultural productivity, food price inflation, and lack of awareness about balanced nutrition.
• Poor Sanitation and Hygiene:Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices increase the risk of infections and diseases. This further exacerbates malnutrition.
• Healthcare Infrastructure: Insufficient healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, hampers early detection, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition.
• Gender Disparities: Gender inequalities contribute to higher malnutrition rates among women and children.

Way Forward

• Targeted Nutrition Programs: Implementing comprehensive and targeted nutrition programs, such as the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan), to address the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations.
• Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding: Encouraging exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant''s life and promoting appropriate complementary feeding practices.
• Nutritional Awareness and Education:Conducting awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote the importance of balanced nutrition, dietary diversity, and healthy eating habits.
• Improving Agriculture and Food Systems:Enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices, and strengthening food supply chains to ensure the availability and affordability of nutritious food.
• Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure:Enhancing access to quality healthcare services. This includes regular growth monitoring, early detection of malnutrition, and timely intervention.
• Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion: Promoting access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases and improve overall health.

Two anti-submarine warfare vessels for the Indian Navy launched at Cochin Shipyard

Key Highlights:

• Names: INS Malpe and INS Mulki.
• Vessel Specifications:
• Dimensions: 78 meters in length, 11.36 meters in width, and a draught of about 2.7 meters.
• Speed and Endurance: Capable of a maximum speed of 25 knots and has an endurance of 1,800 nautical miles.
• Displacement: Approximately 900 tonnes.
• Operational Roles:
• Primary Functions: Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in coastal waters, low-intensity maritime operations, mine-laying, and search and rescue operations.
• Armament and Equipment: Equipped with indigenously developed sonar, lightweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, mines, close-in weapon systems, and stabilized remote-control guns.

Anti submarine Warfare ships:

• Anti-submarine warfare shipsencompass tactics and strategies involving surface warships, aircraft, submarines, and other platforms to detect, track, and prevent enemy submarines from engaging in hostile activities. 

Objectives

• ASW operations are focused on locating, monitoring, deterring, damaging, or eliminating hostile submarines to ensure maritime security and protect vital naval assets.
• They will handle anti-submarine operations, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO), and Mine Laying Operations in coastal waters.

India’s ASW Capabilities

• Kamorta class ships: They are frontline warships with stealth capabilities with low signature of radiated underwater noise. E.g. INS Kamorta, INS Kadmatt
• Integrated ASW Defence Suites (IADS): for underwater detection and protectionfrom threats in partnership with Mahindra Defence Systems Limited.
• Maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft: Use of Boeing P-8I (Poseidon)
• ASW helicopters: Use of MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters.
• SMART: Missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system developed by DRDO.