Over 17 products from Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and J&K bagged the coveted Geographical Indication tag:

• Geographical indications assign products to the place of its origin.
• GI is defined under Article-23 and 24 of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
• India is a member of the WTO and thus enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 that came into force from 2003.
• Under Articles 1 (2) and 10 of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, geographical indications are covered as an element of Intellectual Property Rights.
• GI tagged products can be both Natural or Man-made.
• The GI Tag is valid for ten years.
• The essential difference between GI and other intellectual properties (IP) is that, GI is a collective intellectual property right.
• The first product in India to be accorded with GI tag was Darjeeling Tea in the year 2004-05.
• The following products bagged the coveted Geographical Indication tag today.

Arunachal Pradesh:

• Wancho Wooden Craft
• Adi Kekir (Ginger)
• Handmade Carpets

West Bengal:

• Tangail Saree
• Garad Saree
• Korial Saree
• Kalonunia Rice
• Sundarban Honey

Odisha:

• Dhenkanal Magji
• Khajuri Guda
• Similipal Kai Chutney
• Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
• Dongaria Kondh Embroidery Shawl
• Koraput Kalajeera Rice
• Lanjia Saura Paintings

Gujarat: 

• Kachchhi Kharek
• Jammu & Kashmir
• Ramban Anardana

Source:  The Hindu: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gi-tags-for-over-17-products-from-odisha-arunachal-pradesh-west-bengal-and-jk/article67707062.ece

Aadhaar enabled payment comprised 11% of financial frauds: I4C analysis:

Source:  The Hindu: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/news/national/aadhaar-enabled-payment-comprised-11-of-financial-frauds-i4c-analysis/article67706780.ece/amp/

• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) is an initiative of MHA to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner
• Since its roll out, I4C has been tirelessly working towards enhancing the nation’s collective capability to tackle cybercrimes and develop effective coordination among the Law Enforcement Agencies and stakeholders, driving change in India’s overall capability to tackle Cybercrime and to improve citizen satisfaction levels.
• A citizen-centric National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) was launched in 2019, which is one of the most significant achievements of I4C.
• Another initiative of I4C, National Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930, is helping the common citizen in registering online financial frauds.
• Over 29 lakh complaints have been reported on National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) till date, with a daily average of more than 5000 complaints.

Cabinet approves overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of the Ministry of Earth Sciences:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the overarching scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, for implementation during the period from 2021-26 at an overall cost of Rs. 4,797 crores.
• The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely:
  • “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)”,
  • “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)”,
  • “Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)”,
  • “Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)” and
  • “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)”.
• The major Objectives of the overarching Prithvi Scheme are:
• Augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change
• Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change
• Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources
• Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications
• Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):

• Ministry of Earth Sciences is mandated to translate Science to Services for the Society in providing services for weather, climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards; to explore and harness marine living and non-living resources in a sustainable manner for the country and to explore the three poles of the Earth (Arctic, Antarctic and Himalayas).
• These services include weather forecasts (both on land and in the Oceans) and warnings for various natural disasters like tropical cyclones, storm surge, floods, heat waves, thunderstorm and lightning; alerts for Tsunamis and monitoring of earthquakes, etc.
• The services provided by the Ministry are being effectively used by different agencies and state governments for saving human lives and minimising damages to the properties due to natural disasters.
• The research & development and operational (services) activities of MoES are carried out by ten Institutes of MoES,

1. 1. India Meteorological Department (IMD),
   2. National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF),
   3. Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE),
   4. National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR),
   5. National Centre for Seismology (NCS),
   6. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT),
   7. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS), Hyderabad,
   8. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa,
   9. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and
   10. National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS).

• A fleet of oceanographic and coastal research vessels of the Ministry provide required research support for the scheme.
• Earth System Sciences deal with all the five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and their complex interactions.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) holistically addresses all the aspects relating to the Earth System Science.
• The overarching scheme of PRITHVI will holistically address all the five components of the earth system to improve the understanding of the Earth System Sciences and to provide reliable services for the country.
• These integrated R&D efforts will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services and explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.

Cabinet approves Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and naming it as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”:

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal to declare Ayodhya Airport as an International Airport and naming it as “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham”.
• Elevating Ayodhya Airport to international status is paramount for realising Ayodhya’s economic potential and its significance as a global pilgrimage site, opening doors to foreign pilgrims and tourists.
• The airport’s name, “Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhyadham,” pays homage to Maharishi Valmiki, the sage attributed to composing the epic Ramayana, adding a cultural touch to the airport’s identity.
• Ayodhya, with its deep cultural roots is strategically positioned to become a key economic hub and pilgrimage site. The airport’s potential to attract international pilgrims and businesses aligns with the city’s historical prominence.

Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme (SHREYAS) for OBC & Others:

• The scheme Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme-SHREYAS, has been proposed to implement during the 2021-22 to 2025-26 by placing two ongoing Central Sector schemes for OBC and others namely –

1. 1. National Fellowship for OBC
   2. Ambedkar Central Sector Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs).

• The main objective of the schemes is Educational Empowerment of OBC & EBC students by way of awarding fellowship (financial assistance) in obtaining quality higher education and interest subsidy on educational loan for overseas studies.

National Fellowship for OBC students:

• The scheme aims at providing financial assistance to the OBC students in obtaining quality higher education leading to degrees such as M.Phil and Ph.D in universities, research institutions and scientific institutions.
• The scheme is designed to provide a total number of 1000 Junior Research Fellowships per year to undertake advanced studies and research leading to M.Phil. /Ph.D. Degrees, who have qualified in the following tests:

1. 1. National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC (for Humanities/Social Sciences) or
   2. UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NET-JRF Joint Test (for sciences)

• The scheme covers all universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and are implemented by the UGC itself on the pattern of the scheme of UGC Fellowships being awarded to research students pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D.

Salient features of the Scheme:

• The scheme is now implemented by the Ministry through the designated Central Nodal Agency; National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (A Govt. of India Undertaking, under the administrative control of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
• All universities/institutions recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• Eligibility conditions are as per notification for UGC-NET and CSIR-UGC-NET examinations.
• The rate of fellowship for JRF level has been increased and w.e.f. 01.01.2023, it is Rs. 37000/- per month and for SRF level it is Rs. 42000/- per month, besides contingencies amount.
• Out of 1000 slots available under this scheme, 750 will be allocated for the subjects under National Eligibility Test – Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and remaining 250 UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) NETJRF joint test (for science streams).
• These 1000 slots will be over and above the OBC Students selected under the normal reservation policy of the Government.
• At least 5% of the total seats should be reserved for students with disabilities while making selection of candidates for award of fellowships by the UGC.

“Dr. Ambedkar Scheme of Interest Subsidy on Educational Loans for Overseas Studies for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and Economically Backward Classes (EBCs)”:

•  This is a Central Sector Scheme to provide interest subsidy to the student belonging to the OBCs and EBCs on the interest payable for the period of moratorium for the Education Loans for overseas studies to pursue approved courses of studies abroad at Masters, M.Phil. and Ph.D. level.

Salient features of the Scheme: 

• The scheme is implemented through the Canara Bank (the Nodal bank for the scheme).
• The Scheme is applicable for higher studies abroad. The interest Subsidy shall be linked with the existing Educational Loan Scheme of Indian Banks Association (IBA) and restricted to students enrolled for courses at Masters, M.Phil and Ph.D level.
• The students should have secured admission in the approved courses at Masters, M.Phil or Ph.D levels abroad for the courses listed in the guidelines.
• For OBC candidates, total income from all sources of the employed candidate or his/her parents/guardians in case of unemployed candidate shall not exceed present Creamy Layer criteria.
• For EBC candidates, total income from all sources of the employed candidate or his/her parents/guardians in case of unemployed candidate shall not exceed Rs.5.00 lakh per annum
• 50% of the total financial assistance is reserved for women candidates.
• Under the scheme, 100% interest payable by the students availing the education loans of the IBA for the period of moratorium (i.e. course period, plus one year or six months after getting job, whichever is earlier) as prescribed under the Education Loan Scheme of the IBA, shall be borne by the Government of India.
• After the period of moratorium is over, the interest on the outstanding loan amount shall be paid by the student, in accordance with the existing Educational Loan Scheme as may be amended from time to time.
• The candidate will bear the principal instalments and interest beyond moratorium period.
• Maximum limit of loan is Rs 20 Lakhs

Jal Jeevan Mission Crosses Momentous Milestone of Providing Tap Water Connections To 14 Crore (72.71%) Rural Households:

• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) today crossed a momentous milestone of providing tap water connections to 14 Crore (72.71%) rural households.
• It was launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 15th August 2019, the flagship initiative of the Government of India has demonstrated unparalleled speed and scale, increasing rural tap connection coverage from 3 Crore to an astounding 14 Crore in just four years.
• This significant achievement marks a paradigm shift in rural development, emphasising the Mission’s commitment to ensuring water quality, empowering communities, and promoting sustainable practices.
• As of today, six states, namely Goa, Telangana, Haryana, Gujarat, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh and three Union Territories of Puducherry, D&D and D&NH, and A&N Islands have achieved 100% coverage.
• Mizoram at 98.68%, Arunachal Pradesh at 98.48% and Bihar at 96.42% are on track to achieving saturation in the near future.
• The heart of this transformation lies in the combined efforts of the Union and State governments, along with the active participation of development partners.
• Every second witnesses the installation of a tap water connection, leading to a paradigm shift in the rural landscape. More than 2 lakh villages and 161 districts are now ‘Har Ghar Jal.’
• In addition to household connections, the Mission has ensured tap water supply in 9.24 lakh (90.65%) schools and 9.57 lakh (86.63%) anganwadi centres nationwide.
• In the 112 aspirational districts, tap water access has surged from 21.41 lakh (7.86%) households at the time of launch to 1.96 Crore (72.08%) households today.
• The ‘Har Ghar Jal’ initiative is bringing substantial socio-economic benefits, liberating the rural population, particularly women and young girls, from the arduous task of fetching water daily. The time saved is now redirected towards income-generating activities, skill development, and supporting children’s education.
• Guided by the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas aur Sabka Prayas,’ Jal Jeevan Mission is steadfastly moving towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 – providing safe and affordable water to all.
• The mission’s commitment to delivering safe water through taps to all households, schools, anganwadis, and public institutions in rural areas perfectly aligns with the objectives of Viksit Bharat.